ADHD in Substance Use Disorders : Prevalence and Pharmacotherapy

Substance use disorders (SUD) and Attention deficit /hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are persistent and prevailing disorders that conjointly are associated with negative lifeevents and mental distress. The overall aim of this thesis was to examine the rate of ADHD in substance using populations and to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of methylphenidate pharmacotherapy for treatment of co-existing ADHD and SUD. The prevalence of ADHD was investigated in Studies I and II, which were cross-sectional investigations including two stages: screening and assessment. Study I included seven countries; France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Study II comprised incarcerated women in Swedish prisons. An initial screening was completed with WHO’s Adult ADHD Self-Rating Scale (ASRS). The assessment included Conners’ Adult ADHD interview for DSM-IV (CAADID) as a ‘gold standard’ for ADHD diagnosis. For differential diagnostics, the MINI Plus interview was used for mood disorders, antisocial personality disorder (ASP) and SUD, and SCID-II was used to assess borderline personality disorder (BPD). The results show that compared to the general population, the rate of ADHD is higher both in treatment-seeking substance users and in female prisoners (Study I and II). Studies III and IV were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with parallel groups design investigating the safety and efficacy of methylphenidate (MPH) for treatment of ADHD in amphetamine dependent patients. Study III was a 12-week trial investigating 18-72mg/day MPH in treatment-seeking outpatients (men and women) with change in ADHD symptoms as the primary outcome measure. Study IV was a 24-week trial investigating 18-180 mg/day MPH in men recruited from medium security prisons. The participants started treatment within two weeks before release from prison and continued treatment in an outpatient clinic. The primary outcome measure in Study IV was relapse to illicit drug use. Results from Study III show that both treatment groups significantly improved their ADHD symptoms, but there were no significant differences between the groups in either ADHD or substance use outcome measures. In study IV, compared to placebo treatment, MPH treatment resulted in significantly more negative urine samples, improvement in ADHD symptoms, and better retention in treatment. Collectively, the findings from the epidemiological studies suggest that a significant number of individuals with SUD are also afflicted with ADHD. It is important that more attention is given to adult ADHD in addiction treatment centres and in criminal justice systems in order to address the clinical needs of this population. The results from the present clinical trials suggest that MPH given in structured settings may be safe to use in currently abstinent amphetamine dependent individuals with ADHD. A flexible dose range with a higher maximum dose improved ADHD symptoms, clinical condition and retention in treatment, and reduced the risk for relapse to illicit drug use in long-term drug dependent individuals

Persistence and Subtype Stability of ADHD Among Substance Use Disorder Treatment Seekers

OBJECTIVE: To examine ADHD symptom persistence and subtype stability among substance use disorder (SUD) treatment seekers. METHOD: In all, 1,276 adult SUD treatment seekers were assessed for childhood and adult ADHD using Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV; CAADID). A total of 290 (22.7%) participants met CAADID criteria for childhood ADHD and comprise the current study sample. RESULTS: Childhood ADHD persisted into adulthood in 72.8% (n = 211) of cases. ADHD persistence was significantly associated with a family history of ADHD, and the presence of conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder. The combined subtype was the most stable into adulthood (78.6%) and this stability was significantly associated with conduct disorder and past treatment of ADHD. CONCLUSION: ADHD is highly prevalent and persistent among SUD treatment seekers and is associated with the more severe phenotype that is also less likely to remit. Routine screening and follow-up assessment for ADHD is indicated to enhance treatment management and outcomes

The clinical course of comorbid substance use disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: protocol and clinical characteristics of the INCAS study

Abstract Background: Substance use disorders (SUD) often co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although the short-term effects of some specific interventions have been investigated in randomized clinical trials, little is known about the long-term clinical course of treatment-seeking SUD patients with comorbid ADHD. Aims: This paper presents the protocol and baseline clinical characteristics of the International Naturalistic Cohort Study of ADHD and SUD (INCAS) designed and conducted by the International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse (ICASA) foundation. The overall aim of INCAS is to investigate the treatment modalities provided to treatment-seeking SUD patients with comorbid ADHD, and to describe the clinical course and identify predictors for treatment outcomes. This ongoing study employs a multicentre observational prospective cohort design. Treatment-seeking adult SUD patients with comorbid ADHD are recruited, at 12 study sites in nine different countries. During the follow-up period of nine months, data is collected through patient files, interviews, and self-rating scales, targeting a broad range of cognitive and clinical symptom domains, at baseline, four weeks, three months and nine months. Results: A clinically representative sample of 578 patients (137 females, 441 males) was enrolled during the recruitment period (June 2017-May 2021). At baseline, the sample had a mean age (SD) of 36.7 years (11.0); 47.5% were inpatients and 52.5% outpatients; The most prevalent SUDs were with alcohol 54.2%, stimulants 43.6%, cannabis 33.1%, Abstract Background: Substance use disorders (SUD) often co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although the short-term effects of some specific interventions have been investigated in randomized clinical trials, little is known about the long-term clinical course of treatment-seeking SUD patients with comorbid ADHD. Aims: This paper presents the protocol and baseline clinical characteristics of the International Naturalistic Cohort Study of ADHD and SUD (INCAS) designed and conducted by the International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse (ICASA) foundation. The overall aim of INCAS is to investigate the treatment modalities provided to treatment-seeking SUD patients with comorbid ADHD, and to describe the clinical course and identify predictors for treatment outcomes. This ongoing study employs a multicentre observational prospective cohort design. Treatment-seeking adult SUD patients with comorbid ADHD are recruited, at 12 study sites in nine different countries. During the follow-up period of nine months, data is collected through patient files, interviews, and self-rating scales, targeting a broad range of cognitive and clinical symptom domains, at baseline, four weeks, three months and nine months. Results: A clinically representative sample of 578 patients (137 females, 441 males) was enrolled during the recruitment period (June 2017-May 2021). At baseline, the sample had a mean age (SD) of 36.7 years (11.0); 47.5% were inpatients and 52.5% outpatients; The most prevalent SUDs were with alcohol 54.2%, stimulants 43.6%, cannabis 33.1%, and opioids 14.5%. Patients reported previous treatments for SUD in 71.1% and for ADHD in 56.9%. Other comorbid mental disorders were present in 61.4% of the sample: major depression 31.5%, post-traumatic stress disorder 12.1%, borderline personality disorder 10.2%. Conclusions: The first baseline results of this international cohort study speak to its feasibility. Data show that many SUD patients with comorbid ADHD had never received treatment for their ADHD prior to enrolment in the study. Future reports on this study will identify the course and potential predictors for successful pharmaceutical and psychological treatment outcomes

Impulsive choice in individuals with comorbid amphetamine use disorder and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder

Abstract Background Amphetamine use disorder (AMPH) and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often co-occur and are associated with poor treatment outcomes. Elevated impulsivity is a core feature in both disorders. Little is known however about the specific neurocognitive profile regarding different facets of impulsivity, and specifically impulsive choice, in comorbid populations. Methods Three groups (ADHD + AMPH, ADHD only and healthy controls (HC)) were assessed with self-reported impulsivity and cognitive tasks of impulsive choice, operationalized as delay aversion (DA) and reflection impulsivity. Results Twenty-nine participants with comorbid ADHD + AMPH, 25 participants with ADHD only and 116 HC completed screening, including self-rating scales, and cognitive testing. 20, 16 and 114 participants completed computerized cognitive tasks in the ADHD + AMPH group, ADHD group and HC group, respectively. The ADHD + AMPH group reported significantly higher motor, attentional and non-planning impulsiveness, and showed a significantly higher degree of impulsive choice, compared to both groups. There were no differences in task-related impulsiveness between ADHD only and HC. Conclusions The current findings suggest that individuals with ADHD + AMPH have overall elevated levels of impulsivity compared to individuals with ADHD only. In addition, that ADHD + AMPH is specifically associated with impairments in task-related impulsive choice, which was not found in ADHD only compared to HC. The neurocognitive profile in this specific patient group may represent a need for more systematic screening within healthcare settings in order to develop effective and targeted treatment for comorbid patients. Trial registration EudraCT, 2012–004298-20

Methylphenidate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and drug relapse in criminal offenders with substance dependence : a 24-week randomized placebo-controlled trial.

AIM: To test the efficacy and safety of osmotic release oral system (OROS) methylphenidate (MPH) in doses up to 180 mg/day to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and prevent any drug relapse in individuals with a co-diagnosis of ADHD and amphetamine dependence. DESIGN: Randomized placebo-controlled 24-week double-blind trial with parallel groups design. SETTING: Participants were recruited from medium security prisons in Sweden. The medication started within 2 weeks before release from prison and continued in out-patient care with twice-weekly visits, including once-weekly cognitive behavioural therapy. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-four men with a mean age of 42 years, currently incarcerated, meeting DSM-IV criteria for ADHD and amphetamine dependence. MEASUREMENTS: Change in self-reported ADHD symptoms, relapse to any drug use (amphetamine and other drugs) measured by urine toxicology, retention to treatment, craving and time to relapse. FINDINGS: The MPH-treated group reduced their ADHD symptoms during the trial (P = 0.011) and had a significantly higher proportion of drug-negative urines compared with the placebo group (P = 0.047), including more amphetamine-negative urines (P = 0.019) and better retention to treatment (P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Methylphenidate treatment reduces attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and the risk for relapse to substance use in criminal offenders with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and substance dependence

International consensus statement on screening, diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder patients with comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Contains fulltext : 191273.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)Adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often co-occurs with substance use disorders (SUD) and is associated with early onset and more severe development of SUD and with reduced treatment effectiveness. Screening tools allow for a good recognition of possible ADHD in adults with SUD and should be used routinely, followed by an ADHD diagnostic process initiated as soon as possible. Simultaneous and integrated treatment of ADHD and SUD, using a combination of pharmaco- and psychotherapy, is recommended. Long-acting methylphenidate, extended-release amphetamines, and atomoxetine with up-titration to higher dosages may be considered in patients unresponsive to standard doses. This paper includes evidence- and consensus-based recommendations developed to provide guidance in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients with ADHD-SUD comorbidity.9 p

Onset and Severity of Early Disruptive Behavioral Disorders in Treatment-Seeking Substance Use Disorder Patients with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

This study addressed the age of onset of conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in treatment-seeking substance use disorder (SUD) patients with and without adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its association with early onset of SUD. Methods: We examined data from the 2nd International ADHD in Substance Use Disorders Prevalence Study, including 400 adults in SUD treatment from Puerto Rico, Hungary, and Australia. ADHD, SUD, and CD/ODD were assessed with the Conners Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV, the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and the K-SADS, respectively. Cox regression analyses modeled time to emergence of CD/ODD separately for SUD patients with and without adult ADHD. Linear regression models examined associations between age of onset of SUD and presence of ADHD and adjusted for sex, age, and country. To assess the mediating role of CD/ODD on the association of ADHD with onset of SUD, adjusted regression models were estimated. Results: Treatment-seeking SUD patients with ADHD presented an earlier onset of CD/ODD compared with those without ADHD. CD/ODD symptom loads were higher among the SUD and ADHD group. Age of first substance use and SUD were significantly earlier in SUD patients with ADHD, and these findings remained significant after adjustment for demographics and coexisting CD/ODD. Conclusions: ADHD is associated with earlier onset of SUD as well as with an earlier onset of more frequent and more severe disruptive behavioral disorders. These findings may inform preventive interventions to mitigate adverse consequences of ADHD