Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) severity: The Relationship with risk-taking Health behaviors among college students

This study identifies the relationship between risk-taking health behaviors and self- reported ADHD tendencies among students attending general education classes at a large southeastern university during the 2007 fall semester. Based on specifications for diagnosis of ADHD found in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV, our survey contained the 18 criteria including: 9 attention deficit criteria, 6 hyperactivity and 3 impulsivity criteria. The paper-based, 43-question survey was answered by 207 students (55% males, 45% females). Self reported ADHD tendencies were reported on a 10 point likert- scale with 10 representing complete presence of the symptom. Also self-reported by students were the frequencies of risk-taking behaviors including: life time substance use, past 30 days substance use, number of vehicle crashes involved as a driver or passenger, number of romantic relationships lasting less than and greater than a year as well as coffee consumption. Examination of the results show that the participants reporting greater ADHD tendencies also reported greater life time substance use including: Phencyclidine, Ecstasy and Oxy-contin; greater number of vehicle crashes, fewer romantic relationships lasting greater than a year, and heavy coffee consumption. For example,out of a possible score of 180,the mean ADHD scores of subjects who used Phencyclidine compared to those who did not were 109 and 56.11 respectively (p<.05). Similarly, the mean ADHD score was 69.48 for students involved in 3-10 vehicle crashes as passengers compared to 50.9 for those who were not involved in any (p<.05). Implications of future research will be discussed.