Abstract
Background: This study addresses in both genders the relationship between childhood Hyperactivity-inattention symptoms and subsequent adolescent substance use, while controlling for psychiatric comorbidity, temperament and environmental risk factors. Methods: 916 subjects (421 males, 495 females) aged 7-18 were recruited from the general population and surveyed in 1991 and 1999. Child psychopathology and substance use patterns were evaluated through parent and adolescent self-reports. Multivariate modeling was performed to assess the effects of childhood Hyperactivity-inattention symptoms and other risk factors on adolescent substance use. Results: In males, Hyperactivity-inattention symptoms alone accounted for the risk of subsequent regular cannabis smoking (OR = 3.14, p = 0.03) and subsequent lifetime use of other drugs including stimulants, opiates, inhalants and sedatives (OR = 2.72, p = 0.02). In females, Hyperactivity-inattention symptoms did not independently increase the liability to later substance use. In males, the temperament trait activity was a significant predictor of subsequent regular cannabis smoking (OR = 2.32, p = 0.04). Conclusions: This survey points to a possible specific link between Hyperactivity-inattention symptoms and subsequent cannabis use and experimentation of harder drugs in males.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 30-37 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Drug and Alcohol Dependence |
Volume | 94 |
Issue number | 1-3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Childhood
- Longitudinal cohort
- Substance use
- Temperament
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Pharmacology (medical)