Is ADHD a Risk Factor Independent of Conduct Disorder for Illicit Substance Use? A Meta-Analysis and Metaregression Investigation

• Published in: Journal of attention disorders Vol. 17; no. 6; pp. 459 - 469
• Main Authors: Serra-Pinheiro, Maria Antonia, Coutinho, Evandro S. F., Souza, Isabella S., Pinna, Camilla, Fortes, Dídia, Araújo, Catia, Szobot, Claudia M., Rohde, Luis A., Mattos, Paulo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.08.2013
• Subjects: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - epidemiology; Comorbidity; Conduct Disorder - epidemiology; Humans; Odds Ratio; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; Substance-Related Disorders - epidemiology; ADHD; comorbidity; conduct disorder; substance; drug
• ISSN: 1087-0547; 1557-1246
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054711435362

Objective: To investigate meta-analytically if the association between ADHD and illicit substance use (ISU) is maintained when controlling for conduct disorder/oppositional-defiant disorder (CD/ODD). Method: A systematic literature review was conducted through Medline from 1980 to 2008. Data extracted and selections made by one author were reviewed by another. Results: Fifteen articles presented odds ratios (ORs) for the development of ISU in individuals with ADHD controlling for CD/ODD. In total, the study covered results for more than 1,000 individuals. The combined OR for studies that included in their analysis exclusively ISU was 1.35 (0.90-2.03), p = .15, heterogeneity = 55%. Lack of control for socioeconomic status was related with a weaker association between ADHD and ISU. Conclusion: The existing data do not indicate that ADHD increases the risk of ISU beyond the effects of CD/ODD. However, the combination of all existing data is limited in power to detect a small increase in chance.