Prescribing Trends in Adult ADHD and Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

Illicit substance use overlapping with mental illness has always been a huge clinical concern. The same extends true for ADHD and substance use overlap as both these conditions alone and together can negatively affect the individual’s quality of life. It is important to understand and identify any potential gaps in-regards to the need vs receiving the treatment for these co-occurring disorders. The data was collected from Board certified, USA based adult psychiatrist. No recent data available that studies the prescribing trends among physicians who treat adult ADHD and substance use disorders. It is important to consider risk factors that may lead for ADHD individuals to use more substances. An important clinical concern is ADHD and substance use overlap decreases the life span by increasing mortality. It is crucial to treat both these conditions by using evidence-based practice norms. We highlight the factors that lead to clinical decision making while treating adult ADHD and co-occurring substance use disorders. Treating these individuals is often times challenging; many times, they are facing challenges in several domains of their lives such as homelessness, no medical care, financial constraints, no social support, unplanned pregnancies, and domestic violence/staying in an abusive relationship, to name a few.