Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 2664 - Trait anxiety as a mediator of the association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom severity and functional impairment |
|---|---|
| Contribution code | PS01-06 (P) |
| Authors | |
| Form of presentation | Poster |
| Topic |
|
| Abstract |
Objective: Anxiety has been shown to influence functional impairment in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to compare functional impairment in subjects with and without adult ADHD and to investigate the associations among trait anxiety, functional impairment, and ADHD symptom severity. Moreover, the effects of ADHD symptom subtypes on trait anxiety and functional impairment were also examined. Method: The sample included 209 adults between the ages of 20 and 31 years. Fifty-one adults received a diagnosis of ADHD, and an additional age, sex-matched group of 51 adults comprised the adult control. Participants were assessed with Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Spielberg Trait Anxiety Index (STAI-T), and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Results: Adult ADHD patients significantly differed from normal control subjects according to BDI, STAI-T, and SDS assessment. Significant positive correlations were noted between ADHD severity, anxiety, and functional impairment. Mediation analysis confirmed anxiety as a mediator between functional impairment and ADHD CAARS symptom subscales. Conclusion: Patients with adult ADHD showed higher levels of anxiety, depression, and functional impairment. Our results suggest that anxiety may be a strong mediator between ADHD severity and functional impairment. |