Table 2.
Baseline characteristics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity patients according to treatment patterns. Values are numbers (percentages) unless stated otherwise
| Characteristic | No treatment (n= 14 485) | Intermittent treatment (n= 21 174) | Continuous treatment (n= 2277) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female sex | 4450 (30.7) | 7531 (35.6) | 566 (24.9) |
| Median (interquartile range) age, years | 19 (15-26) | 17 (13-28) | 14 (12-20) |
| Younger cohort born during 1982-96 | 10 241 (70.7) | 14 548 (68.7) | 1850 (81.3) |
| Older cohort born during 1960-81 | 4244 (29.3) | 6626 (31.3) | 427 (18.8) |
| At least one suicide related event | 1059 (7.3) | 2097 (9.9) | 107 (4.7) |
| Use of drugs during follow-up: | |||
| At least one stimulant treatment period | — | 19 814 (93.6) | 2233 (98.1) |
| At least one non-stimulant treatment period | — | 4896 (23.1) | 486 (21.3) |
| At least one prescription for antidepressant | 5094 (35.2) | 9430 (44.5) | 705 (31.0) |
| Comorbid conditions before or during follow-up: | |||
| Depressive disorder | 3292 (22.7) | 5584 (26.4) | 357 (15.7) |
| Bipolar affective disorder | 821 (5.7) | 1493 (7.1) | 92 (4.0) |
| Conduct disorder | 745 (5.1) | 1310 (6.2) | 165 (7.3) |
| Drug abuse | 2116 (14.6) | 3854 (18.2) | 165 (7.3) |
| Borderline personality disorder | 619 (4.3) | 1137 (5.4) | 60 (2.6) |