ADHD in Adults and Its Relation with Methamphetamine Use: National Data

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and methamphetamine use disorder are common comorbidities. National data regarding methamphetamine use is available per the most recent SAMSHA report. Even though attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and methamphetamine seem to commonly coexist, we do not have national figures which would provide a more comprehensive picture. The purpose of the article is to highlight this comorbidity and discuss some of the possible shared neurobiological and other pertinent overlapping features. Per the 2017 SAMSHA report, among the 8.3 million younger adults (18–24) using illicit drugs, 2.1% have used methamphetamine and 0.5% met the criteria for methamphetamine use disorder. Among the 20.2 million adults in the age group of 25 and older using illicit drugs, 0.5% have used methamphetamine and 0.4% have had a diagnosis of methamphetamine use disorder. ADHD per report is about 2–6 times more common in methamphetamine users than non-users. The risk-taking component in ADHD can fuel methamphetamine use and methamphetamine in return can be used as self-medication for ADHD core symptoms. Both seem intrinsically connected, and we need more data to determine the actual impact of the dual diagnosis which would further beget more research.