Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and lifetime use of psychoactive substances among French university students: A cross-sectional study.
Psychiatry research – October 01, 2023
Source: PubMed
Summary
French university students with ADHD symptoms are significantly more likely to experiment with illicit substances, according to data from nearly 14,000 participants. Higher ADHD symptom levels correlated with both increased variety and frequency of substance use, including ketamine, magic mushrooms, and other psychoactive compounds. This relationship highlights the importance of early intervention and support for students managing ADHD.
Abstract
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.