Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder risk, mental health diagnoses and experience of discrimination in transgender adolescents and youth
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder risk, mental health diagnoses and experience of discrimination in transgender adolescents and youth

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder risk, mental health diagnoses and experience of discrimination in transgender adolescents and youth

Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr (Engl Ed). 2025 Sep 12:501593. doi: 10.1016/j.endien.2025.501593. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies suggest a higher prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in transgender individuals compared to the general population. However, no studies have been conducted in the Spanish population, and most focus on individuals with a prior ADHD diagnosis rather than screening for the disorder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-center, cross-sectional observational study assessing the risk of ADHD in transgender adolescents and young adults compared to cisgender individuals using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-V1.1). Additionally, previous mental health diagnoses and experiences of discrimination are analyzed in both groups.

RESULTS: Transgender youth scored higher on the short-form scale, indicating a greater risk of ADHD, as well as on the hyperactivity/impulsivity subscale. A significant association was also found between experiences of discrimination and a prior diagnosis of depression.

CONCLUSIONS: The ASRS-V1.1 scale may be useful for ADHD screening in transgender individuals; however, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Risk factors for neurodevelopmental and anxiety-depressive disorders may differ in the transgender population.

PMID:40946028 | DOI:10.1016/j.endien.2025.501593