Citation

Muhammad N, Murugesan BG, Singal P, Antai A, Jain L. Cureus 2023; 15(4): e37372.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Curēus)

DOI

10.7759/cureus.37372

PMID

37041853

PMCID

PMC10084797

Abstract

To raise awareness of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an underdiagnosed, undertreated disorder in adult patients with comorbid substance use disorder (SUD) who are misdiagnosed with other common psychiatric illnesses and to reduce fear and hesitancy in prescribing stimulants as treatment in such a patient population. ADHD diagnosis is easier in the child and adolescent population than the adults due to comorbidities of other psychiatric illnesses and SUD. However, diagnosing ADHD appropriately in an increasing number of adult patients presents challenges. Even if they get diagnosed appropriately, the stigma of substance use disorder holds the providers prescribing stimulant medications for such patient populations due to the high comorbidity of ADHD with SUD. Accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is a worthwhile endeavor as this diagnosis is comorbidly present in many mood and substance use disorders patients. Treating ADHD in this population can improve clinical symptoms and overall quality of life.

Language: en

Keywords

mood disorders; adult adhd; diagnostic dilemma; substance use disorder (sud); under diagnosed adhd