Mood Emot.  2021 Mar;19(1):17-23. 10.35986/me.2021.19.1.17.

ADHD and Its Comorbidities in College Students, with a Focus on Depression and Pathological Internet Use

• Moon DS
• Kang NR
• Jung YE
• Kim MD

• KMID: 2525636
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.35986/me.2021.19.1.17

Abstract

Background
There is growing interest in adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because many ADHD children have symptoms that last through adulthood, and adult ADHD has a high risk of comorbid mental disorders. This study examined the prevalence and comorbidities of adult ADHD, with a focus on depression and pathological internet use among Korean college students.
Methods
This study included 1358 college students, who were asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires on their characteristics, ADHD symptoms, and related clinical factors. The study analyzed associations between ADHD and depression, anxiety, pathological internet use, and problematic alcohol use.
Results
The prevalence rate of ADHD among college students was 5.7%. A significant association was determined between ADHD symptoms and school satisfaction, depression, anxiety, and pathological internet use. Multivariate analysis showed that ADHD symptoms in college students were significantly associated with depression and pathological internet use.
Conclusion
The prevalence of ADHD among college students was similar to that of children and adolescents. Moreover, the risk of depression and pathological internet use was high in the ADHD group. Early screening and intervention for ADHD and comorbidities will be required to prevent the negative consequences of the condition and help students adapt in the future.

Keyword

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; College students; Depression; Pathological internet use