Substance Use Disparities in ADHD Among Sexes

Adolescent girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at a higher risk of substance use disorder than adolescent boys with ADHD. Different factors may contribute to this increased risk, and early diagnosis and treatment may be crucial for curbing this risk in adolescent girls with ADHD.

Sex differences exist in the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Girls tend to be underdiagnosed and treated, partly due to differences in the presentation of the disorder and criteria that define an ADHD diagnosis. For example, girls more often show inattentiveness and less disruptive behavior than boys. The effects of ADHD in children may contribute to a greater risk of substance use disorder (SUD). However, limited data has been published in regard to the differences in SUD between males and females with ADHD.

A narrative review examined the sex differences in substance use and dependence, among other data, in adolescents with ADHD. The review assessed a total of 21 studies conducted in adolescents with ADHD, aged 13 to 18 years. The articles contained data that was organized based on sex.

The review found that girls with ADHD were five times more likely to experience nicotine use disorder than boys with ADHD. Adolescent girls with hyperactive-impulsive symptoms also consumed more alcohol than adolescent boys with ADHD. Adolescent girls with ADHD were also more likely than their male counterparts to have problems with the use of cannabis, marijuana, and other substances.

Previous research mentioned in the review suggests that adolescent girls with ADHD experience more motor impulsiveness and deficits in cognitive functioning than boys with ADHD. These issues, along with a higher rate of underdiagnosis and delayed treatment, may contribute to a higher risk of SUD. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment may be an essential part of preventing substance abuse in adolescent girls with ADHD.

Source:
Castellano-García, F., Benito, A., Jovani, A., Fuertes-Sáiz, A., Marí-Sanmillán, M. I., & Haro, G. (2022). Sex Differences in Substance Use, Prevalence, Pharmacological Therapy, and Mental Health in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Brain Sci, 12(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12050590

Most Recent

Psoriasis

Rheumatology

Assessing Topical Rosuvastatin and Melatonin in Psoriasis

A preliminary clinical trial suggests that topical rosuvastatin or melatonin are effective at controlling psoriatic skin rashes, with significant benefits reported on days 30 and 60. Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting about 3% of the population, typically manifests in adolescence or later adulthood. The most common form is chronic plaque psoriasis, characterized by...

Psoriasis

Rheumatology

Tildrakizumab's Work Productivity Benefits for Psoriasis Patients

A new clinical study shows that tildrakizumab effectively improves the quality of life and enhances the work productivity of those living with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disorder affecting about 3% of US individuals aged 20 and older, making it a significant immune-mediated disease in the US. The economic burden of psoriasis is...

Cardiovascular Risk Management

Psoriasis

Rheumatology

Targeting Cardiovascular Comorbidities in Psoriasis

An updated review highlights the role of dysregulated adipokines in cardiovascular comorbidities in psoriasis and finds that biologics exert a cardioprotective role in some cases. Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic, inflammatory, multi-organ, systemic disease affecting millions worldwide. Its most common form, plaque psoriasis, manifests as erythematous plaques with silvery scales, notably on the elbows, knees,...