Physical Health Co-occurrences in Canadians with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Increased rates of physical health conditions in individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been reported across multiple countries. In this study, we sought to identify whether Canadians with ADHD have greater rates of various physical health conditions than Canadians without ADHD. Data were extracted from the national 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey, collected by Statistics Canada. Individuals who indicated a diagnosis of ADHD were matched with respondents without ADHD based on demographic characteristics, resulting in a final sample size of 930 participants. Chi-squared statistics and odds ratios were used to identify differences in rates of thirteen physical health conditions between Canadians with and without ADHD. Canadians with ADHD were more likely to have a co-occurring diagnosis of asthma, arthritis, back problems, fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic lung conditions, bowel diseases, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivities, and prior diagnoses of high blood pressure. No differences were found in rates between Canadians with and without ADHD for diagnoses of current high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Canadians with ADHD, like others across the globe with ADHD, are at an increased risk of multiple physical health conditions. To promote early identification and intervention of mental and physical health concerns, efforts should be made to integrate services and educate health care providers to investigate the presence of physical health conditions in those with ADHD, and vice versa.