Author(s): Lucia Romo, Laurence Kern, Stéphanie Mille and Caroline Dubertret
High rates of childhood ADHD has been found among substance users, revealing an important role of ADHD in addictive disorders. Compared to non-hyperactive, people with ADHD reported higher rates of co-accuracy with substance use. ADHD appears to be a risk factor for developing a consummation of one of these substances and complicates even access to the abstinence. The present study examines the prevalence of ADHD in adult patients with addictive problems (alcoholism, tobacco consumption, pathological gambling and compulsive buying). The authors compared 117 patients with and without ADHD, according to evaluations made with the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and the Adult Deficit Disorders Scale.
Various differences were observed between the group with ADHD and that without ADHD. The percentage of adults with positive scores in scales of ADHD in the sample group was 35%, compared to average 3.4% in the general population. Different trends were observed, in accord to literature, the age at beginning of addictive behaviours are more earlier in ADHD group, and the cigarette consummation are as well elevated in ADHD group.
Beside the use of psychoactive substances (cocaine, heroin and cannabis) are more elevated, as well as cognitive and motor impulsivity (Barratt Impulsivity Scale BIS-10) in the ADHD group. These data show the value of early detection of ADHD in order to prevent complications during adolescence and adulthood.
