[Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and vulnerability to the development of alcoholism: use of the Wender-Utah Rating Scale for retrospective diagnostic of ADHD in the childhood of alcoholic patients].

UNLABELLED

In the last years, it has been accumulated data about an important association between addictions and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Both disorders share clinic aspects and relevant biological markers, and for both it has been postulated alterations in the same cerebral systems.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rate of possible ADHD in the early ages of adult alcoholic patients, in contrast with controls.

METHOD

It was realized an adaptation of Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and it was analyzed its psychometric characteristics. It was administered to 117 alcoholic patients and to 52 controls.

RESULTS

The mean score of WURS is significatively higher in alcoholic group than in the control one (32.26 vs. 16.55, p< 0.0001). The percentage of alcoholic patients who has a score upper the different cut-off points (36 and 46) is also higher in alcoholic group than in the control one (36.75% vs 7.69%; p< 0.0005; 18.8% vs. 1.92%; p< 0.01, respectively). The mean score is higher in alcoholics with other comorbid addiction than in alcoholics without it (37.61 vs. 29.17; p< 0.018), and is higher in alcoholic patients who usually have intoxicated states in an high-moderate grade than those who have it in a low-nule one.

CONCLUSIONS

Among alcoholic patients exists an important group with high scores in the WURS, it could indicate high rates of ADHD in early ages. It was discused the clinic and etiopathogenetics implications, and the convenience of advancing in the developemnt of diagnostic tools.