Prevalence of Personality Disorders in Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

J Atten Disord. 2023 May;27(7):658-668. doi: 10.1177/10870547231161531. Epub 2023 Mar 16.

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of PDs according to Millon's evolution-based model among adult ADHD outpatients.

Method: Cross-sectional study of consecutive patients referred to an adult ADHD clinic. PDs were evaluated with Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III).

Results: One-hundred-eighty-one participants had valid MCMI-III, of whom147 were diagnosed with ADHD. Mean age: 32.97, SD:11.56, females: 74 (50.3%). Among the 147 participants with ADHD, 29 (19.7%) did not meet criteria for any PD, 43 (29.3%) met the criteria for one PD, 34 (23.1%) for two PDs and the rest three or more. Most common PD was Dependent (n = 58) followed by Depressive (n = 45). Inattentive sub-type was associated with dependent PD, while combined type with antisocial, negativistic (passive/aggressive) and sadistic PD.

Conclusion: Particular personality profiles were more common with different ADHD subtypes. Given the developmental origins of PD, further research may help identify possible links with childhood difficulties.

Keywords: ADHD; MCMI-III; adult; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; epidemiology; personality disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Personality
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis
  • Personality Disorders / epidemiology
  • Prevalence