ADHD and schizophrenia: Mere prodromal variant or homogeneous subgroup?

TL;DR

ADHD in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder defines a distinct subgroup with unique treatment needs and higher comorbidities.

Contribution

The study identifies ADHD and SSD as a distinct subgroup with specific clinical characteristics and treatment patterns.

Findings

Individuals with SSD and ADHD have higher rates of comorbidities like substance use disorders.

Those with SSD and ADHD are more likely to be unemployed and receive stimulant medications.

ADHD in SSD is not a mere prodromal variant but a distinct subgroup with specific treatment needs.

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosed in childhood is associated with a relative risk of 4.74 (95 % CI, 4.11–5.46) for developing schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) later in life; if other comorbidities exist the risk is 2.1-fold higher. There is no guideline on treating ADHD in SSD and no research on the effect of this combination on length of inpatient treatment, type of pharmacotherapy and employment status. This study aims to further explore the role of ADHD in SSD.

Latent Class Analysis (LCA) uses no a priori assumptions in testing for homogeneous subgroups within a data sample of 2871 inpatient treatment cases of SSD from three psychiatric hospitals. Data was extracted from case files and statistical reports to the federal statistical office.

Two subgroups are identified. One primarily consists of individuals with SSD and ADHD (estimated population size of 3 %). In comparison to the other subgroup with SSD and no ADHD (97 %), these individuals more frequently have other mental comorbidities, especially substance use disorders, are unemployed and about half are administered stimulants. All studied individuals were administered antipsychotics and length of inpatient stay was similar in both subgroups.

ADHD and SSD define a subgroup of individuals with specific treatment needs and additional burden of disease. ADHD is more than an initial misdiagnosis or random precursor disease of SSD. Treating psychiatrists seem to frequently administer stimulants.

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