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

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.