Quality of Life in Adults Aged 50+ With ADHD. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lensing, Michael B.; Zeiner, Pål; Sandvik, Leiv; Opjordsmoen, Stein
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 19:Number 5(2015:May)
• Page Start: 405
• Page End: 413
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: ADHD -- adults aged 50+ -- health-related quality of life -- Satisfaction With Life Scale -- EQ-5D; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054713480035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

Abstract

Objective: To study the quality of life in adults aged 50+ with ADHD.Method: An anonymous questionnaire survey was performed on 148 adults aged 50+ with ADHD. Quality of life was assessed with EuroQol and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Age-matched Norwegian and Danish population samples served as reference groups.Results: Mean age of participants was 55.7 years, and mean age when diagnosed with ADHD was 50.2 years, while mean Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener score was 15.2. Adults with ADHD reported significantly reduced health-related quality of life and reduced satisfaction with life compared with population norms. Nonemployment and severe ADHD were associated with poor quality of life.Conclusion: Adults aged 50+ with ADHD diagnosed in late adulthood reported significantly reduced quality of life when compared with population norms. The negative impact of ADHD persists into late adulthood.