What is it about?
We followed children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) into adulthood to better understand why the disorder is associated with alcohol-related problems (for example, under-performance at work because of drinking). For the group as a whole, ADHD predicted less drinking and fewer problems from drinking by average age 29 when compared to an age-matched group without ADHD histories. However, for those with persisting ADHD symptoms, difficulties with social relationships, and/or less education in their twenties, risk of alcohol-related problems was increased. For some, social relationship difficulties predicted fewer alcohol-related problems.
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Why is it important?
ADHD has been shown in multiple studies to be a risk factor for heavy alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder, but not every study shows this result. It has been unclear why the findings are variable. This longitudinal study suggests that not all people with ADHD have increased risk and that certain factors not previously studied in adulthood may increase (or decrease) risk. Most importantly, functioning in major domains of life affected by ADHD, in this case education and social relationships, appear to matter even after considering persistence of ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This finding has important implications for prevention and treatment, because it indicates the need to develop treatments geared specifically towards helping people with ADHD perform well in school and have quality relationships with other people to reduce risk of alcohol use-related problems.
Perspectives
Treatments for ADHD tend to emphasize medications, specifically stimulant medications, because they are so effective at reducing ADHD symptoms acutely. However, our findings underscore the need for improving access to, and continuing to research, other treatments specifically focused on ADHD-related impairments. Presently, access to evidence-based therapeutic approaches beyond medication is poor; increasing access should be a focus of improving healthcare for people with ADHD.
Dr. Brooke S.G. Molina
University of Pittsburgh
This study is unique in the US because the participants have been followed for such a long time and the study is still ongoing. Those with ADHD histories were diagnosed in childhood and they have continued to participate all the way into adulthood. In addition to reducing some concerns about misdiagnosis, it also helps us have a better understanding of the long-term outcomes of an ADHD diagnosis in childhood.
Christine A.P. Walther
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Pathways to alcohol use and problems in adulthood for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): The role of common impairments above and beyond ADHD symptom persistence., Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, April 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/abn0000986.
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