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FrancoAngeli Journals

Saggi, Studi e Ricerche

No. 53 (2020)

Substance Use and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A particular comorbidity.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/mis53-2020oa9196
Submitted
febbraio 12, 2020
Published
2020-05-21

Abstract

Psychiatric comorbidities are frequently found in patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Although in the literature Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent comorbidities with SUD, it appears poorly diagnosed in the clinical settings. Various researches show that about a third of patients with ADHD also suffer from an Addiction Disorder.

In addressing subjects affected by this comorbidity, it is important to underline the relevance of the clinical assessment in order to identify symptoms that frequently appear similar and which make treatment more complex. An accurate assessment must consider the influence of the substance use on cognitive functions. This effect influences the course of ADHD worsening the retention rate and the outcome.

The treatment of this comorbidity requires multiple therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological, psychological and socio-educational interventions. Pharmacological therapies and the risks of their misuse has to be particularly considered. Thus, to provide an effective treatment it is necessary to build a highly integrated setting in which specific interventions are delivered simultaneously.

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