• Dimitrios Adamis, Sam West, Jasmin Singh, Liadan Hanley, Iulian Coada, Geraldine McCarthy, Natasha Langan, Blánaid Gavin, and Fiona McNicholas.
• Sligo Mental Health Services, Clarion Rd, Sligo, Ireland. dimaadamis@yahoo.com.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2024 Oct 1; 193 (5): 243324412433-2441.

BackgroundAttention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, often persisting into adulthood.AimsTo investigate the levels of functionality and quality of life (QoL) in adult patients newly diagnosed with ADHD and to compare with those without an ADHD diagnosis.MethodsConsecutive patients who were referred to and assessed in a tertiary adult ADHD clinic enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of ADHD was based on DSM-5 criteria. Functionality was measured using the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF). QoL was assessed with the Adult ADHD Quality of Life Questionnaire (AAQoL).ResultsThree-hundred and forty participants were recruited, 177 (52.1%) females. Of them 293 (86.2%) were newly diagnosed with ADHD. Those with ADHD had significant lower functionality as it was measured with the WFIRS and GAF, and worse QoL (AAQoL) compared to those without. In addition, a significant correlation between GAF and WFIRS was found.ConclusionsThe results show that adults with ADHD have decreased functionality and worse QoL when compared against those presenting with a similar symptomatology, but no ADHD diagnosis. ADHD is not just a behavioural disorder in childhood, but a lifelong condition with accumulating problems that can lead to lower QoL and impaired functioning throughout adulthood.© 2024. The Author(s).

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