Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Confounds Nicotine Withdrawal Self‐Report in Adolescent Smokers

Abstract

Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely than those without ADHD to initiate smoking and develop nicotine dependence. Recent research indicates that adults with ADHD experience more severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms than those without ADHD. However, little is known about nicotine withdrawal in adolescent smokers with history of ADHD. Among a sample of 134 nicotine-dependent adolescents entering a smoking cessation research study, participants completed the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) and lifetime diagnostic assessment for ADHD during the baseline visit. Responses on individual items and MNWS total score were compared between participants with and without history of ADHD. In addition, correlations between MNWS responses and current ADHD symptoms were investigated among participants with history of ADHD. Forty-eight participants (36%) met lifetime ADHD criteria. Adolescent smokers with history of ADHD scored significantly higher on MNWS than those without history of ADHD. Among participants with history of ADHD, responses on the MNWS difficulty concentrating, restlessness/impatience, and anxiety/nervousness items each correlated positively with several current ADHD symptoms. Treatment-seeking adolescent smokers with history of ADHD are more likely to endorse nicotine withdrawal symptoms than those without history of ADHD. However, it does not appear that the symptoms reported in this sample represent a valid "withdrawal syndrome," particularly because these smokers had not yet formally attempted to quit. Rather, the data likely reflect common features between ADHD and nicotine withdrawal. Smoking research, particularly among adolescents in whom ADHD is so common, should carefully consider the complex issue of comorbid ADHD and nicotine dependence.