Abstract
M.A.
This study is an exploratory pilot study that investigates the relationship between a childhood diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and adult substance use disorders.
The existing literature suggests four links in this relationship, namely: self – medication, the priming effect of psycho – stimulants, adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and psychiatric comorbidity.
This study found that the relationship is not as linear as what the literature suggests. The full impact of the relationship between a childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and adult substance use disorders should be investigated in terms of the lifelong development of ADHD. A deve-lopmental approach to psychopathology should be adopted. This study also identified a number of risk and protective factors in the development of psychopathology. These risk and protective factors are another area for further research.