Psychopathology and Attention Performance in Methamphetamine Users with ADHD Symptomology in Childhood

Methamphetamine use disorder is often associated with psychopathological symptoms and attention performance deficits. Little is known about the co-incidence of methamphetamine use disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood. This study examines potential correlations between substance use patterns, psychopathological symptoms, and attention performance in methamphetamine-dependent inpatients with and without a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood. Sixty male and 16 female inpatients in two treatment centers were examined. Pre-treatment, participants were interviewed regarding socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, completed measurements for intellectual capability, and symptomology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood. Pre- and post-treatment cognitive function and psychopathological symptoms were assessed. Among the study population, the prevalence of symptomology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood was 43.4% (n = 33), with higher scores in females. Without gender differences, participants with childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were significantly younger than non-affected participants and had started significantly earlier the use of methamphetamine, alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. The groups did not differ regarding treatment outcomes. However, the group of individuals with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood had significantly more psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder) and was significantly more affected by psychopathological symptoms at pre-treatment than non-affected patients. In both groups, the presence of psychopathological symptoms tended to decrease at post-treatment. No significant differences were found with respect to intelligence and attention performance. Methamphetamine-dependent inpatients seem to be highly affected by symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood, substance use disorders, and further psychopathological symptoms. This should be addressed in the establishment of new therapeutic programs.