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A rare case of dependence on pemoline
1Klinik für Suchtmedizin und Abhängiges Verhalten, Rheinische Kliniken Essen, Universität Duisburg/Essen, Virchowstr. 174, D-45147 Essen, Germany. udo.bonnet@uni-due.de
Summary
This case study highlights a patient with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who developed dependence on pemoline. The findings suggest a history of stimulant abuse increases the risk of developing psychostimulant dependence during ADHD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Pharmacological treatments for ADHD often involve CNS stimulants.
- Pemoline, a dopaminergic CNS-stimulant, has been used for ADHD treatment.
Observation:
- A case of a patient dependent on pemoline for adult ADHD is reported.
- The patient exhibited mental and physical symptoms meeting criteria for psychostimulant dependence.
- These symptoms included craving, loss of control, tolerance, and withdrawal.
Findings:
- The dependence was not solely attributed to pemoline.
- The patient had a history of adolescent amphetamine abuse.
- This suggests a predisposition to stimulant dependence.
Implications:
- Treatment of ADHD with CNS stimulants carries a risk of dependence.
- A history of stimulant abuse significantly elevates this risk.
- Clinicians should carefully screen for substance abuse history in ADHD patients.
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