Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Military Contexts with regard to Psychosocial and Occupational Outcomes: A Scoping Review
- 1University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- 2Irish Defence Forces, Dublin, Ireland
Abstract
Introduction:: ADHD is typically characterised by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, often persisting into adulthood and influencing occupational performance, social interactions, and mental well-being. This scoping review and narrative synthesis aims to address a critical knowledge gap by systematically mapping the existing research on ADHD in military contexts with regard to psychosocial and occupational outcomes. As such, the aims of this study were (a) to aggregate findings regarding ADHD and psychosocial and occupational outcomes of military personnel and (b) to critically review and provide an account of the methodological quality of these studies.
Methods:: A systematic search across four electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL) detected and retrieved 1,956 studies. After removal of duplicates, 1,263 titles and abstracts were screened. Following this, 106 articles progressed to full text review, and a total of 51 studies were included in the current scoping review and narrative synthesis.
Results:: The review indicated that ADHD is strongly associated with comorbid conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use disorders, though the extent to which these outcomes are attributable to ADHD versus broader environmental factors remains debated. Occupational functioning outcomes are similarly complex, with some studies reporting challenges in training, career progression, and retention, while others highlight the adaptability and strengths of personnel with ADHD when adequately supported.
Conclusions:: While ADHD presents both occupational and psychosocial challenges for military personnel, existing research primarily focuses on impairment rather than adaptation or strengths. Future studies should adopt a more holistic approach, incorporating neuroaffirmative principles, environmental factors, and individual variability with a view to informing current practices.
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BibTeX
@article{bateman2026attention,
title = {{Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Military Contexts with regard to Psychosocial and Occupational Outcomes: A Scoping Review}},
author = {Lorna Bateman and Jessica Bramham and Mary Keating and Fionnbar Lenihan},
journal = {Journal of Attention Disorders},
year = {2026},
month = may,
doi = {10.1177/10870547261439441},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547261439441},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Military Contexts with regard to Psychosocial and Occupational Outcomes: A Scoping Review
AU - Lorna Bateman
AU - Jessica Bramham
AU - Mary Keating
AU - Fionnbar Lenihan
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/05/30
JO - Journal of Attention Disorders
DO - 10.1177/10870547261439441
UR - https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547261439441
AB - Introduction:: ADHD is typically characterised by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, often persisting into adulthood and influencing occupational performance, social interactions, and mental well-being. This scoping review and narrative synthesis aims to address a critical knowledge gap by systematically mapping the existing research on ADHD in military contexts with regard to psychosocial and occupational outcomes. As such, the aims of this study were (a) to aggregate findings regarding ADHD and psychosocial and occupational outcomes of military personnel and (b) to critically review and provide an account of the methodological quality of these studies. Methods:: A systematic search across four electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL) detected and retrieved 1,956 studies. After removal of duplicates, 1,263 titles and abstracts were screened. Following this, 106 articles progressed to full text review, and a total of 51 studies were included in the current scoping review and narrative synthesis. Results:: The review indicated that ADHD is strongly associated with comorbid conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use disorders, though the extent to which these outcomes are attributable to ADHD versus broader environmental factors remains debated. Occupational functioning outcomes are similarly complex, with some studies reporting challenges in training, career progression, and retention, while others highlight the adaptability and strengths of personnel with ADHD when adequately supported. Conclusions:: While ADHD presents both occupational and psychosocial challenges for military personnel, existing research primarily focuses on impairment rather than adaptation or strengths. Future studies should adopt a more holistic approach, incorporating neuroaffirmative principles, environmental factors, and individual variability with a view to informing current practices.
SN - 1087-0547
SN - 1557-1246
ER -