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Does stimulant treatment lead to substance use disorders?
Stephen V Faraone1, Timothy Wilens
1Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114-3139, USA. sfaraone@hms.harvard.edu
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|October 8, 2003
Summary
Stimulant treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) does not increase substance use disorder risk. In fact, ADHD medication is protective, reducing the risk by 50% in adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a significant public health concern.
- The relationship between ADHD treatment and SUD risk requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between stimulant treatment for ADHD and the risk of developing SUDs.
- To synthesize existing evidence through a meta-analysis and incorporate new data.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 6 previously published studies was conducted.
- Preliminary data from a seventh study were added to the analysis.
- Statistical synthesis of findings from all 7 studies.
Main Results:
- Exposure to stimulant therapy for ADHD was not found to increase SUD risk.
- Stimulant treatment demonstrated a protective effect against SUD development.
- ADHD stimulant therapy reduced SUD risk by approximately 50% in the studied youth.
Conclusions:
- Stimulant treatment for ADHD is associated with a reduced risk of developing substance use disorders.
- Treatment normalizes SUD risk in ADHD youth to general population levels.
- Findings have significant clinical and public health implications for managing ADHD.