Behavioral inhibition/approach systems constitute risk/protective pathways from ADHD symptoms to depression and anxiety in undergraduate students

要旨

Despite the strong positive association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression or anxiety, little is known about the underlying mechanism that links ADHD symptoms to internalizing problems. We aimed to examine the contribution of behavioral inhibition/approach systems (BIS/BAS) in explaining ADHD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and their relationships. A sample of Japanese non-clinical undergraduate students ( N = 419) completed the BIS/BAS Scales, Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale. Spearman's partial rank correlation coefficients were calculated to describe the direct association between each of the measured variables. Mann-Whitney's U tests were conducted to compare ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems according to BIS and BAS activation. The results indicated that, although the simple correlation between inattention and anxiety was positive, it turned negative when the BIS was controlled for. Hyperactivity/impulsivity showed a simple positive correlation with all three BAS components: reward responsiveness (RR), drive, and fun seeking (FS). The RR showed negative partial correlation with anxiety. Furthermore, Mann-Whitney's U tests in the high-BIS group indicated that the high-BAS RR group exhibited less depressive symptoms compared with the low-BAS RR group. Further research focusing on interaction of environmental-social factors and neuro-biological factors are required.

主題