Hot news about ADD and ADHD - Study: ADD children face alcohol problems later

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Posted by: SuperUser Account	Tuesday, March 27, 2007
KDKA) PITTSBURGH A new study from University of Pittsburgh researchers shows children with attention deficit disorder are at higher risk for alcohol and substance abuse problems later in life. "It wasn't long ago that pediatricians were telling parents it will go away, the disorder," said Dr. Brooke Molina. One study has followed more than 300 kids from childhood. "For the majority of them, the disorder does not go away," said Dr. Molina. "Two thirds of these children continue to suffer the symptoms of ADHD into adolescence, and that's impulsivity, difficulty with paying attention, being hyper." It turns out, the risk for problem drinking in adolescence is higher if kids have ADHD in childhood, if parents have problems with alcohol, or if there's fighting in the family or with friends. For kids with ADHD, problems can start even in the pre-teen years. "The message for parents here is in the middle school age range, they need to keep their antennae up and keep a close eye on their kids," said Dr. Molina. "Maybe these kids gravitate to peer groups that support use, heavier use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Self-medication may be part of this as use becomes more involved." The reasons may be clearer after more studies.

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