Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among 255 patients in three Israeli methadone clinics

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an important factor in the etiology of addiction, and yet for many addiction treatment centers, screening and treating ADHD in persons with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is not routine. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-five patients in three methadone clinics were randomly recruited to participate in the study following informed consent. They were interviewed face to face by a post graduate research assistant and a battery of questionnaires was completed including the Adult Self Reporting Scale for ADHD/ASRS, a screening test for ADHD. Results: Forty percent of the subjects were found to suffer from ADHD using the Adult Self Reporting Scale for ADHD (ASRS). PHQ-9 Depression Score, Cross Cutting Symptom Score (a measure of psychopathology) and Barratt Impulsivity Scale Scores were found to be significantly related to a diagnosis of ADHD. Increased cigarette smoking was found to be significantly related to a history of Childhood ADHD. Conclusions and Scientific Significance: In view of the high prevalence of ADHD and the associated co-occurrence, ADHD should be routinely screened for in centers treating patients with SUD. In view of the significant co-occurrence found to be associated with Childhood ADHD, this study reinforces the importance of early diagnosis of this disorder and effective intervention.