Prevalence, Correlates, and Comorbidities Among Young Adults Who Screened Positive for ADHD in South Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence, associated factors, and psychiatric comorbidities of adult ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic by analyzing nationally representative data. METHODS: Among the 5,511 respondents of the 2021 National Mental Health Survey, South Korea, 2,764 (18-49 years) were selected. The Korean versions of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and Structured Clinical Interview for Internet Gaming Disorder were used as diagnostic assessments. RESULTS: The 6-month prevalence of positive screens for adult ADHD was 3.1%. In individuals aged 18 to 29 years exhibiting adult ADHD symptoms, high prevalence rates of alcohol use, depression, and Internet gaming disorders were observed in the last 12 months. Adults who screened positive for ADHD reported significantly lower life satisfaction and resilience, and higher loneliness and social isolation (vs. non-ADHD group). CONCLUSION: Adult ADHD symptoms significantly influenced mental well-being, highlighting the need for an appropriate treatment/prevention system, particularly for individuals aged 18 to 29 years.
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Regional and cultural variations, differing mental health awareness, healthcare access, and social stigma modulate reported prevalence rates of adult ADHD.
“Regional and cultural variations, differing mental health awareness, healthcare access, and social stigma further modulate reported prevalence rates”
From ADHD in Adulthood: Clinical Presentation, Comorbidities, and Treatment Perspectives (2025) · cites this paper as [21]
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ADHD in Adulthood: Clinical Presentation, Comorbidities, and Treatment Perspectives
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- Authors
- Park, S., & Park, S.
- Affiliations
- Seoul National University (KR)
- Corresponding author
- Park, Subin
- ORCID
- Park, Subin
- Venue
- Journal of Attention Disorders
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2024-05-31
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- 1331-1339
- ISSN
- 1087-0547 (ISSN-L)
- 1557-1246
- OpenAlex
- W4399243479
- Cited by
- 2
- References
- 50
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2
- FWCI
- 0.59
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Attention Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
- Keywords
- adult ADHD, ADHD prevalence, young adults, COVID-19 pandemic, psychiatric comorbidity, alcohol consumption, depression, internet gaming disorder, life satisfaction, resilience, loneliness, social isolation, South Korea
- MeSH terms
- Internet Addiction Disorder, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Adolescent, Adult, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Depression, Female, Health Surveys, Humans, Loneliness, Male, Middle Aged, Social Isolation, Comorbidity, Prevalence, Young Adult, Republic of Korea
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