Citation

Shoham R, Sonuga-Barke E, Yaniv I, Pollak Y. J. Atten. Disord. 2019; ePub(ePub): 1087054719875786.

Affiliation

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1087054719875786

PMID

31583930

Abstract

Objective: ADHD has been linked to higher engagement in risky behaviors in circumscribed domains such as dangerous driving, substance abuse, and gambling. This study tests whether ADHD is associated with a pervasive tendency to engage in risky behavior across a spectrum of activities and domains, and whether this tendency is driven by comorbid disorders. Method: A sample of 97 adults with ADHD and 103 typically developing controls completed a self-report questionnaire measuring the likelihood and frequency of engaging in a broad range of risky behaviors. ADHD, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and demographic variables were extensively assessed using standardized instruments. Results: Participants with ADHD reported a pervasive tendency to engage in risky behaviors across multiple activities. This tendency was associated with ADHD over and above the contribution of comorbid psychiatric disorders. Conclusion: These results suggest that ADHD is uniquely linked to a pervasive pattern of engagement in risky behaviors.

Language: en

Keywords

ADHD; adults; comorbid psychiatric disorders; risky behaviors