Sense of Coherence Is Associated with Functional Impairment in Individuals Diagnosed with ADHD

Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with ADHD are at a heightened risk of antisocial behaviors, substance abuse, emotional distress, and diminished happiness. Identifying protective factors that reduce the likelihood of these functional impairments in ADHD is vital. Research has shown that a strong sense of coherence (SOC) can serve as a protective factor against various risks and health issues. Therefore, investigating the relationship between SOC and functioning among adults and adolescents with ADHD is essential. A study involving 468 participants aged 15–50 who had reported being diagnosed with ADHD was conducted and analyzed by structural equation modeling. Individuals who reported higher SOC levels also reported lower levels of functional impairment across all domains. This association remained fairly consistent across gender and age groups. The results suggest that SOC is associated with reduced functional impairments in individuals with ADHD. Recognizing this association can aid in identifying those at higher risk within the ADHD population. Further research is warranted to test the causal relationship between SOC and functional impairment and explore potential therapeutic approaches to bolster SOC in individuals with ADHD.