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Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie

Research

ADHD and Substance Use Disorders

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As a nationally leading research group for the comorbidity of ADHD and Substance Use Disorders (SUD), we set scientific and clinical standards. We combine excellent basic research with innovative care to significantly improve diagnostics and therapy for this underserved high-risk group.

About the Research Group

Our research group holds a key position in the investigation and treatment of the complex interactions between ADHD and addiction disorders. Internationally, we are firmly anchored in the renowned ICASA Network (International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse) and cooperate with over 50 experts from 16 centers worldwide. Our scientific mission is to decode pathophysiological and clinical mechanisms through new approaches and translate them into individualized concepts. In addition to optimizing diagnostics and therapy for alcohol and cannabis dependence, we rely on state-of-the-art technologies: We evaluate craving induced by Cue Exposure in Virtual Reality (VR) and investigate neurobiological approaches.

Key Topics

Our expertise flows directly into clinical care and into national and international guidelines.

  • Evidence-based treatment of ADHD & SUD
  • Evaluation and modification of craving in Virtual Reality (VR) Cue Exposure - Alcohol & Cannabis
  • Health services research & network building (National/International)
  • Traumatic experiences and emotion regulation in substance use disorders

Current Projects and Studies

International Naturalistic Study on ADHD and Substance Abuse (InCAS)

As part of a global consortium, this large-scale naturalistic cohort study investigates treatment trajectories and identifies predictors of therapeutic success in patients with ADHD and substance use disorders.

For more information klick here.

Cooperations: 12 centres in 9 countries

 

The role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in cannabis craving in virtual reality: 

Innovative, randomized crossover study (RCT) evaluating the neurobiological mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists on craving, objectified through Virtual Reality scenarios.

Funded by the Oberberg Foundation

 

Trauma and emotional dysregulation in patients with ADHD and substance use disorders

Trauma and emotional dysregulation in patients with ADHD and substance use disorders Brief description: Research project analyzing the pathogenic role of trauma and emotional dysregulation as mediators of the comorbidity between ADHD and substance use.

 

Further projects:

  • Alcohol craving in virtual reality
  • Stigmatization in individuals with substance use disorders

Team

Group Leader

Dr. med. Mathias Luderer 
E-Mail: luderer@med.uni-frankfurt

Team members

Lilly Peters
Clara Theil
Beekje Schadwinkel
Ana-Christina Panzer
Victoria Seidel
Shams Abdullayeva
Helena Stahl

Funding, Scholarships and Prizes

Funding:

Oberberg Foundation Matthias Gottschaldt: The role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in cannabis craving in virtual reality. A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study. (€15,508)

Preise:

  • 2020 Young Investigator Award North German Addiction Research Network (NSF e.V.)
  • 2025 Wilhelm Feuerlein Research Award In the field of applied or clinical research (€4,000), awarded by the Oberberg Foundation Matthias Gottschaldt, the German Addiction Foundation, and the German Society for Addiction Research and Addiction Therapy (DG-Sucht).
  • 2025 Young Investigator Research Award Association of Chairs of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Germany (LIPPs)

Publications

Full list here. Selected publications:

Stigma from healthcare professionals and care-limiting behaviors in individuals with substance use disorders: a mixed-methods study.
Luderer M, Stockreiter D, Binder A, Müller L, Burger F, Stüben N, Reif A. Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2026 Jan 12;63:101587. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101587. eCollection 2026 Apr.PMID:41585028 

Treatments and Treatment Predictors in Patients With Substance Use Disorders and Comorbid Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: First Results From the International Naturalistic Cohort Study of ADHD and SUD (INCAS).
Brynte C, Schellekens A, Barta C, Begeman AHA, Crunelle CL, Daigre C, Demetrovics Z, Dom G, Grau-López L, Hernandez M, Icick R, Johnson B, Kapitány-Fövény M, van Kernebeek M, Konstenius M, Levin FR, Luderer M, Matthys F, Moggi F, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Schleussner L, Therribout N, Thomas A, Vorspan F, van den Brink W, Franck J.J Clin Psychiatry. 2024 Dec 23;86(1):24m15494. doi: 10.4088/JCP.24m15494.PMID:39724095

Deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens in treatment-resistant alcohol use disorder: a double-blind randomized controlled multi-center trial.
Bach P*, Luderer M*, Müller UJ*, Jakobs M, Baldermann JC, Voges J, Kiening K, Lux A, Visser-Vandewalle V; DeBraSTRA study group; Bogerts B, Kuhn J, Mann K.Transl Psychiatry. 2023 Feb 8;13(1):49. doi: 10.1038/s41398-023-02337-1.PMID:36755017 * equally contributed

Alcohol use disorders and ADHD.
Luderer M, Ramos Quiroga JA, Faraone SV, Zhang James Y, Reif A.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Sep;128:648-660. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.010. Epub 2021 Jul 12.PMID:34265320

International Consensus Statement on Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Use Disorder Patients with Comorbid Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Crunelle CL, van den Brink W, Moggi F, Konstenius M, Franck J, Levin FR, van de Glind G, Demetrovics Z, Coetzee C, Luderer M, Schellekens A; ICASA consensus group; Matthys F. Eur Addict Res. 2018;24(1):43-51. doi: 10.1159/000487767. Epub 2018 Mar 6.PMID:29510390

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Strategic Partners

International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Suchtforschung und Suchttherapie e.V.

Drogen- und Suchtberater Landesärztekammer Hessen

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