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Early developmental, temperamental and educational problems in 'substance use disorder' patients with and without
Arvid Skutle1, Eli Torild Hellandsjø Bu1, Finn Konow Jellestad2
1Bergen Clinics Foundation, Bergen, Norway.
Addictive Behaviors Reports
|March 14, 2018
Summary
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is common in substance use disorder (SUD) patients, who often experience developmental and educational issues. Early ADHD identification and intervention are crucial for this comorbid population.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Addiction psychiatry
- Public health
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is highly prevalent in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).
- Understanding the early developmental, temperamental, and educational profiles of comorbid ADHD and SUD is critical.
- Investigating the history of early ADHD diagnosis and treatment, as well as potential self-medication patterns, is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare early developmental, temperamental, and educational problems in SUD patients with and without ADHD.
- To assess the extent of early ADHD diagnosis and treatment in comorbid SUD patients.
- To explore the association between ADHD and specific substance of abuse in SUD patients.
Main Methods:
- An international, multi-center cross-sectional study involving 1205 patients undergoing SUD treatment across seven European countries.
- Participants were interviewed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus and the Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV.
- Data analysis compared SUD patients with ADHD (n=196) to those without ADHD (n=1009).
Main Results:
- SUD patients with ADHD exhibited significantly slower infant development, greater temperamental control issues, and lower educational attainment compared to those without ADHD.
- A small proportion (12%) of individuals with comorbid ADHD and SUD received a diagnosis and treatment during childhood or adolescence.
- ADHD in SUD patients was associated with a higher likelihood of primary abuse of central stimulants or cannabis, unlike alcohol as the primary substance in non-ADHD SUD patients.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of ADHD in SUD patients is paramount.
- Targeted interventions within health, school, and addiction systems are necessary for effective management.
- Addressing comorbid ADHD can improve outcomes for individuals with substance use disorder.