Impulsive buying and deferment of gratification among adults with ADHD

Background: Impulsivity symptoms have been studied thoroughly in adults with ADHD, including hasty actions and decisions without considering possible consequences. The objective of our study was to investigate impulsive buying and deferment of gratification among adults with ADHD and a comparison group. Method: The participants were 225 adults with ADHD and 121 university students who completed the Buying Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), the Deferment of Gratification Questionnaire (DOGQ), the Adult ADHD Rating Scale—IV (ADHD-RS), as well as background questions. Results: Significant differences were found between the two groups on the three scales, the ADHD group showing more ADHD symptoms, more frequent impulsive buying behaviour and less ability to defer gratification. Mediation analyses yielded significant indirect effects in both samples, which suggests that the relationship between ADHD symptoms and impulsive buying is mediated by the ability to defer gratification. Conclusion: The results suggest that placing emphasis on improving the capacity of adults with ADHD to defer gratification might be beneficial in treatment.