Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the drug and alcohol clinic
Peter Tucker MBBS BSc(Med), FRANZCP,
Corresponding Author
Peter Tucker MBBS BSc(Med), FRANZCP
Director, Adult Treatment Programmes
Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, NSW 2145, Australia.Search for more papers by this authorPeter Tucker MBBS BSc(Med), FRANZCP,
Corresponding Author
Peter Tucker MBBS BSc(Med), FRANZCP
Director, Adult Treatment Programmes
Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, NSW 2145, Australia.Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a disorder generally seen in children but more recently found in many cases to persist to adulthood, has been found to be associated with later development of substance abuse. The author reviews evidence for this, and for the possible mediating role of antisocial behaviour in this association. It is concluded that the latter may have a predominating role, but that in any case there is likely to be a significant number of adults with ADHD in substance-abusing populations. It is doubtful that such individuals are truly self-medicating their psychiatric disorder. Suggestions are made regarding an approach to this problem of dual diagnosis.
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