Current attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and nonmedical prescription opioid use attributed to tramadol among male adolescents without conduct disorder in Egypt.

Background

Evidence for the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) is common. However, little research has investigated this relationship among adolescents using nonmedical prescription opioids, particularly tramadol.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and correlates of ADHD among adolescents with tramadol misuse and without conduct disorder (CD).

Methods

This study included 122 Egyptian adolescents (100% male) with opioid use disorders attributed to tramadol. The diagnosis of SUDs, ADHD, and CD (to exclude) was based on the SCID-I criteria of the DSM-IV-TR. Drug-related problems were assessed using the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT). All adolescents were screened for drugs by urinalysis.

Results

Thirty-eight percent of adolescents with tramadol misuse had ADHD. Adolescents with tramadol misuse and ADHD were more likely to have a younger age of onset of smoking, substance use, and tramadol misuse than adolescents without ADHD.

Conclusions

ADHD is common among adolescents with tramadol misuse. There is an association between ADHD and young age of onset of tramadol misuse and drug-related problems.