Associations Linking ADHD Traits and Psychopatological Symptoms: The Contribution of Interoceptive Awareness and Dispositional Mindfulness

Objectives: In the present study, we adopted a trait-based approach to neurodivergence to test a model conceptualizing different patterns of associations through which ADHD traits relate to anxiety and depressive symptoms by considering interoceptive processing and dispositional mindfulness as potential contributing factors. Of note, we kept inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD traits separate, as these two core domains may differentially relate to psychopathological symptoms. Method: In a cross-sectional study on neurotypical young adults (n = 213), path analysis was used to test the direct and indirect relationships between ADHD traits and anxiety and depressive symptoms, examining the possible involvement of interoceptive awareness and dispositional mindfulness in these associations. Results: Considering inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity traits separately, the analysis identified three associations linking ADHD traits to anxiety and depressive symptoms. One association was shared between the two ADHD traits, whereas two other associations were specifically related to hyperactive/impulsive traits. Conclusions: Our results underscore the potential of a trait-based approach that incorporates interoception and mindfulness to better understand the relationships between ADHD and psychopathology. Preregistration: This study is not preregistered.