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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that are frequently treated with stimulant medications such as Ritalin. Many people with ADHD smoke. The smoking prevalence rates are 40% in adults with ADHD compared to 26% in the general population. People with ADHD have also more difficulty to quit smoking. Only 29% of smokers with ADHD quit smoking compared to 48.5% of smokers in the general population. Nicotine is a stimulant, which may have similar properties than stimulant medications (e.g., Ritalin) used to treat ADHD. Nicotine may increase attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and, thus, may regulate behavior in individuals with ADHD. Alleviating the symptoms of ADHD and increasing cardiovascular activity through smoking may mimic the effects of stimulant medications and can be a form of self-medication.
The major objective of the study is to examine the effects of nicotine on ADHD symptoms, moods, and cardiovascular activity. The study will investigate the effects of nicotine patches on behavioral regulation in women and men with ADHD. 40 male and female smokers and 40 male and female nonsmokers with ADHD will undergo two conditions: (1) nicotine patch and (2) placebo patch. During each condition symptoms, moods, and physiological arousal will be assessed for 2 days during waking hours. An electronic handheld diary, programmed to prompt the participant twice per hour, will record ADHD symptoms (e.g., inattention, impulsivity, etc.), moods (e.g., happiness, sadness, anger, anxiety), location (e.g., home, school, work), activity (e.g., read/write, talk, walk), consumption (e.g., alcohol, caffeine), nicotine side effects (nausea, dizziness), and social context (e.g., alone, friends, family). Heart rate and blood pressure will be recorded with lightweight ambulatory monitors to indicate cardiovascular activity. Physical activity will be assessed by small motion sensors (Actigraphs) attached to the subject’s wrist in order to determine the level of hyperactivity and quality of sleep.
Results will provide information about the effects of nicotine patches on behavioral regulation in adult smokers and nonsmokers with ADHD. The inclusion of nonsmokers is important to clarify whether the effects of nicotine on smokers are due to smoking withdrawal. The findings will help explain the increased smoking prevalence rates and reduced quit rates associated with ADHD. Knowledge about nicotine’s effects on behavioral regulation can help to develop successful smoking cessation programs for individuals with ADHD. In addition, the effects of nicotine patches on behavioral regulation will provide information on the efficacy of nicotine as an alternative or complimentary treatment for ADHD. The findings on heart rate and blood pressure will indicate the level of physiological arousal associated with nicotine administration and may help determine the potential risk for cardiovascular disease in smokers and nonsmokers with ADHD. The study will contribute to understanding the role of food intake, social interactions, and gender differences in nicotine’s effects on behavioral regulation in a highly vulnerable population such as people with ADHD. |
