Grant: Project Grant

The diagnosis of ADHD among adults has increased dramatically in recent years with a ninefold increase among women aged 30-49 and a fivefold increase among older adults. Currently one in every 60 Canadian adults are on ADHD medication. Existing ADHD research has primarily focused on children and has been relatively male-centric. This study will use a large nationally representative dataset to investigate the risk of mental illness, accidental injury, and premature mortality for adults with ADHD compared to their peers without ADHD. We are using administrative health records including hospital discharge data to document individuals' health conditions. Our research will also shed light on potential pathways through which ADHD may be associated with these health outcomes including income and education, smoking, substance abuse and chronic stress. We will pay particular attention to the health outcomes of female adults with ADHD and older adults, because information on these groups is lacking. Our sample includes approximately 2,700 Canadian adults with ADHD, of whom 900 are female and 550 respondents are aged 50 and older. In addition, we will conduct a survey of 170 older adults to gain a better understanding of their ADHD symptoms, what treatments they have received, their experience of stigma related to their ADHD, the strategies they use to cope and their mental health. Our research will provide much needed information on the health and wellbeing of Canadian adults with ADHD. We are working with an advisory panel of adults with ADHD, and representatives of the largest national association of Canadians with ADHD (CADDAC) and largest resource organization for health professionals working with those with ADHD (CADDRA). Our findings will inform online educational courses for health professionals, user-friendly videos for older adults and adult females with ADHD, as well as policy and practice-briefs for policymakers and health care professionals.