Effects of the COVID-19 imposed lockdown in adults with ADHD: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: The psychological effects of government imposed lockdown due to COVID-19 have been studied in several populations These however have not been studied in adult ADHD populations OBJECTIVE: We wanted to investigate the effects of lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 in an adult ADHD population METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a pragmatic sample administering the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)- 9, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD)-7, the Brief Adjustment Scale (BASE-6), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) RESULTS: Twenty fours individuals were included (75% male and 25% female, mean age 21 75 years old) The sample of adults with ADHD we surveyed had significant levels of emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic period However, no claim can be made that during the COVID-19 pandemic there is evidence of significant deterioration to the mental health of this sample CONCLUSIONS: When treatment for ADHD is maintained, the effects of the COVID-19 to the mental health of this population group are mild Targeted psychological interventions may be useful in such circumstances