Clinical (trial) research

The prevalence and treatment of addiction and ADHD

ADHD is an important risk factor for the development of an addiction. ADHD is therefore more prevalent in people with an addiction than in the general population (Emmerik-van Oortmerssen et al, 2012). Since estimates of the prevalence of ADHD in addiction vary widely, in an international multi-center study the prevalence of ADHD was investigated in various countries and among various populations (van de Glind et al, 2014). Nearly 3600 patients were included in this study; the mean ADHD prevalence was 14%. Jellinek has also investigated treatment of this target group. Since the effect of medication for ADHD in patients with addiction problems varies, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment for ADHD is effective in adult patients with ADHD without comorbidities, Jellinek researchers and practitioners have developed an integrated treatment in which a treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD has been combined with treatment for addiction. The results of this randomized clinical study show that this new integrated treatment protocol for addiction and ADHD is effective: ADHD-related symptoms and problems diminished more with the combined ADHD-addiction treatment, compared to regular addiction treatment.

Research team

• dr. Kathelijne van Oortmerssen
• dr. E. Vedel (Jellinek, Sinai Center)
• Prof. Dr. W. van den Brink (AMC)
• Prof. Dr. R. Schoevers (RUG)
• Prof. Dr. A. Goudriaan (Arkin, AMC)
• dr. M. Blankers (Arkin)

Period: 2012-2017

Status: research completed

Pharmacotherapy for crack-cocaine dependence

Addiction to cocaine, especially when used in the form of freebasing, is one of the most problematic forms of addiction in the Netherlands. Treatment options for this group are currently limited. In a multi-center study (CATCH), initiated by the Parnassia Addiction Research Center, several new pharmacotherapeutic treatments for this target group were investigated. Within Jellinek it concerned the evaluation of prescribing modafinil in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy.

Research team

• Dr. Mascha Nuijten
  • Dr V. Hendriks (PARC)
  • Prof.dr. W. van den Brink (AMC)
  • Prof.dr. A. Goudriaan (Arkin/Jellinek, AMC)
  • Drs P. Blanken (PARC)

Period: 2011-2016
Status: research completed

Modafinil in the treatment of crack-cocaine dependence in the Netherlands: Results of an open-label randomised controlled feasibility trial – PubMed (nih.gov)