The Connection Between Autism, ADHD, and Addictions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that hinders the behavioural and communicative aspects of an individual. Though it can be diagnosed at any age, its symptoms show primarily in the first two years.

The disorder is under a spectrum because every child is different and every child’s reaction to this disorder varies through ages and genders.

• Genetic?– Genetic factors can be two ways; either by chromosomal makeup or family inheritance
• Neurological?– The research focus on the neurological causes of ASD has been correlated to the exposure of the baby to a neuroleptic medication which may impair cognitive structure as well as the brain parts.
• Environmental?– Studies show that being born to older parents can be a cause for ASD. Many pollutant exposures can cause ASD in fetuses or children. Maternal obesity, diabetes or any other chronic illness can hinder proper development.

How Can This Be Treated?

• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) - ABA uses a one-to-one teaching approach to make positive changes in their behaviour and eliminate negative or rejecting behaviour patterns.?
• Speech Therapy - Speech Therapy is a common treatment used for ASD patients who have major issues in speech areas like language delays or repetitive speaking of one word.

In addition to the above, occupational therapy and dietary recommendations can also be used to target specific problems.

How Does This Relate to ADHD?

Similarly to ASD, ADHD has many comorbidities due to excessive neural activity, abusive or pathological family environment, co-occurring mental illnesses and many other social factors.

Through a study of 1919 subjects with ADHD, around 60% had comorbid learning disorders, 20% of them had an oppositional defiant disorder and 12% had alcohol addiction or drug addiction .

In some cases, they had conduct disorder and antisocial personality signs in later adolescence.

Substance Use Disorder affects about 30% of adults in developed countries like the UK, USA, Australia etc. Most of them lie in the adolescent population, which implies that the disorder becomes severe at an early stage.

Due to it gradually becoming a disorder, alcohol abuse is most commonly detected at a later age, and results in academic or intellectual failure, truancy, suicidal behaviours and drug abuse.

In a more specified twin study with ADHD clients, it was observed from their childhood to adolescence, that the hyperactive or impulsivity symptoms of ADHD had a higher risk for early-onset tobacco and alcohol use in adolescents.

It is studied through many perspectives how the patients of ADHD and ASD have addictive symptoms or Substance Use disorder.

• The neurological perspective talks of the link between ADHD and SUD through the deficits in brain structures. The abnormalities in persons with ADHD have smaller volumes in the cerebellum, frontal cortical and subcortical regions. This is related to the delayed dopaminergic system functioning. Moreover, this leads to a higher risk and co-occurrence of substance abuse.
• In children and adolescents with ADHD, psychologists and mental health professionals report that peer exposure to alcohol, cigarette smoking, and drug use is the most powerful antecedent to developing the disorder in these kids. It was seen in an examination of adolescents with ADHD, that they were at risk for tobacco and alcohol abuse due to the affordability and availability of the substances.
• Lastly, the risk due to the stimulative medications is also another factor for patients with ADHD. Their medications have addictive constituents which can play a role in developing SUD. It is recommended that psychotherapeutic interventions be integrated with pharmacotherapy.

Addcounsel – One Stop For All Addictive Disorders

Whether it is just alcohol/drug addiction alone, or with co-occurring disorders such as ADHD or ASD; Addcounsel Rehab can assure you that it will provide world-class treatment with a diversified team of psychiatrists, nutritionists, psychologists and physiotherapists. Addcounsel has access to various evidence-based techniques and tools which are effective for each addictive symptom.

Alcohol abuse and tobacco abuse usually have an early onset in adolescents with ADHD, and at Addcounsel, we provide personalised treatment services with expertise for the 16+ population.

Why Refer to Addcounsel?

Overseen by highly experienced Consultant Psychiatrists, we work with some of the most skilled addiction and mental health professionals in the UK to deliver a personalised program for each client who works with us.?

When we create our treatment plans, we consider the whole person, ensuring their mental, physical, and spiritual needs are met; there is no standardised approach, and every solution is different.

Addcounsel are working to help people live more fulfilling lives, so we must propose the right thing to do; to do this we work closely with you to get the best possible outcomes for your clients.?

Interested in learning more about our referral services?

Get In Touch With Our Team Today.

References:

1. Reale, L., Bartoli, B., Cartabia, M.?et al.?Comorbidity prevalence and treatment outcome in children and adolescents with ADHD.?Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry?26,?1443–1457 (2017).?https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-017-1005-z
2. Weissenberger, S., Ptacek, R., Klicperova-Baker, M., Erman, A., Schonova, K., Raboch, J., & Goetz, M. (2017). ADHD, lifestyles and comorbidities: A call for a holistic perspective–From medical to societal intervening factors.?Frontiers in psychology,?8, 454.
3. Zulauf, C. A., Sprich, S. E., Safren, S. A., & Wilens, T. E. (2014). The complicated relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and substance use disorders.?Current psychiatry reports,?16(3), 436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-013-0436-6