Differences in substance use, psychiatric disorders and social factors between Mexican adolescents and young adults

Abstract

Background and Objectives Substance use disorders (SUDs) have high comorbidities with psychiatric disorders. Childhood and adolescence are particularly vulnerable developmental periods for the onset of SUDs. The objective of this study was to explore the differences, if any, between Mexican adolescents and young adults with respect to the prevalences of groups of psychiatric disorders, the types of substances used and the social factors involved. Methods This cross‐sectional study included 781 patients evaluated at the Youth Integration Center in Mexico City. The diagnostic criteria for SUDs and psychiatric disorders were defined according to the DSM‐IV and ICD‐10. Associations between SUDs and psychiatric disorders were evaluated via multivariate analysis using logistic regression models. Results The adolescents were more frequently substance abusers, whereas the adults had legal problems more often than the adolescents. We showed that adolescents using inhalants or cocaine were 1.62 more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Moreover, adults using inhalants were 3.33 times more likely to meet the criteria for a psychotic disorder. Discussion and Conclusions We found that adolescents diagnosed with ADHD were more likely to have problems with use or abuse of or dependence on inhalants, and an elevated prevalence of parental SUDs was found in both the adolescent and adult groups. Scientific Significance Our findings indicate that earlier diagnosis and intervention are necessary in adolescents with ADHD and/or parental SUDs to prevent more advanced psychiatric diseases and adverse social consequences during adulthood. (Am J Addict 2018;XX:1–7)

Antioxidants as a Potential Target against Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

“…Approximately 50% of individuals diagnosed in childhood and adolescence persist with symptoms into adult life [1,7]. Comorbidity in ADHD is very common at roughly 70%, the main disorders being emotional or behavioural conditions, such as anxiety, oppositional defiant, depression and substance use disorders, and developmental conditions, such as learning and language disorders, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and physical conditions (tics and sleep apnoea) [8][9][10]. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the criteria include: inattention and/or hyperactive and impulsive symptoms for the last six months or more, onset before the age of 12 years old, and symptoms causing at least moderate psychological, social, and/or educational or occupational impairments based on interview and/or direct observation in multiple settings [6].…”

Role of Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

“…Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] that impairs the psychological, social, academic, and occupational function [ 4 ]. The disorder is linked with a range of comorbidities (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, conduct disorders, criminal behavior), developmental conditions (e.g., autism spectrum disorders), and physical conditions [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Clinical diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of six or more symptoms that include inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity and, according to the criteria of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), should be carried out when symptoms impair academic, occupational, and social behavior, the onset is before 12 years of age and the symptoms can be observed in multiple settings in the clinical interview, including the gestational, developmental, and family history [ 9 ].…”

Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Use Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…Another study reported that ADHD in long-term methadone maintenance treatment of patients is characterized by greater addiction severity and more comorbid psychopathology [26]. Mexican study reported that adolescents diagnosed with ADHD were more likely to have problems with use or abuse of or dependence on inhalants, and an elevated prevalence of parental SUDs was found in both the adolescent and adult groups [27].…”

“…The longitudinal study followed participants with childhood-limited ADHD and persistent ADHD compared to controls and found that there were no significant group differences in change in rates of substance dependence over time. However, individuals whose ADHD persisted into adulthood were significantly more likely to meet DSM-IV criteria for DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93799 alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine dependence [38]. An Australian study conducted in drug and alcohol treatment centers reported increased drug dependence complexity and chronicity in treatment-seeking SUD patients who screen positively for ADHD, specifically for amphetamine, alcohol, opiates other than heroin or methadone, and benzodiazepines [39].…”