Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and vulnerability to the development of alcoholism: use of Wender-Utah Rating Scale for retrospective diagnostic of ADHD in the early ages of alcoholic patients

Abstract

In the last years, it has been accumulated data about an important association between addictions and attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Both disorders share clinic aspects and relevant biological markers, and for both it has been postulated alterations in the same cerebra l systems.

Objetive: To evaluate the rate of possible ADHD in the early ages of adult alcoholic patients, in contrast with controls.

Method: It was realized an adaptation of Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and it was analyzed its psychometric characteristics. It was administered to 117 alcoholic patients and to 52 controls.

Results: The mean score of WURS is significatively higher in alcoholic group than in the control one (32.26 vs. 16.55, p< 0.0001). The percentage of alcoholic patients who has a score upper the different cut-off points (36 and 46) is also higher in alcoholic group than in the control one (36.75% vs 7.69%; p< 0.0005; 18.8% vs. 1.92%; p< 0.01, respectively). The mean score is higher in alcoholics with other comorbid addiction than in alcoholics without it (37.61 vs. 29.17; p< 0.018), and is higher in alcoholic patients who usually have intoxicated states in an high-moderate grade than those who have it in a low-nule one.

Conclusions: Among alcoholic patients exists an important group with high scores in the WURS, it could indicate high rates of ADHD in early ages. It was discused the clinic and etiopathogenetics implications, and the convenience of advancing in the developemnt of diagnostic tools.