Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in patients with schizophrenia

Results

Five studies were included in the systematic review, with the prevalence of childhood and adult ADHD in SCZ subjects ranging between 17–57% and 10–47% respectively. Within our cohort, 47% of patients reported positive screening for ADHD symptoms either in childhood or adulthood. 23% reported symptomatology consistent with both childhood and adult ADHD.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a greater presence of ADHD symptomatology in SCZ compared to that reported for ADHD in the general population. Our findings highlight the importance of improved clinical assessment and treatment considerations in a subgroup of patients with SCZ.

Significant outcomes

  • 23% of patients with schizophrenia report childhood and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms compared to 2.5% of adults diagnosed in the general population.

Limitations

  • The questionnaires are not diagnostic.
  • Patients in the sample were not screened for active SCZ or mood symptoms.
  • The lack of a new control group from the general population for comparison purposes.

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