Prevalence and Psychosocial Correlates of ADHD Symptoms in Young Adulthood: A French Population-Based Study

Objective: The scientific literature suggests that ADHD in adulthood is associated with a considerable psychosocial burden. However, most knowledge in this area relies on studies conducted in the United States or in North European nations, thereby limiting generalization to other countries. Method: We assessed the psychosocial correlates of ADHD symptoms in a French community-based sample. Data came from 1,214 community-based young adults (18-35 years) and their parents (Trajectoires Epidémiologiques en Population and GAZEL studies). ADHD symptoms and socioeconomic and psychosocial correlates were assessed in a telephone interview. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations. Results: A total of 7.1% of the sample presented high levels of ADHD symptoms. Parental history of anxiety, dissatisfaction with love life, and consumption of tobacco were associated with the highest odds ratios. Conclusion: This study confirms the high functional impairment associated with adult ADHD symptoms in a French community sample. It extends the existing literature to family risk correlates and individual well-being correlates.

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