Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and gastrointestinal morbidity in a large cohort of young adults

BACKGROUND: Although the association of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with psychiatric disorders is well known, its association with somatic diseases is unclear. Only few studies have investigated the gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity in adult patients with ADHD. AIM: To measure gastrointestinal comorbidity and its burden on healthcare in young adults with ADHD. METHODS: The cohort included subjects aged 17-35 years recruited to the Israel Defense Forces in 2007-2013, 33380 with ADHD and 355652 without (controls). The groups were compared for functional and inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and clinic and specialist visits for gastrointestinal symptoms/disease during service (to 2016). Findings were analyzed by generalized linear models adjusted for background variables CONCLUSION: ADHD in young adults is associated with an excess of FGID and increased use of related health services. Research is needed to determine if an integrative approach treating both conditions will benefit these patients and cut costs.