Do individuals with ADHD self-medicate with cigarettes and substances of abuse? Results from a controlled family study of ADHD.
Studies report increased rates of cigarette and substance use in youths with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), though the mechanism of risk remains unclear. The present study tests the hypothesis that ADHD individuals "self-medicate" with cigarettes and substances of abuse. As part of five- and ten-year case-control longitudinal family studies of ADHD, responses to the Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI) were examined for evidence of self-medication. DUSI data from 90 ADHD probands and 96 control probands were obtained. Thirty-six percent of subjects reported self-medication, 25% used to get high, and 39% had unknown motivation. No significant differences were found between ADHD and controls in motivation. ADHD symptoms did not differ between self-medicators and subjects using to get high. DUSI problem scores were higher in ADHD (versus controls), those using to get high (versus self-medicators), and subjects using alcohol (versus other substances). More than one-third of adolescents and young adults endorsed using cigarettes and substances for self medication. Studies clarifying the role of self-medication in substance use disorders are necessary.
Wilens
Timothy E
TE
Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. twilens@partners.org
Adamson
Joel
J
Sgambati
Stephanie
S
Whitley
Julia
J
Santry
Alison
A
Monuteaux
Michael C
MC
Biederman
Joseph
J
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009294:Narcotics; D009538:Nicotine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012651:Self Medication; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*
D009294:Narcotics; D009538:Nicotine