Differences in Psychiatric Problems and Criminality Between Individuals Treated With Central Stimulants Before and After Adulthood

Objective: The evidence for central stimulant (CS) treatment in ADHD is strong in some respects but not with respect to unselected clinical material and long-term effects over the life course cycle. The objective of this study was to explore differences in vocational, psychiatric, and social impairm...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of attention disorders 2019-01, Vol.23 (2), p.173-180
Main Authors: Rasmussen, Kirsten, Palmstierna, Tom, Levander, Sten
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ADHD
Adolescent
Adult
Alcoholism - complications
Alcoholism - psychology
anxiety
Anxiety - complications
Anxiety - psychology
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - complications
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - psychology
Central Nervous System Stimulants - adverse effects
Central Nervous System Stimulants - therapeutic use
central stimulant treatment
Child
Clinical Medicine
Crime - psychology
Crime - statistics & numerical data
criminality
depression
Depression - complications
Depression - psychology
Female
Humans
Klinisk medicin
long term effects
Male
Medical and Health Sciences
Medicin och hälsovetenskap
Mental Disorders - complications
Mental Disorders - psychology
personality disorders
Personality Disorders - complications
Personality Disorders - psychology
Psychiatry
Psykiatri
substance abuse
Substance-Related Disorders - complications
Substance-Related Disorders - psychology
Young Adult
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Summary:Objective: The evidence for central stimulant (CS) treatment in ADHD is strong in some respects but not with respect to unselected clinical material and long-term effects over the life course cycle. The objective of this study was to explore differences in vocational, psychiatric, and social impairment, including crime and substance abuse, among adults with ADHD, treated or not, with CS drugs before age 18. Method: A clinical population of men (N = 343) and women (N = 129) seeking CS treatment as adults was assessed within a specific program for such treatment. Clinical information and data collected by structured instruments were available. Results: Previously CS-treated persons had a lower frequency of problems (alcohol/substance abuse, criminality), and of certain psychiatric disorders (depressive, anxiety and personality ones). Most differences were substantial. Conclusion: The study supports the assumption that CS treatment during childhood/adolescence offers some protection against the development of a range of problems known to characterize adult ADHD patients.
ISSN:1087-0547
1557-1246
1557-1246
DOI:10.1177/1087054715571740