Childhood attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and alcohol dependence: a 1-year follow-up.

AIMS

To investigate the onset and outcome of alcohol dependence in subjects with childhood attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a Turkish sample.

METHODS

Among patients being treated for alcohol dependence, 15 had a history of childhood ADHD [ADHD (+)] and 45 did not [ADHD (-)]. ADHD history was assessed according to DSM-IV criteria by a child and adolescent psychiatrist who interviewed the subjects and their close relatives. Severity of dependence was measured by the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test. Subjects were followed up for 1 year for the assessment of relapse.

RESULTS

The age of onset for alcohol drinking, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence were significantly lower in the ADHD (+) group than in the ADHD (-) group. Comorbid substance use was more prevalent in the ADHD (+) group. The study found no significant difference in the severity of alcohol dependence between ADHD (+) and ADHD (-) groups. During follow-up, 80% of the ADHD (+) subjects relapsed, compared with 55.6% in the ADHD (-) group. Relapse occurred on average 2.74 months earlier in the ADHD (+) group than in the ADHD (-) group.

CONCLUSIONS

As found in other countries, alcohol dependence in Turkish subjects with childhood ADHD starts early and is relatively resistant to treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD might help prevent alcohol- and substance-related disorders.