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

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.

Automated summary

This study found that the risk of substance-related problems in adolescent ADHD patients is mainly linked to co-existing conduct problems, while patients with ADHD alone have a similar risk to adolescents in the general population with mild conduct problem symptoms. Girls with ADHD and high conduct problems are slightly more at risk for substance-related problems compared to boys.