Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Highly Comorbid With Adult ADHD in Alcohol Use Disorder Inpatients

Abstract

Objective: Increasing number of studies show an association between adult ADHD (a-ADHD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We explored this association in alcohol use disorder (AUD) inpatients. Method: In total, 551 inpatients cross-sectionally completed self-administered questionnaires regarding sociodemographics, lifetime trauma exposure, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), and Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS). We considered self-reported a-ADHD when ASRS and WURS had significant scores. Results: Prevalence for a-ADHD was 20%. PTSD prevalence was higher in a-ADHD patients (84% vs. 40%; p < .001). They also were younger ( p < .001) and women ( p = .015). Adult ADHD was associated with more traumatic events, and symptoms were correlated with PTSD severity. After adjusting for age, gender and marital status, PTSD severity was associated with a-ADHD. Conclusion: Our study confirms that a-ADHD is associated with PTSD in AUD inpatients, and thus, may represent a specific subpopulation. Future studies should explore implication of this dual diagnosis on AUD and treatment outcome.

The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in adult ADHD compared with non-ADHD populations: A systematic literature review

“…In general population, the prevalence of any anxiety disorders in the non-ADHD group was estimated at 0.5% [39] to 9.5% [36] compared to 4.3% [39] to 47.1% [36] in ADHD group. In clinical populations, the prevalence of any anxiety disorders in the non-ADHD group was estimated at 5.4% [46] to 40% [49] compared to 3.9% [34] to 84% [49] in the ADHD group. Only one study of incarcerated populations showed a difference in the prevalence of social phobia between non-ADHD and ADHD individuals [47].…”

Adult ADHD Diagnosis, Symptoms of Impulsivity, and Emotional Dysregulation in a Clinical Sample of Outpatients Consulting for a Behavioral Addiction

“…According to Cabelguen et al (2021), as emotional regulation difficulties are part of the symptomatology of ADHD, the use of video games could be a way to fulfill an urgent need to calm negative emotions. This hypothesis has also been suggested in the context of hypersexuality, by Bőthe et al (2019) and in the context of food addiction, by El-Ayoubi et al (2021). This coping strategy, effective in the short term, would then bring unanticipated negative consequences in the longer term (Grall-Bronnec et al, 2011).…”

Le Trouble de Déficit de l’Attention et d’Hyperactivité (TDAH) de l’adulte : Quand certains symptômes en cachent d’autres.

“…Le TDAH se présente souvent avec d'autres troubles neurologiques, psychiatriques et neurodéveloppementaux (El Ayoubi et al, 2021;Goodman, 2009;Instanes et al, 2018;Katzman et al, 2017;O'Malley et al, 2016;Onnink et al, 2014). Pendant l'enfance les comorbidités à considérer sont : (Gnanavel et al, 2019).…”