Quality of life in adults aged 50+ with ADHD

J Atten Disord. 2015 May;19(5):405-13. doi: 10.1177/1087054713480035. Epub 2013 Mar 20.

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.

Keywords: ADHD; EQ-5D; Satisfaction With Life Scale; adults aged 50+; health-related quality of life.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway / epidemiology
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Quality of Life*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Report
  • Surveys and Questionnaires