Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Cannabis Use Disorder: A Toxic Couple

Speaker Roberto Olivardia. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by attention dysregulation, impulsivity, hyperactivity and executive functioning issues. Cannabis is one of the most widely abused substances among people with ADHD. Studies show that those diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to develop a Cannabis Use Disorder. One study found that 34% to 46% of those seeking treatment for cannabis dependence had an ADHD diagnosis. Cannabis is not medicinal for ADHD. Cannabis carries lifelong psychological and physical consequences to the developing brain and body, and people with ADHD are especially vulnerable to its effects. This webinar will first educate viewers on the facts on ADHD, a widely misunderstood diagnosis. Understanding why people with ADHD are at higher risk for dependence will be reviewed through knowledge on the ADHD brain, as well as other psychological factors. Though marijuana use is a hotly debated topic, this webinar focuses on strong scientific studies and clinical examples to drive home the cannabis-ADHD connection, as well as important treatment implications when someone with Cannabis Use Disorder also has ADHD.

Video link: https://vimeo.com/697158698/45a704ed2c

Speaker Details

Full Name
Roberto Olivardia

Position
PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Instructor of Psychology

Institution
Harvard Medical School

Bio
Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he specializes in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and in the treatment of eating disorders in boys and men. He has spoken on numerous podcasts and webinars and presents at many talks and conferences around the country. He currently sits on the Professional Advisory Boards for Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD) and the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA). He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for ADDitude and is Featured Expert on Understood.org.