Study reveals link between ADHD and mental health conditions in teens

Scientists have shed light on some of the key reasons why young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prone to anxiety and depression.

The study, led by Dr Aja Murray at the University of Edinburgh, is the first to investigate a wide range of factors which link ADHD symptoms and mental ill health symptoms over time.

Aja is one of our funded researchers, who most recently received an award in our Changing Policy and Practice scheme to develop resources which will help young people with ADHD to better regulate their emotions.

Young people with ADHD

ADHD affects around five per cent of children and young people in the UK, with one in four young people with ADHD having an anxiety disorder and 40 per cent experiencing depressive episodes.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh examined survey data from over 5,000 adolescents aged 11 to 17 from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, which follows young people born between 2000 and 2002 across the UK.

They tested fourteen possible factors linking ADHD and mental ill health, including relationships with family and friends, behaviour issues and low self-esteem.

Other factors assessed were behaviour at school, general health and if their parent had mental health difficulties.

The team analysed questionnaires which surveyed parents and the young people on ADHD symptoms and emotional problems such as low mood and anxiety symptoms at ages 11,14 and 17.

Key experiences driving poor mental health

Findings showed that across genders, self-esteem and parental mental health were linked to both ADHD and mental ill health risk. Among girls, difficulties with their peers also had a link.

This was the case even when other factors such as any pre-existing neurodevelopmental and mental health issues were taken into account.

The results suggest that several different factors may be working collectively to connect ADHD and other emotional issues during adolescence.

More support for parents and young people

The study could help in tailoring targeted wellbeing support systems for young people with ADHD, experts say.

Aja says: “The findings suggest that to help reduce the risk of adolescents with ADHD symptoms developing other mental ill health symptoms, two things are supporting parents to improve their mental health, and supporting adolescents to foster high self-esteem.

"For girls in particular, supporting social skills development is also important.”

Dr Angela Hind, Chief Executive of the Medical Research Foundation, says: “ADHD can have a profound impact on a young person’s life, yet relatively little is known about the mental health challenges they might face as they grow up.

"This important research sheds new light on why teenagers with ADHD are at greater risk of anxiety and depression than those without, highlighting self-esteem and a parent’s mental health as two of the most crucial factors that shape their wellbeing.

"These findings demonstrate the importance of funding medical research into children and young people’s mental health, and bring us a step closer to developing more targeted support for teenagers with ADHD, ensuring they can thrive during some of their most formative years.”

The study is published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.