Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and drug addiction rehabilitation patients

ABSTRACT

Objective

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ADHD and drug dependence.

Methods

The presence and severity of ADHD and substance use were evaluated through questionnaires in 80 adult patients in therapeutic communities.

Results

No difference in drug use or dependence prevalence between ADHD and non-ADHD patients was found. However, ADHD patients had lower ages on admission (p = 0.004) and at first contact with cocaine (p = 0.033). In ADHD patients, there was a negative correlation between the age at first use of cannabis and the subsequent severity of cannabis use (p = 0.017) and cocaine use (p = 0.033).

Conclusions

Though there was no difference in prevalence of drug use among groups, results show that ADHD in patients in therapeutic communities may cause different addiction patterns, such as earlier use of cocaine and admission, and a more severe use of cocaine correlated to earlier contact with cannabis.

RESUMO

Objetivo

O Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) é caracterizado por um padrão de desatenção ou hiperatividade. Este estudo investigou relações entre TDAH e dependência de substância.

Métodos

Prevalência e gravidade de TDAH e de uso de substância foram avaliadas em oitenta pacientes adultos de comunidades terapêuticas.

Resultados

Não houve diferença de prevalência de uso e dependência de substância entre pacientes com e sem TDAH. Pacientes TDAH tiveram menor idade de admissão (p = 0,004) e de primeiro contato com cocaína (p = 0,033). Em pacientes TDAH, houve correlação negativa entre idade de primeiro uso de cannabis e gravidade do uso de cannabis (p = 0,017) e cocaína (p = 0,033).

Conclusões

Mesmo sem haver diferença na prevalência de uso de substância entre os grupos, conclui-se que o TDAH nos pacientes de comunidade terapêutica pode ter induzido padrão diferente da drogadição, como idade precoce de admissão e de uso de cocaína, e uso mais grave de cocaína relacionado a contato precoce com cannabis.

attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity - substance-related disorders - cocaine

transtorno do deficit de atenção com hiperatividade - transtornos relacionados ao uso de substâncias - cocaína

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