Patterns of Drug Use in Carriers of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological syndrome that begins to manifest at an early age. It extends into adolescence and reaches adulthood, although the clinical manifestations change over time. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this neurobiological disorder is more common among children. In the school–age population, its estimated frequency is between 5 % and 12 %. Recent studies suggest that ADHD can persist into adulthood at a frequency of 10 to 60 %. Children with this disorder exhibit early symptoms of inappropriate hyperactivity, inattention, low academic performance, and impulsive behavior as well as increased risk of delinquency, substance abuse, and accidents. Disruptive behaviors are the main reasons for seeking treatment, but associations with other psychopathologies are frequent, such as conduct disorder, mood disorders, and substance use disorders (SUD). There is considerable knowledge that supports the idea that ADHD is a familial disorder associated with differences in the structure, metabolism, and processing of the central nervous system. Several studies have directly correlated ADHD with substance abuse during childhood, adolescence, and throughout adult life. Children with ADHD monitored during the transition to adolescence exhibited higher use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs compared with non-carriers of ADHD.