Prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of ADHD-cannabis comorbidity in outpatients of the Maracaibo Psychiatric Hospital

  • Douglas E Parra L School of Dentistry, University of Zulia. Maracaibo - Venezuela
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/10.5281/zenodo.15748410
Keywords: ADHD, cannabis use disorder, comorbidity, prevalence, young adults

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) exhibit substantial comorbidity, linked to neurobiological and environmental factors, with increased risk of early substance use and functional impairment. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of this comorbidity in 35 outpatients from the Psychiatric Hospital of Maracaibo (consecutive sampling, January-March 2025), applying DSM-5
criteria and statistical analysis with SPSS. Results showed a male predominance (68.6%), age 18-28
years (65.7%), high employment rates (82.9%), and secondary education (57.1%). The hyperactive-im-
pulsive subtype had the highest current CUD prevalence (77%), while the inattentive subtype showed the highest lifetime prevalence (38%). Cannabis use began earlier in ADHD patients (12-18 years) compared to other diagnoses (15-25 years), with fewer additional psychiatric comorbidities (25% vs. 65%). Findings suggest impulsivity is linked to immediate risk and inattention to chronic vulnerability, highlighting the need for early prevention, integrated dual-diagnosis treatment, and psychosocial support to mitigate functional impact.

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Published
2025-06-29
How to Cite
Parra L, D. E. (2025). Prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of ADHD-cannabis comorbidity in outpatients of the Maracaibo Psychiatric Hospital. REDIELUZ, 15(1), 67 - 73. https://doi.org/10.5281/10.5281/zenodo.15748410
Issue
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2025): Revista REDIELUZ- Sembrando la Investigación Estudiantil
Section
Health Sciences

Copyright (c) 2025 Douglas E Parra L

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