Quality of life in adults aged 50+ with ADHD.

Objective: To study the quality of life in adults aged 50+ with ADHD.

Method: An anonymous questionnaire survey was performed on 148 adults aged 50+ with ADHD. Quality of life was assessed with EuroQol and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Age-matched Norwegian and Danish population samples served as reference groups.

Results: Mean age of participants was 55.7 years, and mean age when diagnosed with ADHD was 50.2 years, while mean Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener score was 15.2. Adults with ADHD reported significantly reduced health-related quality of life and reduced satisfaction with life compared with population norms. Nonemployment and severe ADHD were associated with poor quality of life.

Conclusion: Adults aged 50+ with ADHD diagnosed in late adulthood reported significantly reduced quality of life when compared with population norms. The negative impact of ADHD persists into late adulthood.