Self-Reported ADHD in a Convenience Sample of EMS Clinicians A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background: ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder marked by challenges with attention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity, often impairing functioning across academic, occupational, and social domains. While ADHD affects approximately 5% of children and 2.5% of adults, recent research suggests that this decline in prevalence may not reflect true symptom remission but the freedom to gravitate toward novel, fast-paced environments—such as emergency medical services (EMS)-where previously inhibiting traits promote success. This study examines the prevalence of ADHD traits within the EMS workforce.
Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study received prospective IRB review and exemption. Participants included EMS professionals who completed an anonymous online survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire and the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS-45), a validated retrospective self-report instrument for assessing childhood ADHD symptoms. The WURS-45 includes the WURS-25 core items and additional factor items to generate fitted diagnostic values. The survey was administered via Microsoft Forms and distributed through social media and email lists from February 2 to February 24, 2025.
Results: 554 respondents met inclusion criteria. 322 (58%) reported a formal ADHD diagnosis, and 145 (26%) reported no formal psychiatric diagnosis. Based on WURS-25 scoring, 338 participants (61%) scored above the clinical cutoff of 30. Linear and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine if relationships existed between ADHD-indicators and barriers to completing EMS education. Although individuals with formal ADHD diagnosis and/or a positive screening experienced statistically more barriers to EMS attainment, no statistically significant relationship existed between a positive diagnosis/screening and EMS certification achievement.
Conclusions: The prevalence of ADHD traits in this EMS sample far exceeds that of the general adult population. However, neither a formal ADHD diagnosis nor elevated WURS-25 scores predicted lower EMS educational outcomes.
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