OBJECTIVE Children with untreated ADHS have a high risk of becoming adult addicts and often present as problem patients on psychiatric detoxification units. We present our experience with the task of recognizing ADHS and initiating treatment during the short period of in-patient detoxification. METHODS Typical case histories illustrate the structural framework of the setting, the diagnosis and therapeutic process and the course of treatment. RESULTS Assessment of ADHS and initiation of specific treatment during in-hospital care is practical and useful to stop further chronification of illness. CONCLUSION This work requires a new approach to these often difficult patients by establishing a continuous therapeutic milieu.

Identifying and treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHS) during in-patient detoxification is practical and useful for preventing further chronification of illness in adult addicts.

Psychiatrische Praxis

Diagnostik und Behandlung der Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) bei substanzabhängigen Erwachsenen im stationären und ambulanten Setting

Diagnostik und Behandlung der Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) bei substanzabhängigen Erwachsenen im stationären und ambulanten Setting

Key Takeaway: Identifying and treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHS) during in-patient detoxification is practical and useful for preventing further chronification of illness in adult addicts.