Publication
Title
Diagnosis and treatment of patients with comorbid substance use disorder and adult attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder: a review of recent publications
Author
Abstract
Purpose of review Attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often presents with comorbid substance use disorders (SUD). Due to similarities in key symptoms of both disorders and suboptimal efficacy of the available treatments, clinicians are faced with difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients with both disorders. This review addresses recent publications between 2017 and 2019 on the etiology, prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring ADHD and SUD. Recent findings ADHD is diagnosed in 15-20% of SUD patients, mostly as ADHD with combined (hyperactive/inattentive) presentation. Even during active substance use, screening with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is useful to address whether further diagnostic evaluation is needed. After SUD treatment, the diagnosis of ADHD generally remains stable, but ADHD subtype presentations are not. Some evidence supports pharmacological treatment with long-acting stimulants in higher than usual dosages. Studies on psychological treatment remain scarce, but there are some promising findings on integrated cognitive behaviour therapy. Summary Diagnosis and treatment of patients with comorbid ADHD and SUD remain challenging. As ADHD presentations can change during active treatment, an active follow-up is warranted to provide treatment to the individuals' personal strengths and weaknesses.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Current opinion in psychiatry. - London
Publication
Philadelphia : Lippincott williams & wilkins , 2019
ISSN
0951-7367
DOI
10.1097/YCO.0000000000000513
Volume/pages
32 :4 (2019) , p. 300-306
ISI
000480678400007
Pubmed ID
31008730
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 10.09.2019
Last edited 02.01.2025
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