European Project To Study Relationship Between ADHD And Substance Abuse

To determine the relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and the development SUD in patients with and without ADHD. These are the main goals of the European collaborative initiative that was launched today. In the coming years 14 addiction treatment centers in 10 EU countries will include over 6.000 patients with SUD. They will be evaluated for ADHD and 3 other disruptive disorders (bipolar disorder, anti social personality disorder and borderline personality disorder). The first results of this study are expected by June 2010.

This study is a first step in developing an adequate European program for detection, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in addicted patients. In addition it will contribute to determining effective preventive methods for SUD in patients with ADHD.

ICASA

This study is performed by the International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse (ICASA), which was initiated in 2005 by the Trimbos Institute in the Netherlands. The 'European ADHD in Substance use disorders Prevalence' (EASP) study aims to obtain a reliable estimate of the prevalence of ADHD among adult patients with SUD. In addition it tests and validates screening and diagnostic instruments on their accuracy and usefulness for the participating EU countries. It also gathers knowledge about the relationship between ADHD and the onset and course of SUD. In addition to the EASP a genetic study is planned. This study will compare the genetic make-up of 4 subgroups: adults with 1) ADHD only, 2) SUD only, 3) ADHD + SUD and 4) normal controls. Thus, it will investigate any genetic basis of the comorbidity of ADHD and SUD.

"The EASP study is a crucial first step in tackling the problem of ADHD in addiction. Having more knowledge of the size and scope of ADHD in SUD patients will add to a better understanding of the relevance of ADHD in this patient group and of the relation between these two chronic disorders.", according to EASP principal investigator Dr. Geurt van de Glind, Trimbos Institute, Netherlands.

About ADHD and SUD

Among adult SUD patients ADHD is a common diagnosis with a prevalence of 15-30%, according to mainly American studies. There is mounting evidence that ADHD is an important risk factor in the development and persistence of addiction. ADHD is associated with an early onset of substance abuse, a more rapid transition into severe types of substance abuse and a problematic course of SUD, including more difficulty in reaching remission. Data on ADHD prevalence in EU countries are scarce. A systematic EU prevalence study has not yet been executed. Until recently most of the ADHD patients would remain undiagnosed due to a lack of recognition of the disorder and lack of treatment expertise. Controlled long term studies of the effect of ADHD treatment on the prognosis of addiction are also still lacking.

About ICASA

40 researchers from 13 EU-countries, USA and Australia take part in the ICASA initiative.

ICASA at a glance:

The goals of the independent, pan-European International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse (ICASA) are:

- To generate prevalence rates of ADHD in patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUD);
- To determine risk and protection factors in the development of Substance Abuse in patients with ADHD;
- To develop methods for prevention of SUD in patients with ADHD;
- To develop, test and implement evidence based procedures for diagnosis of ADHD in patients with SUD.