Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Monday, March 17, 2008

ADHD and Co-Occuring Substance Use Disorders: New Clinical Insights and Emerging Therapies


Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—a disorder of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—affects anywhere from 3% to 5% of all children in the United States. The course of the disorder is often chronic, and at least half of those affected will have prominent symptoms and impairment spanning into adulthood. In addition to learning dysfunction, ADHD is associated with psychiatric comorbidity—anxiety, mood disorders (eg, unipolar and bipolar depression), disruptive disorders (eg, oppositional and conduct disorders), and substance use disorders (SUDs). Studies have shown that young adults with ADHD are significantly more likely to have SUDs (eg, alcohol, drug, nicotine dependence) than their peers without ADHD.

Recent genetic and imaging studies, neuropsychologic data, and neurochemical findings support the biologic underpinningof ADHD. Despite the burden ADHD represents, it is a treatable disorder. Medication (eg, stimulants, antidepressants, antihypertensives) and psychotherapy are key to the management of ADHD across the lifespan. Because of the overlap between
ADHD and SUDs, appropriate treatment of ADHD is important to help reduce the risk for future SUDs.

This newsletter will provide an overview of the latest research on ADHD and co-occurring SUD. It will review factors that contribute to an increased risk of SUD in ADHD individuals. Treatment of comorbid individuals requires management of both ADHD and SUD, and this newsletter will review new approaches in ADHD pharmacotherapy and their implications for effectively treating individuals with ADHD and co-occurring SUD.

Downlod Monograph (PDF)

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