A cross-sectional study of 13,837 university students explored the association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and lifetime psychoactive substance use across various illicit substances. The study found a significant link between ADHD symptoms and the lifetime use of ketamine, magic mushrooms, poppers, and other psychoactive substances. Additionally, the presence of high levels of ADHD symptoms was associated with using of a wide range of psychoactive substances and a greater overall frequency of lifetime substance use.
Abstract of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and lifetime use of psychoactive substances among French university students: A cross-sectional study
“In a cross sectional study of 13,837 university students, we aimed to explore the association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and lifetime psychoactive substance use (LPSU) on a wide range of illicit substances. Logistic and Hurdel multivariable regressions were used. ADHD symptoms were significantly associated with the lifetime use of ketamine, magic mushrooms, poppers, and nine other psychoactive substances. There was an association between ADHD symptoms and both LPSU and truncated count of lifetime psychoactive substance use. High levels of ADHD symptoms are associated with the use of a large variety and multiple LPSU.”
Authors: François A.M. Jean, Ashlyn N. Schwartz, Charline Galesne, Zeineb Azouz, Marie C. Navarro, Ilaria Montagni, Mélissa Macalli, Sylvana M. Côté, Christophe Tzourio, Cédric Galéra
Summary of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and lifetime use of psychoactive substances among French university students: A cross-sectional study
Introduction
University students are particularly prone to lifetime psychoactive substance use and consequent adverse outcomes. The use of psychoactive substances is linked with multiple risks including mental health problems, academic failure, and risky sexual practices.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with a high risk for developing psychoactive substance use and psychoactive substance use disorder, but data are lacking for other substances. Nevertheless, knowledge is needed on illicit substances and polysubstance use, and its associated risks.
The study explored the associations between ADHD symptoms and the use of a large range of psychoactive substances and using multiple psychoactive substances in French university students.
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115489
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Cite this paper (APA)
Jean, F. A., Schwartz, A. N., Galesne, C., Azouz, Z., Navarro, M. C., Montagni, I., ... & Galéra, C. (2023). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and lifetime use of psychoactive substances among French university students: a cross-sectional study. Psychiatry Research, 115489.
Study details
Topics studied
Population Surveys
Study characteristics
Survey
Participants
13837
Humans