ADHD an ‘inherent risk factor’ for cocaine and other stimulant abuse, says psychiatrist
Patients will self-medicate with the drug despite it costing $350 a gram, Dr Ashlea White says.
Patients with undiagnosed ADHD are turning to cocaine and other illicit substances to self-manage their symptoms, a psychiatrist has warned.
Dr Ashlea White, who is based in Brisbane, also said patients with cocaine use disorder could be screened for ADHD, if possible, regardless of whether they were seeking an assessment or diagnosis.
“I would have to say this is something that was not taught in my training as a psychiatrist,” she told AusDoc.
“But there is more and more evidence coming out of the comorbidity between substance use — particularly stimulants like cocaine — and underlying ADHD diagnosis.
