Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and substance use in adulthood-Guideline-conform diagnostics and treatment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequent developmental disorder in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Substance use disorders are a frequent comorbidity in ADHD. The many different forms and severities of these comorbidities necessitate individual strategies in the diagnostics and treatment. Principally, ADHD and addictive disorders should be treated together whenever possible. The more acute or severe the dependence disorder is, the less priority can be given to the topic of ADHD and the lower are the chances of carrying out valid diagnostics and simultaneous treatment at the beginning of the treatment of the addictive disorder. The less severe and acute the addictive disorder is, the quicker the diagnostics and, if necessary, treatment of ADHD can be initiated. In this continuing education article, the customary means for diagnostics and pharmacotherapy as well as the special features that must be considered with respect to comorbidities of both disorders are presented.