To study prevalence of adult ADHD among patients with intentional self harm

Abstract

In Adult life, the symptoms like hyperactivity/impulsivity manifest less frequently, the hyperactivity symptoms tend to turn into “inner restlessness ”on adulthood which are exhibited as symptoms including impulsivity, inattention, executive dys regulation such as high distractible, poor time management ,impulsive decision making, sudden burst of energy leading to excessive speed while driving, memory disturbances especially working memory, difficulty standing in a single posture or place. Among the 112 patients who attended psychiatric OPD,45 of them were recruited for the study with History of intentional self harm, Mean age group of the study was 28.27 and the study subjects were divided into two groups Intentional self Harm with ADHD and Intentional self harm without ADHD ,two groups were compared with each other , majority of them were between the Age group 21-30 yrs in both the groups(P=2.113), preponderance of female was seen in intentional self harm without ADHD groups (p=4.544), subjects in this study came from semi urban background, from both the groups (P=1.784), nuclear family (P=0.675) and middle socio economic status(6.585). The main method used by subjects in both group (P=2.742)was multiple tablets with medium suicidal intent (p=1.044). When comparing the both groups no statistical significance could be found between them.Very few patients were refereed to psychiatric department as patients and their attenders were reluctant for referral due to the fear of stigma. This Study showed no statistical significant between Adult ADHD and Intentional Self Harm suggesting ADHD could be a co factor and not the probable cause for intentional self harm.