Half of Young Adults With ADHD Report Lifetime Substance Use Disorder

(Psych Congress Network, September 1) According to a new study, about 50% of young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) say they had a substance use disorder at some point in their lives. 

Researchers looked at data from people between 20 and 39 from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health. 

“These results emphasize the importance of addressing depression and anxiety when providing care to those with co-occurring ADHD and substance use disorder,” Esme Fuller-Thomson, PhD, a professor at University of Toronto and the study’s lead author said. “Individuals with untreated depression and anxiety may self-medicate to manage the symptoms of an untreated psychiatric disorder, which can result in greater substance use.” Read more.