Telangana Journal of Psychiatry (Jan 2021)

Prevalence and profile of adult attention deficit hyperactive disorder in alcohol use disorder: An explorative study

  • Naveen Kumar Dhagudu,
  • Mayurnath Reddy,
  • Omesh Kumar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/tjp.tjp_43_21
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 2
pp. 94 – 100

Abstract

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Objectives: To assess the prevalence of adult attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in alcohol use disorder. To explore the attitude towards treatment of ADHD comorbidity among the people with alcohol use disorders. To explore the clinical profile of comorbid adult ADHD in alcohol use disorder. Background: Adult attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) often under-diagnosed and under-treated among the people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). This current study was intended to assess the prevalence of adult ADHD in treatment-seeking patients with AUDs and its clinical predictors' profile and to explore the attitude of the individuals with adult ADHD toward its treatment. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 200 consecutive treatment-seeking in and outpatient subjects with AUD. Participants were assessed their sociodemographic and clinical predictor profile details along with, questionnaires such as Maudsley Addiction Profile, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0, adult ADHD Rating Scale, and Clinical Institute of Alcohol Withdrawal-Ar Scale. Those positive for adult ADHD (ADHD+) were compared with those negative (ADHD−) on various clinical variables. Furthermore, the attitude toward treatment for ADHD among the ADHD+ subjects was assessed. Results: Thirty-six participants (18%) screened positive and confirmed for adult ADHD. Less than one-fourth (n = 6, 16.7%) of participants were willing for any treatment, and majority (n = 16, 50%) were not sure to get the same. Participants with adult ADHD in AUD presented with earlier age of onset of alcohol use, more severity of alcohol use profile, and more. Conclusions: About 18% prevalence of adult ADHD in treatment-seeking AUD highlighting the importance of its recognition. Furthermore, there is utmost need to sensitize about the treatment modalities for ADHD in participants with AUD to reduce the adverse outcomes of the same.

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