The connection of temperament with ADHD occurrence and persistence into adulthood - An investigation in 18 year old males

•Studies on temperament in Attention Deficit Disorders (ADHD) are inconclusive.•We studied the association of temperament and ADHD in 3280 non clinical men.•.Cythlothymic, irritable and anxious temperament correlated with ADHD symptomatology.•These results support previous work suggesting a dimensional approach to the illness

BackgroundThis study intended to determine whether certain traits of temperament are associated with former and current ADHD symptomatology in a non-clinical sample of 18 year old males.MethodsWe performed a cross sectional descriptive study of 3280 men during the examination for military service. The investigation included a socio-demographic questionnaire, screening for substance abuse, temperament (TEMPS-M), past (WURS) and current (ADHD symptom checklist) ADHD symptomatology.ResultsWe found a correlation of cyclothymic (p<.001), irritable (p<.001) and anxious (p<.05) temperament with occurrence and severity of past and present ADHD symptomatology. No significant correlation has been detected for hyperthymic and depressive temperament. Judged retrospectively, ADHD symptoms were strongly consistent over time.LimitationsThe sample consists of men only. These had to be fit enough to be enlisted for military service; men with severe mental or physical disorders were thus excluded. Furthermore, the cross-sectional study design does not allow making conclusions about the temporal relationships between ADHD symptoms and substance misuse.ConclusionsThese results indicate that a temperament based approach towards those affected by ADHD might be useful. Subtyping ADHD by integrating temperament profiles in diagnosis and treatment of the disorder could help explain some of the heterogeneity of the disease.