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ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders

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01-06-2014 | Original Article

Internalizing and externalizing behavior in adult ADHD

Authors: Christian Jacob, Silke Gross-Lesch, Thomas Jans, Julia Geissler, Andreas Reif, Astrid Dempfle, Klaus-Peter Lesch

Published in: ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders | Issue 2/2014

Abstract

Although there are many studies available investigating internalizing and externalizing behavior in childhood and adolescent manifestations of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, there is limited information about their relevance in adults featuring persistence of the disease. We examined a large sample of 910 adults affected with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (AADHD) for internalizing and externalizing behavior. Regarding correlates of internalizing behavior, AADHD probands showed significantly higher scores of the anxiety- and depression-related personality traits Neuroticism and Harm Avoidance, compared with reference values. The lifetime comorbidity of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and anxious or fearful Cluster C personality disorders (PDs) is elevated in AADHD patients compared with general population. Regarding correlates of externalizing behavior, patients affected with AADHD show significantly lower scores of Conscientiousness and significantly higher scores of Novelty Seeking than the published German reference values. Emotional, dramatic, or erratic Cluster B PDs were most frequent in AADHD. Internalizing and externalizing behavior notably affected psychosocial status to a similar extent. The frequency of both internalizing and externalizing behavior in AADHD might reflect an underlying emotional regulation disorder.

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Title: Internalizing and externalizing behavior in adult ADHD
Authors: Christian Jacob
Silke Gross-Lesch
Thomas Jans
Julia Geissler
Andreas Reif
Astrid Dempfle
Klaus-Peter Lesch
Publication date: 01-06-2014
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1866-6116
Electronic ISSN: 1866-6647
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-014-0128-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Internalizing and externalizing behavior in adult ADHD

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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