Work participation, sensory processing and sleep quality in adults with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder

BACKGROUND: Although studies have indicated significant effects of attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) on work participation, the mechanism underlying work participation of adults with ADHD is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: Following the World Health Organization's international classification of functioning, disability, and health concepts, this study compares sensory processing and sleep quality (body functions) with work participation among adults with and without ADHD and examines predictive relationships among adults with ADHD. METHODS: Sixty-nine adults with ADHD and 52 matched controls completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile, the Mini Sleep Questionnaire, and the Occupational Questionnaire. RESULTS: The ADHD group had significantly poorer body functions, sensory processing (i.e., low registration, sensory-sensitivity, and sensation-avoiding patterns), sleep quality, and work performance compared to the control group (p < .001). For adults with ADHD, sensory sensitivity accounted for 10.9%, and sleep quality accounted for 22.0%, of the variance in their work performance. CONCLUSIONS: The deficient body functions of adults with ADHD may affect their work performance and therefore should be considered in further research, as well as in clinical applications.