In a study of 99 adults seeking treatment for cannabis use disorders, ADHD prevalence was estimated at 34-46% depending on the screening tool used, far higher than the general population rate.
Addiction medicine clinicians, ADHD specialists, and cannabis treatment program administrators.
ADHD prevalence 34-46% in cannabis treatment seekers vs ~4-5% general population
What the researchers found
Among 99 adults seeking cannabis use disorder treatment, ADHD prevalence was estimated at 34% (CAARS), 45% (WURS), 46% (ASRS), or 36% (WURS+CAARS combined). The Wender Utah Rating Scale paired with the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale provided the best combination of sensitivity (0.71) and specificity (0.95) for ADHD screening in this population.
Why it matters
If one-third to nearly half of cannabis treatment seekers have ADHD, failing to screen for and treat ADHD could undermine cannabis treatment outcomes. This finding suggests ADHD screening should be routine in cannabis treatment settings.
The numbers in context
99 participants; ADHD prevalence 34-46% depending on screening tool; WURS+CAARS: sensitivity 0.71, specificity 0.95; general population ADHD prevalence ~4-5%.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional validation study using the Conners Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview (CAADID) as gold standard to assess sensitivity and specificity of four ADHD screening tools in 99 cannabis use disorder treatment seekers.
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample (n=99); treatment-seeking population may over-represent comorbid conditions; cross-sectional; ADHD screening tools validated against CAADID, which itself has limitations; prevalence may not reflect non-treatment-seeking cannabis users.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: gold-standard ADHD diagnostic interview used, but small treatment-seeking sample.
When this study was published
Published 2020.
The bigger picture
People with ADHD may use cannabis to self-medicate symptoms like restlessness and difficulty concentrating. Addressing ADHD directly could reduce cannabis dependence by treating the underlying condition driving use.
Questions still open
- Does treating ADHD improve cannabis use disorder outcomes? Should all cannabis treatment programs screen for ADHD?
Common questions
Is ADHD common among people with cannabis addiction?
How should clinicians screen for ADHD in cannabis patients?
Read the original research
ADHD Is Highly Prevalent in Patients Seeking Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorders.
Journal of attention disorders, 24(11), 1487-1492
Citation
Notzon, Daniel P; Pavlicova, Martina; Glass, Andrew; Mariani, John J; Mahony, Amy L; Brooks, Daniel J; Levin, Frances R. (2020). ADHD Is Highly Prevalent in Patients Seeking Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorders.. Journal of attention disorders, 24(11), 1487-1492. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054716640109
Explore the wider topic
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- The Gap Between Cannabis Perception and Science: Why What We Believe Outpaces What We Know
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Am I Addicted? Self-Assessment Guide
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