Abstract
This thesis investigates self-reported symptoms of mental distress and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among individuals in Opioid Maintenance Treatment (OMT). Data was collected as part of the larger NorComt study through face-to-face interviews at treatment start and approximately one year later. Also included in the thesis is a small clinical trial from Oslo University Hospital that explored the viability of central stimulant medication for OMT patients with ADHD. The results demonstrate a high prevalence of mental distress and ADHD symptoms. For the group as a whole, mental distress was equally high at treatment start and after one year in treatment. Patients with high ADHD symptom scores reported more mental distress at treatment start and these symptoms had increased after one year in treatment. Our clinical trial showed some promise regarding use of central stimulant medication of ADHD in OMT, though challenges were present. In conclusion, we recommend that clinicians should focus on mental health and systematic screening to appropriately identify, diagnose and treat multimorbidities simultaneously.
List of papers
| Paper I: Abel KF, Skjærvø I, Ravndal E, Clausen, T, Bramness JG. (2018). Mental distress is related to self-control in patients entering substance use treatment. Substance Use and Misuse. The article is not available in DUO due to publisher restrictions. The published version is available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2017.1413114 |
| Paper II: Abel KF, Ravndal E, Clausen T, Bramness JG. (2017). ADHD symptoms are common in patients in Opioid Maintenance Treatment. European Addiction Research. The accepted version is available in DUO urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-64817. The published version is not available in DUO due to publisher restrictions. The article is available at: https://doi.org/10.1159/000484240 |
| Paper III: Abel KF, Stavseth MR, Clausen, T, Ravndal E, Bramness JG. (2018). Self-reported mental distress remains high after one year in opioid maintenance treatment. Submitted. The paper is not available in DUO awaiting publishing. |
| Paper IV: Abel KF, Martinsen E, Bramness JG. (2014). Stimulant Medication for ADHD in Opioid Maintenance Treatment. Journal of Dual Diagnosis. The article is not available in DUO due to publisher restrictions. The published version is available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/15504263.2013.867657 |