Title:Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders as a Risk Factor of Suicide and Homicide among Patients with ADHD: A Mini Review
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Author(s): Kouichi Yoshimasu*
Affiliation:
- Department of Hygiene, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-0012,Japan
Keywords:
ADHD, homicide, substance-related and addictive disorders, suicide, risk factor, SRAD.
Abstract: Objective: To discuss the role of substance-related and addictive disorders (SRAD) that
lead patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to suicide and homicide.
Method: Relevant articles were searched via PubMed using several keywords related to this issue.
Most of the articles included in this review were published after 2000.
Results: Patients with ADHD often fall into crises of catastrophic life events such as suicide or
homicide. SRAD play an important role in leading ADHD patients to such events. Because ADHD
is characterized by inattentiveness and impulsivity, any kinds of substances, legal or illegal, can deteriorate
ADHD symptoms, leading ADHD patients to such catastrophic events. There are several
pathways that connect ADHD with SRAD, which are roughly divided into two ways: internalizing
mental disorders and externalizing mental disorders. The former includes depression and anxiety
disorders characterized by self-inhibition or withdrawal. The latter typically includes conduct disorder
or oppositional defiant disorder, as well as antisocial personality disorder, characterized by aggressive
or antisocial behaviors or emotions towards others. These comorbid psychiatric disorders
are apt to lead ADHD patients to SRAD, and once these patients suffer from SRAD, risk of catastrophic
life events seems to increase due to the irreversibility of their adverse mentality. Comorbid
mental disorders with ADHD can act, at least partially, as mediators from ADHD to SRAD.
Conclusion: SRAD can be a critical risk factor of suicide and homicide among patients with ADHD.
Early interventions for families with ADHD and psychiatric comorbidities may work as effective
preventive strategies against such events.
