Assuming associations from old data- the case of ADHD and drug use. MRC GW4 BioMed DTP PhD studentship 2025/26 Entry,

About the GW4 BioMed2 Doctoral Training Partnership

The partnership brings together the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff (lead) and Exeter to develop the next generation of biomedical researchers. Students will have access to the combined research strengths, training expertise and resources of the four research-intensive universities, with opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary and ‘team science’. The DTP already has over 90 studentships over 6 cohorts in its first phase, along with 58 students over 3 cohorts in its second phase.

Project Information

Research Theme:

Neuroscience & Mental Health

Summary:

Many research papers about ADHD include the sentence “ADHD is associated with increased risk of substance use”. However, new analysis in UK datasets has shown no association between ADHD and adolescent drug or alcohol use. What is going on? Have we been getting it wrong for years, or are there societal changes impacting on young people with ADHD? In this PhD you will unpick whether or not young people with ADHD have an increased risk of using drugs and alcohol, and why (not).

Main Description: 

Society is increasingly recognising the importance of understanding how and why the human brain diverges from neurotypical development. Up to 7% of adolescents experience impairing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity, which can be diagnosed as ADHD.

Individuals with ADHD are at increased risk of poor health and lifecourse outcomes: better understanding of their positive and negative experiences is vital to improve health and wellbeing.

An established body of research has found that ADHD is linked to increased risk of using drugs in adolescence. Scientists have theorised this could be due to increased risk-taking, or ‘self-medication’.

Given that adolescent substance use is known to raise risks for adult mental and physical health, and may explain some relationships between ADHD and adverse outcomes, understanding the current relationship between ADHD and substance use may lead to improving lifetime health for those with ADHD.

Please click on the ‘visit institution website’ on the right hand side to apply for this project