Prospective relationships of ADHD symptoms with developing substance use in a population-derived sample
E Sihvola1, R J Rose, D M Dick
1Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Finland. elina.sihvola@helsinki.fi
Psychological Medicine
|July 8, 2011
Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in girls predict substance use problems more than in boys. Early ADHD assessment is crucial for adolescent girls to prevent future substance use issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Adolescent psychology
- Substance use research
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may present differently in boys and girls regarding substance use vulnerability.
- Existing clinical reports suggest potential sex-based differences in ADHD's impact on substance use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-specific differences in the predictive relationship between childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and adolescent substance use.
- To determine if ADHD symptoms predict alcohol abuse, dependence, and illicit drug use differently in males and females.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of 1545 Finnish adolescents assessed for DSM-IV ADHD symptoms at ages 11-12.
- Substance use disorders and psychiatric comorbidities were diagnosed at age 14 using the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism.
- Substance use patterns were reassessed at age 17.5 via a multi-item questionnaire.
Main Results:
- While less common in females, ADHD symptoms were stronger predictors of substance use outcomes in girls after controlling for conduct disorder and prior use.
- Childhood ADHD symptoms predicted alcohol abuse/dependence and illicit drug use at age 14 exclusively in females.
- Parental reports of inattentiveness and hyperactivity at age 11-12 predicted frequent alcohol use in both sexes by age 17.5, but more strongly in girls for alcohol and illicit drugs.
- Teacher-rated impulsivity predicted frequent alcohol and illicit drug use in boys.
- Parental reports of inattentiveness in young girls consistently predicted illicit drug use throughout adolescence.
Conclusions:
- Inattentiveness and hyperactivity symptoms may be more significant predictors of alcohol use disorders and problematic substance use in adolescent girls compared to boys.
- These behavioral symptoms warrant further community assessment due to their potential to hinder adolescents' transition to adult roles.
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