Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and cardiometabolic diseases: prevalence, etiology and treatment

Abstract

There is a close connection throughout the lifespan between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension. According to current knowledge, the causes are genetic factors, dopamine metabolism disorders, circadian rhythm disorders, inflammatory processes and, last but not least, an unhealthy lifestyle. The treatment of individuals with ADHD and comorbid cardiometabolic diseases requires an individualized approach with lifestyle changes, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, taking possible cardiometabolic side effects of the ADHD medication into account.