BACKGROUND: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adults. Many ADHD patients experience affective symptoms that resemble the cyclothymic temperament trait, which is suggested to be a part of the bipolar spectrum. However, the relationship between adult ADHD and cyclothymic temperament has never been systematically studied. METHODS: A sample of 586 clinically diagnosed Norwegian adult ADHD patients and 721 population derived controls responded to the 21-item cyclothymic subscale of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego auto-questionnaire (TEMPS-A). Self-reported data on psychiatric symptoms, comorbidity, educational and occupational level, and known comorbidity in family members, including bipolar disorder, was also obtained. RESULTS: The mean TEMPS-A scores were 13.0 for patients and 4.6 for controls (p<0.001), and 71% of the patients compared to 13% of the controls were classified as having a cyclothymic temperament (TEMPS score ≥11 points). Among ADHD patients, cyclothymic temperament was strongly associated with more childhood and adult ADHD symptoms, lower educational and occupational achievements and increased psychiatric comorbidity, including bipolar disorder (10%). In addition, 49% screened positive on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. LIMITATIONS: Although the cyclothymic TEMPS-A scale has been used in clinical settings in Norway for many years, it has not yet been officially validated. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclothymic temperament is highly prevalent in adults with ADHD, and this characterises a subgroup of more psychiatrically impaired individuals, possibly reflecting an underlying affective instability with a pathophysiology closer to the bipolar spectrum disorders.
BACKGROUND:Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adults. Many ADHDpatients experience affective symptoms that resemble the cyclothymic temperament trait, which is suggested to be a part of the bipolar spectrum. However, the relationship between adult ADHD and cyclothymic temperament has never been systematically studied. METHODS: A sample of 586 clinically diagnosed Norwegian adult ADHDpatients and 721 population derived controls responded to the 21-item cyclothymic subscale of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego auto-questionnaire (TEMPS-A). Self-reported data on psychiatric symptoms, comorbidity, educational and occupational level, and known comorbidity in family members, including bipolar disorder, was also obtained. RESULTS: The mean TEMPS-A scores were 13.0 for patients and 4.6 for controls (p<0.001), and 71% of the patients compared to 13% of the controls were classified as having a cyclothymic temperament (TEMPS score ≥11 points). Among ADHDpatients, cyclothymic temperament was strongly associated with more childhood and adult ADHD symptoms, lower educational and occupational achievements and increased psychiatric comorbidity, including bipolar disorder (10%). In addition, 49% screened positive on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. LIMITATIONS: Although the cyclothymic TEMPS-A scale has been used in clinical settings in Norway for many years, it has not yet been officially validated. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclothymic temperament is highly prevalent in adults with ADHD, and this characterises a subgroup of more psychiatrically impaired individuals, possibly reflecting an underlying affective instability with a pathophysiology closer to the bipolar spectrum disorders.
Authors: Julia Huemer; Anita Riegler; Sabine Völkl-Kernstock; Alexander Wascher; Otto M Lesch; Henriette Walter; Katrin Skala Journal: Neuropsychiatr Date: 2016-10-06
Authors: Giancarlo Giupponi; Marco Innamorati; Elena Rogante; Salvatore Sarubbi; Denise Erbuto; Ignazio Maniscalco; Livia Sanna; Andreas Conca; David Lester; Maurizio Pompili Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-04-21 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Ole Bernt Fasmer; Erlend Eindride Fasmer; Kristin Mjeldheim; Wenche Førland; Vigdis Elin Giæver Syrstad; Petter Jakobsen; Jan Øystein Berle; Tone E G Henriksen; Zahra Sepasdar; Erik R Hauge; Ketil J Oedegaard Journal: PLoS One Date: 2020-11-09 Impact factor: 3.240