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Review
. 2013 Mar;33(2):215-28.
doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2012.11.005. Epub 2012 Dec 7.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and adverse health outcomes

Joel T Nigg  1
Affiliations
Review

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and adverse health outcomes

Joel T Nigg. Clin Psychol Rev. 2013 Mar.

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined by extreme levels of inattention-disorganization and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. In DSM-IV, the diagnostic criteria required impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. With DSM-5 publication imminent in 2013, further evaluation of impairment in ADHD is timely. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on health-related impairments of ADHD, including smoking, drug abuse, accidental injury, sleep, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and suicidal behavior. It concludes by suggesting the need for new avenues of research on mechanisms of association and the potential for ADHD to be an early warning sign for secondary prevention of some poor health outcomes.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Incidence of injuries among individuals aged 0 to 64 years by ADHD status. (Merrill et al., 2009). Cohort included 490,378 individuals including 2186 with ADHD. *Considered severe injuries by investigators. ADHD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Fx, fracture; RR, rate ratio (obtained by dividing the incidence rate of injuries in the ADHD participants to the non-ADHD participants). Reprinted from Advances in Medical Sciences, 2009, 54, 20–26.
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