The Association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and head trauma

Abstract

In this study we aim to evaluate the frequency of ADHD in patients with head trauma compared to those without trauma. Methods: In this case control study, 230 patients with head trauma and 460 patients without trauma were recruited. The Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales–self-report was used for ADHD diagnosis in all patients. Three subscales of A (attention deficit index), subscale B (hyperactivity-impulsivity index) and subscale D (ADHD index) were evaluated between groups. Using linear and logistic regression analysis, the effect of group, age, gender and socioeconomic status on ADHD were evaluated. Results: Patients in case group compared to control group had significantly higher rate of job as driver (11.7% vs. 3.7%, p<0.001). Among different Conners subscales, only subscale D was significantly lower in case compared to control group (6.35±5.11 vs. 7.51±4.72, p=0.003). The frequency of ADHD among head trauma and no trauma patients were 6.1% and 5.9% respectively with no significant difference (p=0.9). Linear regression analysis showed that subscale D was only correlated with group and age, while using logistic regression analysis, there was only age correlated with ADHD considering other variables.