Objective: Though psychiatric illnesses have been associated with increased COVID-19 infection risk, limited information exists about the relationship between ADHD and COVID-19.
Methods: Using the TriNetX COVID-19 Research Network, we examined the impact of ADHD diagnosis and treatment on COVID-19 infection rates and outcomes.
Results: ADHD patients had greater risk of COVID-19 (risk ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% CI [1.09, 1.12]). Increased risk was higher in females than males, and highest among Asian and Black patients. Within 60 days after COVID-19 diagnosis, ADHD patients had lower rates of hospitalization (RR 0.91, 95% CI [0.86, 0.96]) and mechanical ventilation (RR 0.69, 95% CI [0.58, 0.83]), and a nonsignificant reduced death rate (RR 0.65, 95% CI [0.42, 1.02]). Patients who recently received ADHD medication had higher rates of COVID-19 (RR 1.13; 95% CI [1.10, 1.15]).
Conclusion: ADHD poses increased risk for COVID-19, but may reduce risk of severe outcomes. ADHD medications modestly impacted COVID-19 risk.
Keywords: ADHD; COVID-19; hospitalization; mechanical ventilation; mortality.