Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Sensation-Seeking, and Sensory Modulation Dysfunction in Substance Use Disorder: A Cross Sectional Two-Group Comparative Study

Naama Assayag, Itai Berger, Shula Parush, Haim Mell and Tami Bar-Shalita
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Naama Assayag: School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
Itai Berger: Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Division, Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva 8443944, Israel
Shula Parush: School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
Haim Mell: Department of Criminology, Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley 1930600, Israel
Tami Bar-Shalita: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensation-seeking, a trait characterized by risk-related behaviors, have been recognized as risk factors in substance use disorder (SUD). Though ADHD co-occurs with sensory modulation dysfunction (SMD), SMD has scarcely been explored in SUD. Thus, this study aimed to characterize ADHD symptomology, sensation-seeking, and SMD, as well as to explore their contribution to SUD likelihood. Methods: A cross sectional two-group comparative study including therapeutic community residents with SUD ( n = 58; study group) and healthy individuals ( n = 62; comparison group) applying the MOXO continuous performance test (MOXO-CPT) evaluating ADHD-related symptoms. In addition, participants completed the ADHD Self-Report Scale—Version 1.1 for ADHD screening; the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale quantifying risk-taking behaviors; and the Sensory Responsiveness Questionnaire-Intensity Scale for identifying SMD. Results: The study group demonstrated higher SMD incidence (53.57% vs. 14.52%) and lower performance in three MOXO-CPT indexes: Attention, Impulsivity, and Hyperactivity, but not in Timing, compared to the comparison group. Sensory over-responsiveness had the strongest relationship with SUD, indicating 27-times increased odds for SUD (95% CI = 5.965, 121.216; p ≤ 0.0001). A probability risk index is proposed. Conclusion: We found SMD with the strongest relation to SUD exceeding that of ADHD, thus contributing a new perspective for developing future therapeutic modalities. Our findings highlight the need to address SMD above and beyond ADHD symptomology throughout the SUD rehabilitation.

Keywords: SUD; ADHD; sensation-seeking; sensory processing; sensory over-responsiveness; risk factor; therapeutic community (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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