Substance-Related Problems in Adolescents with ADHD-Diagnoses: The Importance of Self-Reported Conduct Problems

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a known risk factor for substance-related problems (SRP) during adolescence, but the nature of this relationship and the importance of co-occurring conduct problems are not fully understood.

Methods: Data stem from a linked dataset between a large population-based survey conducted in 2012 of Norwegian adolescents aged 16 to 19, and registry-based data from specialized child and adolescent mental health services (n = 9,411).

Results: Adolescents with 'ADHD + high conduct problems' had increased risk of SRP (odds ratios = 2.37–10.14). Adolescents with 'ADHD only' had very similar risk of SRP as adolescents from the general population with low symptoms of conduct problems. Relative to boys, girls with 'ADHD + high conduct problems' appeared to have somewhat higher risk for SRP.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that the risk for SRP among adolescent with ADHD is largely driven by co-existing conduct problems.