Comments on abstract by Taina Lehtonen
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) does not disappear with age.
I think this is an important paper because it highlights, once again, the dangers of not recognising and treating ADHD in a lifespan perspective and specificallly in old age ADHD. The burden of social loneliness, being divorced/never married, having less family members in their network is crucial to acknowledge when meeting elderly people never before identified suffering of eralier unrecognized ADHD.
As we know from our colleagues in Netherlands, ADHD diagnosis was associated with being divorced/never married, having less family members in their network, and emotional loneliness. Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). In 2008/2009, respondents were asked about social functioning and participation. A diagnostic interview to diagnose ADHD was administered among a subsample (N = 231, age 60-94 years). ADHD diagnosis and level of ADHD symptoms were assessed. ADHD diagnosis was associated with being divorced/never married, having less family members in their network, and emotional loneliness. Level of ADHD symptoms was associated with more emotional support given, emotional and social loneliness, greater recreational social participation, and lower income level.
As a conclusion from this paper, ADHD in old age is related to being divorced/never married and loneliness but not to work participation. Psycho geriatric practices should direct their attention to loneliness when treating ADHD.
This paper aims to acknowledge the difficulties elderly persons with ADHD and the burden of social functioning, participation and loneliness that should be acknowledged when treating ADHD.
Abstract
Objective: To examine the associations between ADHD and social functioning and participation among older adults.
Method: Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). In 2008/2009, respondents were asked about social functioning and participation. A diagnostic interview to diagnose ADHD was administered among a subsample (N = 231, age 60-94 years). ADHD diagnosis and level of ADHD symptoms were assessed.
Results: ADHD diagnosis was associated with being divorced/never married, having less family members in their network, and emotional loneliness. Level of ADHD symptoms was associated with more emotional support given, emotional and social loneliness, greater recreational social participation, and lower income level.
Conclusion: ADHD in old age is related to being divorced/never married and loneliness but not to work participation. Psycho geriatric practices should direct their attention to loneliness when treating ADHD.
Michielsen, M., Comijs, H. C., Aartsen, M. J., Semeijn, E. J., Beekman, A. T., Deeg, D. J., & Kooij, J. S. (2013a). The Relationships Between ADHD and Social Functioning and Participation in Older Adults in a Population-Based Study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 1087054713515748.
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