Substance use disorder in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms vary significantly through adolescence. Adolescents with ADHD face a heightened risk of developing substance use disorder, with this progression occurring more rapidly than in the general population. Both substance use disorder and mental health disorders pose significant public health challenges, especially when they co-occur. Aim The study aims to highlight potential distinctions between the two groups, adolescents with ADHD without substance use disorder and adolescents with ADHD with substance use disorder, this aims to contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between ADHD and substance use disorder in adolescents. Patients and methods A total of 30 adolescents diagnosed with ADHD aged from 13 to 21 years who attended the outpatient clinic of the child and adolescent psychiatry unit at Neuropsychiatry Department, Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery Center in Tanta University Hospitals. All participants were subjected to the following: history taking, general and neurological examination, Socioeconomic status scale, The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test 5th edition, A urine screening for substances of abuse (for the group with substance use), Addiction Severity Index 5th edition (for the group with substance use) and Conners’ Parent Rating Scale. Results and conclusions Adolescents with ADHD and comorbid substance use disorder were predominantly males older than 17 years old, with no significant difference in terms of residence and intelligence quotient. Social status and family history were the most dimensions affected, severe types of ADHD and poly substance abuse especially cannabinoids were key features in adolescents.