Attention deficit and hyperactivity in social anxiety disorder: relationship with trauma history and impulsivity

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the rate of childhood traumatic experiences and assess the relationship between childhood trauma and impulsivity in the presence of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD). A total of 123 patients with a primary diagnosis of SAD were enrolled. All patients were assessed by using the clinical version of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I/CV) and Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL), ADHD module. A clinical and sociodemographic data form and rating scales were filled out. We found higher rates of emotional traumatic experiences and impulsivity along with more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and social anxiety in the group of SAD patients with childhood ADHD than in SAD patients without ADHD in childhood. The presence of ADHD is associated with higher severity in several domains in patients with SAD. Patients with SAD should be assessed carefully whether they have ADHD, especially when their SAD symptoms are severe, when they have a history of traumatic experiences or problems with impulse control.

Keywords: Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder; Childhood trauma; Impulsivity; Social anxiety disorder.