Abstract
The present study aimed to explore the relationship between Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mental health, and mental health service utilization. Further, the disparities between biological sex and these factors were explored. Among a sample of 4,982 adolescents and young adults (age M = 17.4 years, SD = 2.25, range = 13-22 years) living in the U.S., significant differences were found in both mental health outcomes and mental health service use between those with and without an ADHD diagnosis. Moreover, sex differences among those with ADHD were also found for both mental health and service utilization. The interaction between an ADHD diagnosis, sex and service use was found to have a significant impact on mental health outcomes. An ADHD diagnosis was shown to correlate with worse mental health symptomatology, as well as less mental health service use. The overall interaction between an ADHD diagnosis, birth sex and mental health service utilization on mental health symptoms is significant. Implications of these findings are discussed.