Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Comorbid Substance Use Disorder
Location
CALS
Publication Date
June 2024
Start Date
1-6-2024 9:00 AM
Description
Substance Use Disorders (SUD) are a frequent comorbidity in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and adolescents and adults with SUDs and ADHD are increasingly presenting in clinical practice. A review of the literature was conducted to highlight and update recent evidence on the overlap of ADHD and SUD, the role of ADHD medication on later SUD, and the treatment of ADHD and SUD. Evidence shows that the relationship between ADHD and SUDs is bidirectional: ADHD is associated with an increased risk of developing SUDs later in life and SUDs are associated with a high prevalence of comorbid ADHD. The evidence also shows that those with ADHD have a more complicated course of SUD than those without ADHD, including earlier age of onset, longer course with less SUD remission, and decreased SUD treatment retention rates. Regarding treatment, the data shows that ADHD pharmacotherapy does not increase the risk for SUD and can reduce it. In addition, there is evidence to support ADHD pharmacotherapy in the context of comorbid SUDs, including in both active use and early remission.
Recommended Citation
Georgis,, Kelly DO, MSPH, "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Pharmacotherapy in Patients
with Comorbid Substance Use Disorder" (2024). Dept. of Psychiatry Research Symposium. 5.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/psych_rd/2024/posters/5
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Comorbid Substance Use Disorder
CALS
Substance Use Disorders (SUD) are a frequent comorbidity in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and adolescents and adults with SUDs and ADHD are increasingly presenting in clinical practice. A review of the literature was conducted to highlight and update recent evidence on the overlap of ADHD and SUD, the role of ADHD medication on later SUD, and the treatment of ADHD and SUD. Evidence shows that the relationship between ADHD and SUDs is bidirectional: ADHD is associated with an increased risk of developing SUDs later in life and SUDs are associated with a high prevalence of comorbid ADHD. The evidence also shows that those with ADHD have a more complicated course of SUD than those without ADHD, including earlier age of onset, longer course with less SUD remission, and decreased SUD treatment retention rates. Regarding treatment, the data shows that ADHD pharmacotherapy does not increase the risk for SUD and can reduce it. In addition, there is evidence to support ADHD pharmacotherapy in the context of comorbid SUDs, including in both active use and early remission.