Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and other sexual disorders in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder compared to the general population.

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that lead to dysfunctioning in daily life. One of the affected areas of life that has so far not been studied in ADHD is sexual functioning. The goal of this study was to assess prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and other sexual disorders among adults with ADHD. A total of n = 136 adult patients treated in a Dutch outpatient ADHD clinic filled out two questionnaires to screen for sexual dysfunctions and other sexual disorders. We compared the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and other sexual disorders in our ADHD patient population to results from two large surveys among the general Dutch population. We found that 39% of the male and 43% of the female ADHD patients had symptoms of a sexual dysfunction, and 17% of the male and 5% of the female ADHD patients had symptoms of any other sexual disorder. Only one male patient had received a diagnosis of a sexual disorder at this clinic prior to study participation. In conclusion, sexual dysfunctions and other sexual disorders are highly prevalent in adults with ADHD. Screening for sexual disorders should be therefore standard procedure during diagnostic assessment.