Citation

Luderer M, Seidt J, Gerhardt S, Hoffmann S, Vollstädt-Klein S, Reif A, Sobanski E. Front. Psychiatry 2023; 14: e1112843.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Frontiers Media)

DOI

10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1112843

PMID

36950259

PMCID

PMC10025293

Abstract

RATIONALE: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Continuous performance tests (CPTs) allow to measure ADHD related deficits in a laboratory setting. Most studies on this topic focused on CPTs measuring inattention or impulsivity, disregarding hyperactivity as one of the core symptoms of ADHD.

METHODS: We examined N = 47 in three groups (ADHD N = 19; AUD N = 16; ADHD + AUD N = 12) with questionnaires on ADHD core symptoms, executive functioning (EF), mind wandering, and quality of life (QoL). N = 46 (ADHD N = 16; AUD N = 16; ADHD + AUD N = 14) were examined with a CPT (QbTest(®)) that also measures motor activity objectively.

RESULTS: Inattention and impulsivity were significantly increased in AUD vs. ADHD and in AUD vs. ADHD + AUD. Hyperactivity was significantly higher in ADHD + AUD vs. ADHD and ADHD + AUD vs. AUD, but not in ADHD vs. AUD. EF was lower in both ADHD groups vs. AUD. Mind wandering was increased in both ADHD groups vs. AUD. QoL was significantly lower in ADHD + AUD compared to AUD. In contrast, results of the QbTest were not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSION: Questionnaires are more useful in assessing ADHD core symptoms than the QbTest(®). Hyperactivity appears to be a relevant symptom in ADHD + AUD, suggesting a possible pathway from ADHD to AUD. The lower QoL in ADHD + AUD emphasizes the need for routine screening, diagnostic procedures and treatment strategies for this patient group.

Language: en

Keywords

quality of life; continuous performance test; alcohol use disorder (AUD); attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); mind wandering; motor activity (MA)