Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and gastrointestinal morbidity in a large cohort of young adults
Open Access
- 14 November 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. in World Journal of Gastroenterology
- Vol. 26 (42), 6626-6637
- https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v26.i42.6626
Abstract
Although the association of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with psychiatric disorders is well known, its association with somatic diseases is unclear. Only few studies have investigated the gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity in adult patients with ADHD. To measure gastrointestinal comorbidity and its burden on healthcare in young adults with ADHD. The cohort included subjects aged 17-35 years recruited to the Israel Defense Forces in 2007-2013, 33380 with ADHD and 355652 without (controls). The groups were compared for functional and inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and clinic and specialist visits for gastrointestinal symptoms/disease during service (to 2016). Findings were analyzed by generalized linear models adjusted for background variables. Compared to controls, the ADHD group had more diagnoses of functional gastrointestinal disorders (referred to as FGID), namely, dyspepsia [odds ratio (OR): 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40-1.57, P < 0.001], chronic constipation (OR: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.48-1.81, P < 0.001), and irritable bowel syndrome (OR: 1.67, 95%CI: 1.56-1.80, P < 0.001) but not of organic disorders (inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease). They had more frequent primary care visits for gastrointestinal symptoms [rate ratio (RR): 1.25, 95%CI: 1.24-1.26, P < 0.001] and referrals to gastrointestinal specialists (RR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.88-2.03, P < 0.001) and more episodes of recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms (RR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.21-1.38, P < 0.001). Methylphenidate use increased the risk of dyspepsia (OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.28-1.73, P < 0.001) and constipation (OR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.09-1.84, P = 0.009). ADHD in young adults is associated with an excess of FGID and increased use of related health services. Research is needed to determine if an integrative approach treating both conditions will benefit these patients and cut costs.Keywords
This publication has 37 references indexed in Scilit:
- Prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in substance use disorder patients: A meta-analysis and meta-regression analysisDrug and Alcohol Dependence, 2012
- Cost of Illness and Comorbidities in Adults Diagnosed With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity DisorderThe Primary Care Companion For CNS Disorders, 2011
- Patterns of Comorbidity, Functioning, and Service Use for US Children With ADHD, 2007PEDIATRICS, 2011
- Lower Urinary Tract Conditions in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Correlation of Symptoms Based on Validated Scoring SystemsJournal of Urology, 2011
- Overweight in Children and Adolescents in Relation to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Results From a National SamplePEDIATRICS, 2008
- Somatic and psychiatric co-morbidity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorderActa Paediatrica, 2007
- Allergic rhinitis in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderAnnals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2004
- A Survey of Voiding Dysfunction in Children With Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity DisorderJournal of Urology, 2003
- The persistence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder into young adulthood as a function of reporting source and definition of disorder.Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2002
- The persistence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder into young adulthood as a function of reporting source and definition of disorder.Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2002