Adverse childhood experiences mediate the association between ADHD symptoms and severe psychological distress in the Japanese general population: a causal mediation analysis of 29,268 participants.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include various forms of trauma or chronic stress during childhood, e.g., physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; neglect; and household dysfunction. ACEs have been linked to long-term psychological difficulties. Emerging research suggests that individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more frequently exposed to ACEs due to familial conflict or behavioral dysregulation. However, it remains unclear which specific ACE types mediate the association between ADHD symptoms and adult psychological distress.

Methods

We analyzed data from 29,268 adults in a nationwide Japanese internet-based survey. ADHD symptoms were measured using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-J-6), and severe psychological distre

SUBMITTER: Tokumitsu K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12752057 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature