Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects both children and adults and is a huge problem for both of them. Drug users and alcoholics are especially at risk and ADHD intensifies their problems and increases the severity of their addiction. While the disorder is treatable, there is difficulty in diagnosing the disease among adult substance users.
Charles Cleland and his colleagues at National Development and Research Institutes in New York City found that a screening test originally developed for the general population the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) - also works well to identify ADHD symptoms among substance users.The CAARS is an effective, simple and inexpensive way to screen adult substance users for ADHD, so that they can be referred for confirmatory diagnosis and possible ADHD treatment.
Stephen Magura, the Principal Investigator of the study, remarks: Although more research is needed, our study shows that better screening of substance users for ADHD is possible, with the payoff that ADHD will be treated and recovery from addiction will be facilitated.
Contact: Betty Wagoner
[email protected]
212-845-4644
National Development & Research Institutes
Source: Eurekalert
