 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | | Substance Abuse in Young People. Studies consistently report that ADHD young people--in particularly those with conduct or mood disorders--have a higher than average risk for substance abuse and that it starts in younger ages. In one study, for example, by age 11 nearly 20% of children with ADHD had tried smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or both. Biologic factors associated with ADHD may make these individuals susceptible to substance abuse. Many of these young people are self-medicating their condition. In fact, according to a major analysis, Ritalin or other stimulants used to treat ADHD may help protect such patients against substance abuse. (Boys with ADHD and conduct disorder, however, still face a high risk for substance abuse. Girls with ADHD and emotional disorders may also still have a higher risk.) High-Risk Behavior. Impulsivity in ADHD young people can certainly cause them to take chances before thinking them through, putting them in situations where the consequences become clear only after the action has been taken. ADHD children with high levels of aggression are at higher risk for delinquent behavior in adolescents and criminal activity in adulthood. It should be strongly noted that ADHD children who are not aggressive have a lower and even normal risk for dangerous activities. Even in aggressive ADHD children, close parental attention and early treatment can limit the risk considerably. Learning ProblemsAlthough speech and learning disorders are common in children with ADHD, the disorder does not affect intelligence. People with ADHD span the same IQ range as the general population. Text Continues Below
One study suggested, however, that 90% of ADHD children were underachievers, and that half were held back at least once. Some evidence suggests that inattention may be a major factor in low academic performance in these children. About 20% also have reading difficulties and 60% have serious handwriting problems. Adults with ADHD are also at very high risk for these conditions.
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