Trends in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis and Pharmacotherapy Among Adults With Opioid Use Disorder

Medication Treatment for Youth in Substance Use Disorder Residential Treatment

OBJECTIVE

Residential is a common treatment setting for youth with high-severity substance use disorders (SUD). This study evaluated the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and medication for youth in residential SUD treatment.

METHODS

Youth in Massachusetts state licensed and funded SUD residential programs completed questionnaires assessing demographics, primary substance of use, and psychopathology symptoms (Youth Self Report [YSR]/Adult Self Report [ASR]). De-identified medication lists were provided by the programs. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample.

RESULTS

Among the 47 youth who participated, 51.1% were male, 72.3% white, 83% non-Hispanic, mean age 20.7 years. Opioids were the most common primary substance identified by youth (51.1%), and 75% had at least one clinically elevated subscale on the YSR/ASR. Most youth were prescribed at least one medication (89.4%) with a mean of 2.9 medications.

CONCLUSION

Youth in SUD residential treatment frequently have clinically elevated psychiatric symptoms, and psychotropic medication was commonly prescribed.

Reducing Risk in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Adults With Comorbidities

Recent widely publicized shortages in the U.S. supply of first-line medications for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are thought to reflect increases in public awareness, help seeking, and treatment. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and is typically identified in childhood. In adulthood, ADHD symptoms are less likely to include hyperactivity, but inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation are common. Clinical evaluation of symptomatic adults who were not diagnosed as children requires corroboration of ADHD diagnostic symptoms in childhood and careful differentiation of ADHD from frequently co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. Treatment of adult ADHD can result in improved functioning across multiple dimensions and comorbid disorders. Existing guidelines and consensus statements recommend an integrated approach to treating ADHD and all existing comorbid disorders, prioritizing the disorder that is creating the most difficulty for the individual. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(1), 8-11.].