The Relationship Between ADHD and Addictive Behaviours: Implications for Economic and Health Outcomes

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that often continues into adulthood, resulting in corresponding adverse social, occupational, and economic costs. Addictive behaviours, substance use disorders (SUDs), or behavioural addictions are some of the most serious comorbidities with ADHD. This narrative review explores how ADHD is interconnected with addictive behaviours, focusing on prevalence, underlying psychological/neurobiological factors, and overall implications with regard to healthcare and economic productivity. Data from available scientific evidence suggests that this phenomenon is grounded in a bidirectional relationship wherein core symptoms of ADHD, especially impulsivity and regulatory dysfunction, create higher vulnerability to addictive behaviours, but concurrent addictive behaviour exacerbates functional deficits in ADHD.