Psychoactive substance use in patients diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an exploratory study
Gniewko Więckiewicz, Iga Stokłosa, Maciej Stokłosa, Włodzimierz Więckiewicz, Piotr Gorczyca, Tomasz Gondek
Frontiers in Psychiatry July 11, 2023 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1184023 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 438 |
| Population | Adults diagnosed with ADHD |
| Intervention | psychostimulants |
| Topics | MDMA Addiction |
| Keywords | Psychoactive substance Methylphenidate Stimulant Amphetamine Population Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | People with ADHD frequently use psychoactive substances, and treatment with psychostimulants reduces hyperactivity symptoms, particularly in male patients. |
Abstract
Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was originally treated as a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs mainly in children and tends to diminish or disappear with age, but we now know that symptoms persist into adulthood in over 50% of ADHD patients. Undiagnosed individuals often turn to psychoactive substance to minimize the negative aspects of functioning and improve quality of life.
Methods: The study was conducted online using random sampling through a Facebook group administered by physicians and targeted to patients diagnosed with ADHD. The study was naturalistic and exploratory, therefore no hypothesis was made. 438 correctly completed questionnaires were received. Analysis of the results showed that people with ADHD turn to psychoactive substances relatively frequently.
Results: The most commonly used stimulants include alcohol, marijuana, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), amphetamine/methamphetamine, and psilocybin. In the study population, methylphenidate is the most commonly used drug among patients. After treatment with psychostimulants, the majority of respondents note a decrease in symptoms of hyperactivity disorder, especially in male patients.
Conclusion: It is necessary to perform proper diagnostics and actively look for ADHD symptoms in patients who tend to use psychoactive substances.