Understanding how ADHD affects alcohol use as people age
Official title: The Pittsburgh ADHD Longitudinal Study: Predicting alcohol misuse, problems and disorder in mid-adulthood
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10907527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having ADHD as a child might affect drinking habits and problems with alcohol as people reach their 30s, and it’s for anyone who wants to understand how ADHD can influence these issues over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $540,493 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA027494-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who were diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and are currently in their 30s.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of ADHD or those who are not in the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on alcohol use and problems as individuals transition into mid-adulthood. By following a cohort of individuals diagnosed with ADHD from childhood into their 30s, the study aims to identify patterns of alcohol misuse and the factors that contribute to these behaviors over time. The research employs a longitudinal approach, collecting data on alcohol consumption and related issues to understand how these patterns evolve as life circumstances change. Participants will provide insights into their experiences with alcohol and mental health, contributing to a better understanding of these complex relationships.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and intervention strategies for alcohol misuse among individuals with ADHD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that longitudinal studies can effectively identify risk factors for alcohol misuse, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Molina, Brooke S.g. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Molina, Brooke S.g.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.