Substance Abuse Risk Greater for Girls with ADHD Than Boys

By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D.on June 13, 2011

In a new study of adolescents, Finnish investigators discovered attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms were more common in boys, but girls with ADHD were more vulnerable to substance abuse.

University researchers, parents and classroom teachers assessed 1,545 adolescents for ADHD symptoms at age 11-12 years.

At age 14, substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric co-illness were assessed again, followed by a multi-item questionnaire to determine substance abuse when the adolescents were between the ages 17 and 18.

Baseline ADHD symptoms were less common among girls than boys, but among girls they were more predictive of adverse substance use outcomes when conduct disorder and previous substance use were controlled.

Only in females were baseline attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms significant predictors of alcohol abuse and dependence and illicit drug use at age 14.

At the age of 17.5, parents’ reports of inattentiveness and hyperactivity were significant predictors for frequent alcohol use in both sexes, but they were more predictive of frequent alcohol and illicit drug use in girls.

Impulsivity and inattentiveness, as observed by teachers and parents, were a consistent predictor for illicit drug use across adolescence.

“Inattentiveness and hyperactivity may be more predictive of alcohol use disorders and maladaptive patterns of alcohol and illicit drug use among girls than boys,” said psychiatrist Dr. Elina Sihvola.

“The importance of these behavioral symptoms should be assessed further in the community, as they could jeopardize adolescents’ successful transitioning into adult roles,” she said.

Source: University of Helsinki

Related News Articles
-->Related Clinical Articles
-->

 

 

ADHD, Addiction, Children and Teens, Featured, General, Health-related, LifeHelper, Mental Health and Wellness, Parenting, Professional, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Research, Students -->

« News Index

ADHDADD/ADHD OverviewADHD Quick Fact Sheet Attention Deficit Screening Quiz Symptoms of ADHDProblems Related to ADHDCauses of ADHDDiagnosis of ADHDTreatment OptionsMore Treatment OptionsADHD in AdultsMedications for ADHD Living with ADHD Blogs:ADHD In FocusADHD: From A to Zoë Recommended ResourcesBooksWebsites & OrganizationsEvidence-based Treatment for Children ADHD LibraryDozens of articlesAsk the Therapist about ADHDAsk Others about ADHD ADHD Q&AMore Questions & Answers about ADHD in ChildrenThe ABCs of ADHD Treatment of ChildrenChildren and MedicationsCoping Tips for People with ADD/ADHD Related TopicsMEDLINE ResearchTreatment NewsClinical Trials Connect with OthersJoin Our Support GroupOther Online Support GroupsRate 'n Review ADHD Medications
Latest ArticlesParenting Kids with ADHD: 16 Tips to Tackle Common ChallengesOrganization Strategies for ADHD12 Tips for Getting Organized for Adults with ADHDSolutions for Common ADHD SymptomsOvercoming ADHD: Helping Your Child Become Calm, Engaged and Focused Without a PillSuccessful Parenting with ADHD

 From Our News BureauRole Modeling By Dad Influences Daughters' Sexual Behavior Happiness Tied to Choice and Autonomy, Not Money Therapy Targeting Sleep Problems Can Reduce Suicidal Thoughts
Just Published...Do You Have an Alter EGO?There Are ADHD Days Like This – Part ICultivating Your PassionsSchools and Parents: Buyers Beware!
What's HotMoney Problems: 6 Steps to Transform Your Money LifeadvertisementMost Popular NewsRole Modeling By Dad Influences Daughters' Sexual Behavior Happiness Tied to Choice and Autonomy, Not Money Therapy Targeting Sleep Problems Can Reduce Suicidal Thoughts Multiple Perceptions Challenge Brain Wife's Sleep Problems Can Negatively Impact Marriage Hypnosis, Local Anesthesia Speed Breast Cancer Recovery The Drug Metyrapone to Erase Bad Memories? Active Brain Readiness Influences Recall Growing Income Inequality Tied to Unhappiness Active Parenting Grants Mutual Respect Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter

advertisement
Find a Therapist

Users Online: 3123
Join Us Now!
Local GuidesAll Guides
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
DC
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming


  #footer { height:220px; } #foot-mid { margin:0 0 0 40px; } Home • About Us • Advertise with Us • Contact Us
Privacy Policy • Terms of Use • Site Map • Disclaimer/Disclosure • Feeds

Download the Psych Central Toolbar

Copyright © 1992-2011 Psych Central. All rights reserved.
Site last updated: 15 Jun 2011

Psych Central Professional
Psych Central Answers
Psych Central Blog Network
Psych Central News
Tests & Quizzes
Sanity Score
Forums • NeuroTalk

ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar
Depression
Schizophrenia
Psychotherapy

We comply
with the
HONcode
standard:
Verify here