Causes and consequences of lifespan multi-morbidity in ADHD

ADHD is a common and persistent childhood onset psychiatric disorder. This proposal postulates that ADHD sets up a trajectory leading to risk-taking behaviors, psychiatric and somatic health problems, including polypharmacy, in young and middle adulthood that in turn accelerate the onset of disorders of ageing. To address the theory, we propose a research program that use unique data sources from national registers covering the total population of Sweden (N>15000000), and the largest twin registry in the world (N>190000 twins).  Based on such large, population-based, genetically-informative, and longitudinal data, we aim to develop prediction models that allow identification of adults with ADHD who are at high risk of future risk-taking behaviors and psychiatric health problems and who might benefit from careful monitoring. We also seek to identify novel links between ADHD, somatic health problems and disorders of ageing and to clarify the genetic and environmental mechanisms behind these associations. The program also aims to identify the consequences of ADHD medication and polypharmacy in relation to somatic health problems and ageing. The knowledge gained from this research is likely to have direct implications for clinical practice and treatment guidelines.