Substance-Related Problems in Adolescents with ADHD-Diagnoses: The Importance of Self-Reported Conduct Problems

J Atten Disord. 2022 Dec;26(14):1857-1869. doi: 10.1177/10870547221105063. Epub 2022 Jun 25.

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a known risk factor for substance-related problems (SRP) during adolescence, but the nature of this relationship and the importance of co-occurring conduct problems are not fully understood.

Methods: Data stem from a linked dataset between a large population-based survey conducted in 2012 of Norwegian adolescents aged 16 to 19, and registry-based data from specialized child and adolescent mental health services (n = 9,411).

Results: Adolescents with "ADHD + high conduct problems" had increased risk of SRP (odds ratios = 2.37-10.14). Adolescents with "ADHD only" had very similar risk of SRP as adolescents from the general population with low symptoms of conduct problems. Relative to boys, girls with "ADHD + high conduct problems" appeared to have somewhat higher risk for SRP.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that the risk for SRP among adolescent with ADHD is largely driven by co-existing conduct problems.

Keywords: ADHD; adolescence; child and adolescent mental health services; conduct problems; substance-related problems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / psychology
  • Child
  • Comorbidity
  • Conduct Disorder* / diagnosis
  • Conduct Disorder* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Problem Behavior*
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Report
  • Substance-Related Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Substance-Related Disorders* / epidemiology