Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a risk factor for addictive behaviour in adulthood

Abstract

This study points out the importance of diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adult patients and, for that purpose, the necessity to diagnose the disorder during childhood. The frequency of this disorder among adults is 4% of the population, with a similar proportion between men and women, whereas the disorder is more often male-related during childhood. Impulsiveness is less important during adulthood, but difficulties of attention and organization are more frequent. There is a wide range of literature about the possible relationship between ADHD and addiction problems or depressive disorders. This article analyses the most relevant works published in this field over the last few years, and insists on the need to improve evaluation tools to assess and to harmonise diagnosis criteria in order to keep developing the understanding of this disorder.