Because substance abuse is prevalent among people with ADHD, doctors have struggled to determine which should be treated first and how best to treat them simultaneously. Scott H. Kollins, Ph.D, of Duke University recently presented his recommendations at the U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress meeting.

"In assessment of ADHD, Dr. Kollins suggested collecting a detailed substance abuse history, particularly for high-risk patients - adolescents, those with a family history of substance abuse, and those with comorbid conduct disorder or antisocial personality disorder."

Patients who are at a higher risk for substance abuse should be monitored more closely, and there are alternative medications available for use to treat the ADHD symptoms. The stimulant medication Vyvanse was recently approved by the FDA and is believed to have much less abuse potential than other medications. Read more at PsychiatricTimes.com.

Labels: adhd, medications, stimulants