Associations of ADHD genetic risk with objective and subjective economic wellbeing: evidence from finnish population-based cohorts

Vollständiger Abstract

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Abstract Purpose This study examines how genetic liability for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), measured using a polygenic index (ADHD-PGI), relates to both objective and subjective socio-economic outcomes in the general population. Methods We studied six Finnish population-based cohorts (1992–2017; N = 20,121), linking genetic, registry and survey data. Probit and ordered probit models estimated associations between ADHD-PGI and sequential socio-economic outcomes: educational attainment, employment, occupational selection, income and economic satisfaction. Results Higher ADHD-PGI was strongly associated with lower educational attainment ( P < 0.001); individuals in the top ADHD-PGI quintile were 9.2% points (pp) less likely to complete higher education than those in the bottom quintile. ADHD-PGI was negatively associated with employment ( P < 0.001; −2.6 pp for top vs. bottom quintile). It predicted lower likelihood of knowledge work and higher likelihood of physical work (both P < 0.001), with effects persisting beyond educational differences. ADHD-PGI was associated with lower equivalent income ( P < 0.005) and remained significant within the higher-education subgroup ( P = 0.006); however, associations were not significant within specific occupational categories, suggesting that income inequalities primarily reflect educational and occupational sorting rather than within-occupation pay gaps. ADHD-PGI was also linked to lower economic satisfaction ( P < 0.001), an association that persisted among males in the lowest income tertile ( P < 0.001), indicating pathways beyond objective income. Conclusion Genetic liability for ADHD is associated with economic disadvantage across multiple domains—lower education, reduced employment, occupational segregation and lower income—as well as less favourable subjective economic evaluations. Considering ADHD-related traits may enhance understanding of socio-economic disparities and workforce inclusion in the general population beyond clinically diagnosed ADHD.