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Dissertation
Complications of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder among cocaine abusers: psychosocial dysfunction, drug use severity, and neuropsychological status
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
Jul 1997
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00007231
Abstract
Studies which have addressed the comorbid psychopathology in samples of substance abusers have found significantly higher rates of ADHD among cocaine abusers. The self-medication theory suggests that individuals with ADHD may be more likely to abuse cocaine because of its stimulant properties. Studies which have examined cocaine abusers with histories of ADHD have found these individuals to be younger at presentation for treatment, and to report an earlier onset of cocaine use, more severe polysubstance use, and a greater involvement in treatment. In addition to drug use history, this study investigated the relationship between reports of ADHD and emotional, psychosocial, neuropsychological, and occupational functioning. Forty-four percent of the sample endorsed symptoms of ADHD consistent with the DSM-IV diagnosis. Individuals in this sample who met diagnostic criteria for ADHD began using cocaine at an earlier age, used for a longer period of time, and reported shorter periods of abstinence obtained in the past. Additionally, the average period of previous full-time employment reported by subjects in the ADHD group was only half of that reported by subjects in the non-ADHD group. Subjects in the ADHD also reported more symptoms of depression, a greater number of previous psychiatric hospitalizations, and a greater number of days in the past month troubled by emotional problems. Neuropsychological performance of individuals in both groups was impaired. The only tests on which subjects in the ADHD group performed significantly worse were the Digit Span and Wisconsin Card Sorting tests. Results of a discriminant function analysis revealed that a combination of the following variables: subjects' reports of emotional difficulties, age of onset of cocaine use, and previous employment history correctly classified 72% of the cases into either the ADHD or non-ADHD groups. By increasing our knowledge of the emotional, social, occupational, and cognitive functioning of cocaine abusers, researchers and clinicians will be better able to develop and implement treatment programs suited to the needs of these clients. Further, the matching of client variables with treatment services may prove to enhance treatment outcome.
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Details
- Title
- Complications of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder among cocaine abusers
- Creators
- Kimberly C. Mountain
- Awarding Institution
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- x, 111 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (1996-1998); Clinical and Health Psychology [Historical]; School of Health Professions (1996-1998)
- Other Identifier
- 991021888897104721