Researchers at the University of Regensburg assessed 314 adults addicted to alcohol and 220 healthy control subjects for psychiatric disorders, including addiction, ADHD, and antisocial personality disorder (APD).

In addition, genetic tests were conducted that focused on the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) and the 5-HT2c receptor Cys23Ser polymorphism.

The researchers found that the adult alcoholics with ADHD drank more alcohol per day, showed alcohol dependence at an earlier age, had greater frequency of suicidal thoughts, and had a higher rate of APD.

"The data show that to have ADHD means to be at high risk for developing alcohol dependence," said study author Dr. Monika Johann.

The study's findings are published in the October 2003 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

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