Predictors of mental health service utilization as adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder transition into adulthood

Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms may persist into adulthood and are likely to cause great problems in young adults. To date, few studies have explored the characteristics of patients diagnosed with ADHD that might influence the utilization of adult mental health services (AMHS). We aimed to examine and identify predictive symptoms of AMHS. Methods We analysed data from 114 participants diagnosed with ADHD from a cohort of adolescents recruited at the age of 12-17 years, who, at the time of data analysis, were over 18 years old. Results Among AMHS users, hyperactivity/impulsivity measures were significantly more severe (t = 2.668, df = 112, p < .001), ADHD combined subtype diagnosis (chi(2) = 4.66, df = 1, p = .031) was more frequent and dysregulation profile in the SDQ-P was also significantly higher (t = -2.497, df = 109, p = .014). However, the dysregulation profile did not remain statistically significant after controlling for type of AMHS contact. Conclusions Our findings suggest that adolescents with ADHD are more likely continue their care under AMHS if they present more severe symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. The better characterization of the patient profile will help clinicians to early identify groups at-risk and to tailor interventions and prevention strategies.

Automated summary

The study found that adolescents with ADHD who exhibited more severe symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and emotional dysregulation were more likely to continue receiving mental health services in adulthood. Better characterization of patient profiles will help clinicians identify at-risk groups early and tailor intervention and prevention strategies.