title: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among pathological and at-risk gamblers seeking treatment: a hidden disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The links between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders have been the subject of numerous papers. Few studies, however, have focused specifically on the relationship between ADHD and behavioural addictions. The aim of this study was to (i) examine the frequency of pathological and at-risk gamblers having a previous history of ADHD; (ii) give details of the characteristics of this association, and (iii) identify risk factors for a history of ADHD.
  
  
  METHODS
  84 pathological and at-risk gamblers were assessed about socio-demographic, gambling and clinical characteristics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over 25% of the subjects had a history of ADHD. They were characterized as having more severe gambling problems and a higher level of gambling-related cognitions, a higher frequency of psychiatric comorbidities and an elevated risk of suicide. Finally, they differed in their level and type of impulsivity. Among pathological and at-risk gamblers, a high level of impulsivity, or a history of anxiety disorders, constitute risk factors for a comorbidity with ADHD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The association 'ADHD-problem gambling' therefore appears to be not only frequent, but also linked to factors that are known to worsen the prognosis. Researching this relationship is therefore important to adapt strategies for effective future therapy.
authors.affiliation: Reference Centre for Excessive Gambling, Department of Addictology, Nantes, France. marie.bronnec@chu-nantes.fr
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grall-Bronnec
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wainstein
authors.forename: Jennyfer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Augy
authors.forename: Gaëlle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bouju
authors.forename: Fanny
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Feuillet
authors.forename: Jean-Luc
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Vénisse
authors.forename: Véronique
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sébille-Rivain
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D059020:Suicidal Ideation