Use of Stimulants in Adolescents with Substance Abuse and ADHD

Adding stimulant treatment to behavioral therapy did not further reduce ADHD symptoms or substance use.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with a twofold lifetime risk for substance use disorder. Among adolescents referred for substance use treatment, 30% to 50% also have ADHD. Clinicians might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants for treatment of ADHD in adolescents with substance use disorder because of concern about medication efficacy, abuse, and diversion (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Jul 26 2006). In a 16-week controlled, multisite trial, researchers randomized 303 adolescents (age range, 13–18 years) who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD and substance use disorder to receive cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of substance use disorder SUD plus either long-acting methylphenidate or placebo. Outcome measures…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Use of Stimulants in Adolescents with Substance Abuse and ADHD

Topics

Reviewing Author