The Reinforcing Mechanisms of Smoking in Adult ADHD
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2010-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Whereas the smoking prevalence rates in the general population are declining, rates among
people diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continue to be
elevated. Smoking may be a form of self-medication in people with ADHD, which has specific
reinforcing mechanisms such as improvement of ADHD core symptoms, enhancement of moods and
arousal, or a combination of both. In addition, the reinforcing effects of smoking may be
potentiated by stimulant medication.
The study examined the reinforcing effects of ad libitum smoking with and without ADHD
medication in adult smokers with clinically diagnosed ADHD. Participants were adults with
ADHD. The effects of two day of ADHD medication compared to two days on placebo for were
studied on nicotine intake (i.e., cotinine levels). In addition, task performance on the
Continuous Performance Task and nicotine withdrawal symptoms were examined in response to
ADHD medication + smoking a cigarette versus ADHD medication + abstinence versus placebo
medication + smoking versus placebo medication + abstinence.
The study identified the reinforcing mechanisms of smoking in interaction with ADHD
medication. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of nicotine addiction and
facilitate the development of targeted smoking cessation and prevention programs for
individuals with ADHD and other people with deficiencies in impulse control and excessive
risk taking.