Associations between ADHD and psychoactive substance use disorders. Findings from a longitudinal study of high-risk siblings of ADHD children

Am J Addict. 1997 Fall;6(4):318-29.

Abstract

This article investigates the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and psychoactive substance use disorders (PSUD) in siblings of ADHD and normal-control probands and addresses issues of psychiatric comorbidity and gender. Using DSM-III-R structured diagnostic interviews and blind raters, the authors conducted a 4-year follow-up of siblings. ADHD and male gender predicted higher rates and an earlier onset of PSUD after adjusting for high-risk status, other psychiatric disorders, and age. Risk was particularly high if the siblings had ADHD plus conduct disorder. This study's findings confirms the authors' prior report high-lighting the importance of drug and alcohol prevention and cessation programs aimed at ADHD youth and their siblings, particularly those with comorbid conduct disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / genetics
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / genetics*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / epidemiology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / genetics
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs*
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotropic Drugs*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / genetics*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs
  • Psychotropic Drugs