ADHD Labeling, Relationship Status, and Mental Health among Young Adults

• In Event: 343 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 12. Health in Adolescence and Early Adulthood

Abstract

Despite an increase of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in the US, the impact of over-diagnosis and/or mis-diagnosis in childhood/adolescence on adult mental health has yet to be addressed. This study explores adult mental health outcomes associated with adolescent ADHD diagnosis and symptomology and examines how relationship status modifies these associations. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N=12,228), we categorize young adults into six groups using a combination of both ADHD diagnosis and childhood symptomology, as well as timing of diagnosis during childhood., We evaluate the association between ADHD diagnosis and symptomology and adult depressive symptoms, mastery, and perceived stress. Our results indicate lower levels of mental health among those with a childhood ADHD diagnosis, even among those who have not reported childhood symptoms, suggesting that the ADHD label itself negatively affects mental health. We also find that the negative effect of childhood ADHD ‘labeling’ on adult mental health is smaller among those who are currently married or cohabiting. Implications for psychiatric labeling and relationship formation are discussed.

Authors

• Hyeyoung Woo, Portland State University

• Lindsey Wilkinson, Portland State University

• Melissa Thompson, Portland State University