EPA-0421 – Stimulant Abuse in Patients with Comorbid Adult Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder “ADHD” and Substance Use Disorders “SUD”

Abstract

Introduction:

Comorbidity is common among adults with ADHD, including substance abuse. Researchers have undertaken studies on the role of self medication in symptom control in adults with ADHD. Individuals with ADHD may use specific drugs, such as cocaine, that act in a manner similar to prescribed ADHD medications to lessen symptoms.

Objectives:

Assessment of rate of abuse of stimulants among patients with comorbid ADHD and other SUD.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence rate of stimulant use among patients with comorbid ADHD and SUD and to compare it with patients diagnosed with SUD only.

Methods:

This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in addiction treatment center at El Maamoura psychiatric hospital. One hundred and two adult males were assessed using Arabic version of Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) for retrospective assessment of symptoms of childhood ADHD. Arabic version of Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist was used to screen for adult ADHD. DSM IV TR criteria were used for final diagnosis. Type of drug of abuse was determined using Urine screen and semi-structred questionnaire.

Results:

Thirty six patients out of the 102 patients screened positive for Adult ADHD (35.3%). Four patients of the ADHD group were abusing cocaine (11.1%) while non of the non ADHD group used cocaine (FEp = 0.014).

Conclusions:

Patients with adult ADHD have significant higher rates of abuse of cocaine in comparison to patients with SUD only.