Occup Med (Lond). 2025 Jan 23:kqae139. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqae139. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in understanding neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among doctors. However, the current understanding of ADHD and its association with mental well-being in doctors is limited.
AIMS: This study investigated the significance of ADHD among doctors with mental health difficulties accessing a national mental health service for doctors in England.
METHODS: Electronic records from 2877 doctors seeking mental health care through the National Health Service Practitioner Health service were analysed. Demographic data, psychopathology scales (PHQ-9 for depression, GAD-7 for anxiety, Core-10 for psychological well-being) and ADHD screening using ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) were examined. Analyses were conducted to explore associations between ADHD screening, demographic variables and co-existing mental health disorders.
RESULTS: The study revealed that over one-third (35%) of doctors in this study sample screened positive for ADHD using the ASRS questionnaire. The male-to-female ratio for screened positive was 1.1:1. The number of doctors screening positive for ADHD reduced with age. A substantial portion of doctors who screened positive for ADHD also exhibited symptoms of co-existing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that assessments for ADHD among doctors presenting with mental health difficulties can be important and relevant. Validated screening tools can be used in this process. The high rate of psychopathology among those who screened positive for ADHD in this study sample indicates the need for detailed assessments to understand the complex dynamic of ADHD symptoms and psychiatric disorders. Recognizing ADHD is important as treatments are different to other psychiatric disorders.
PMID:39847691 | DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqae139
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