Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Research Articles

ADHD Dimension, Childhood trauma and Perceived Stress: an observational study on peripartum women affected by mood and anxiety disorders

IntroductionPregnancy is an important life event, involving body and mind transformation as well as brain reorganization. ADHD dimension is an additional aggravating factor, albeit poorly studied in the literature, in patients with mental health disorders in the peripartum.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation among ADHD dimension, trauma in childhood, and anxiety-depressive symptomatology to assess whether the ADHD dimension may affect the quality of life of peripartum patients, and to identify vulnerability factors and self-harm risk.MethodsThe sample included 74 women aged 21-46 years, recruited from Sant’Andrea Hospital in Rome between 2015 and 2019. All recruited women were administered the following scales: Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ASRS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson’s correlation with SPSS software to verify the presence of linear relationships (p<0.05) among theADHD dimension, assessed by the ASRS scale, and the other psychopathological dimensions.ResultsThe sample was divided into two groups depending on the results of ASRS: 26 patients were positive for at least one of the ASRS scale items, while 48 patients were negative. The groups did not statistically differ in socio-demographic variables examined. The medium score at EPDS was 15,11 (± 8,43). It was found that the severity of ADHD dimension directly correlated with the duration of mental symptoms in peripartum (r=0.324;p=0.013), with the total CTQ scale score (r=0.342; p=0.004), with emotional abuse detected by CTQ (r=0.415; p<0.001), with emotional neglect detected by CTQ (r=0.291; p=0.014) and with perceived stress detected by PSS scale (r=0.456; p<0.001). Furthermore, we identified a correlation between self-injurious ideation and ADHD symptomatology (r=0.269; p =0.049) evaluating the item 10 of EPDS.ConclusionsThe severity of ADHD traits directly correlates with the symptomatology and duration of mental disorder in peripartum. Specifically, ADHD patients who develop anxious-depressive symptoms are more likely to have experienced emotional abuse and emotional neglect in childhood.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Risk behaviors in substance use disorder in a sample of Egyptian female patients with or without symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

BackgroundRisk-taking behaviors are associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals with both diagnoses have been reported to have an earlier onset, a longer course, and greater severity, with more relapses and greater difficulty remaining abstinent.The current study was assessing females seeking treatment for SUDs for the presence of comorbid ADHD, to investigate the association between severity of SUD and co-occurring ADHD symptoms and to examine related risk behaviors. Therefore, thirty female patients were enrolled, and demographic data was collected. Participants were interviewed by SCID I, addiction severity index, Arabic-translated and validated version of the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11, and Arabic version of the Adult Scale of Hostility and Aggression.ResultsThirty female patients were included in the study, and 33.3% had extreme severity, on the addiction severity index scale. Fifteen patients had ADHD symptoms; 33.3% had high likely scores, according to Adult ADHD Self-Reported Scale (ASRS). There is a significant difference regarding the age of onset of substance use and smoking (P = 0.029), first sexual activity (P = 0.002), number of sexual partners (P = 0.009), impairment in employment, and family and social relationships items (P = 0.024, P = 0.028, respectively) in SUD patients with ADHD symptoms than in SUD patients without ADHD symptoms.ConclusionFemale patients diagnosed with adult ADHD have an earlier age of smoking and substance use, having first sexual activity at younger age, and having more sexual partners with more employment, family, and social relationship problems.

The motivation against change in male methamphetamine users in the compulsory detoxification setting.

The study was designed to develop a measurement for the motivation for and against change in methamphetamine users in the compulsory detoxification setting. This is a cross-sectional study. The study was carried out in a compulsory detoxification center for male drug users in China. A total of 228 male methamphetamine users who had undergone the program for at least 30 days. The motivation for/against change relating to compulsory detoxification was carried out using the Likert scale. A series of questionnaires were filled out by the participants, including the Egna Minnen Beträffande Uppfostran for rearing style, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, the adult ADHD self-report scale, and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Participants were also asked to recall the withdrawal symptoms before the program and to rate their current craving levels. Motivations were grouped into three factors, namely, the expectation to use drugs upon the completion of the program (factor 1), the disagreement with the compulsory setting (factor 2), and the motivation to quit drug use (factor 3). Cronbach's alpha values were 0.8037, 0.8049, and 0.6292, respectively. The structural equation model showed that the overall motivation was characterized by motivation against change rather than that for change. The overall motivation was also directly affected by the current craving level and indirectly affected by the severity of addiction, paternal authoritarian upbringing style, and ADHD traits. This study provided a measurement of motivation for and against change in subjects with drug misconduct and suggested that the motivation against change may disclose more psychological barriers than the motivation for change.

Prevalence of ADHD in a Sample of Heroin Addicts Receiving Agonist Treatment-Study Conducted in a Public Addiction Service.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder that can persist into adulthood. The co-occurrence of ADHD and substance use disorders is very frequent and has received considerable attention in recent clinical/scientific investigations. However, few studies have investigated the prevalence of ADHD in heroin addicts. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a sample of heroin addicts treated with opioid agonists and to report this clinical experience in a public service for addiction. Outpatients over 18 years old and being treated with opioid agonists for heroin addiction were enrolled. Each patient took part in a psychiatric examination and completed an ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) self-assessment. Subjects with positive results were called in for another psychiatric visit, and the Brown ADD scale was used as a second-level test for ADHD; furthermore, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and Hypomania/Mania Checklist (HCL-32) were used for differential diagnoses and to assess comorbidities. In total, 111 patients were enrolled. All were followed up by the psychiatrist, who is also the author of this report and the person who formulated the diagnoses. The prevalence of ADHD in this sample was 18%. Among the 20 patients diagnosed with ADHD, 5 (25%) were female and 15 (75%) were male. The most frequent psychiatric comorbidity was major depression, found in 11 patients (55%), of which 4 presented with hypomania (bipolar disorder). In this sample, making diagnoses was very difficult. Frequently, multiple comorbidities further complicated these cases. In conclusion, the results of this study are consistent with the literature: There seems to be a significant prevalence of ADHD even among heroin addicts, and often, the diagnosis is difficult to make. We also do not know the exact effect of opioid agonist therapy on ADHD symptoms. Hypotheses have been put forward, but studies are needed.

Methylphenidate use and misuse among medical residents in Israel: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMethylphenidate (MPH) and other stimulants may be misused, mainly as cognitive enhancers and recreational drugs. Data regarding misuse among medical residents are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of and main reasons for methylphenidate (MPH) use and misuse among Israeli medical residents.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we sent an online questionnaire to medical residents who had completed their first residency exam and specialists with up to 2 years of experience. We asked about the use of MPH before and during residency and attitudes toward the use of MPH as a cognitive enhancer. We also added the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) questionnaire, a validated tool used to screen for the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Users and misusers were classified based on self-report of use and formal ADHD diagnosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with MPH misuse.ResultsFrom March 2021 to August 2021, 370 physicians responded to our questionnaire (response rate 26.4%). Twenty-eight met the exclusion criteria and were not included. The respondents’ average age was 36.5 years. Women comprised 63.5% of the respondents. Of the participants, 16.4% were classified as users and 35.1% as misusers. The prevalence of misusers was 45.6% among surgery and OB/GYN physicians, 39.4% among pediatricians and internists, and 24% among family physicians (P < 0.001). Misusers had a more liberal approach than others to MPH use as a cognitive enhancer. Factors associated with misuse of MPH included not being a native-born Israeli (OR-1.99, 95% CI 1.08, 3.67) and type of residency (OR-2.33, 95% CI 1.22, 4.44 and OR-4.08, 95% CI 2.06, 8.07 for pediatrics and internal medicine and surgery, respectively).ConclusionVery high levels of MPH misuse during residency may be related to stress, long working hours, night shifts, and the academic burden of the residency period. We believe that our findings should be considered by healthcare policymakers as they make decisions regarding the conditions of medical residencies. The use of MPH as a cognitive enhancer should be further studied and discussed.

WITHDRAWAL — Administrative Duplicate Publication: Prevalence of ADHD Symptomatology in Adult Population in the Czech Republic: A National Study

Background: ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder frequently diagnosed between the ages 7 and 10 years. We measured ADHD symptomatology in a representative sample of the Czech population. Material and Methods: Data collection was performed in January 2019 through the European National Panel. The respondents completed a demographic questionnaire focusing on ADHD history and a standardized questionnaire, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) screener for ADHD symptomatology in adulthood. Results: From the sample of 1,518 respondents, 3% of the respondents reported having been diagnosed with ADHD/hyperkinetic disorder in their lifetime. According to ASRS scoring, 119 respondents were classified as suspected ADHD. Overall, more males than females reported ADHD symptomatology. Age was also significantly associated with ASRS. Education status yielded no significant results. Conclusion: Our study documents that the prevalence of ADHD symptomatology in adults is comparable with that in Western countries despite the different historical and health care backgrounds.

Prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms among university students

Background: Many general practitioners admit to having limited skills in recognizing and treating adult attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This results in late treatment and have a significant impact on many facets of life. Objective: To assess the prevalence of ADHD symptoms among students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In 2022, a cross-sectional study on a sample of 1,569 students. The students&amp;apos; responses to online surveys (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) were used to collect data. The statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23. Results: ADHD was more common than the average by 30.3%. Additionally, the prevalence of ADHD and it&amp;apos;s shown to have a gender effect, with females scoring 35.05% and 16.60% higher on the ADHD and hyperactivity scales than males. Conclusion: The high frequency of ADHD symptoms among college students points to the significance of early clinical identification of risk factors, which will enhance the quality of life for those with ADHD.

The Potential Impact of Agouti Related Peptide and Asprosin on Metabolic Parameters and Eating Behavior in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

We aimed to evaluate Agouti-Related Peptide (AgRP) and asprosin levels in adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and to examine the relationship between eating behavior, metabolic parameters, AgRP and asprosin. Forty-five adult ADHD patients and 45 controls were included in the study. The Adult Diagnostic Interview Scale for ADHD (DIVA 2.0) and Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 Clinician Version (SCID-5/CV) were administered to the participants. The Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) were completed by the participants. Biochemical parameters, AgRP and asprosin levels of the participants were measured. Adults with ADHD had significantly higher HbA1c, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Eating behaviors and lipid profile were impaired in the patients. A significant positive correlation was found between the patients' ASRS/hyperactivity-impulsivity scores and DEBQ/emotional eating and DEBQ/external eating. A significant positive correlation was found between ASRS/total score and DEBQ/emotional eating, DEBQ/external eating, and DEBQ/total eating scores. AgRP and asprosin levels were significantly lower in the patients. The effect sizes of AgRP and asprosin were 0.526 and 0.839, respectively. A negative correlation was found between AgRP and asprosin levels of the patients and BMI. It was seen that AgRP and asprosin were confounding factors for each other, and the significance between the groups was due to asprosin. Asprosin defined ADHD at a higher rate than AgRP. The study emphasizes the link between eating behavior and the hedonic system in ADHD. It also showed that AgRP and asprosin levels are low in adult ADHD. Low AgRP and asprosin levels may be an indication of impaired energy homeostasis and/or a structural cause for ADHD.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity symptoms and risk of alcohol use relapse.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is frequently accompanied by comorbid attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Comorbid ADHD has been reported to increase the severity of AUD. We investigated whether ADHD severity also influences AUD relapse risk at baseline and after inpatient treatment. In this study, 187 AUD patients admitted to Narimasu Kosei Hospital from October 2019 to March 2021 were included in the analysis. According to the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), participants were divided into two groups: ASRS+ with ADHD characteristics (n=43) and ASRS- with low/no ADHD characteristics (n=144). Groups were compared for AUD relapse risk at the start of treatment (baseline) and before hospital discharge using the multidimensional Alcohol Relapse Risk Scale (ARRS). The change in relapse risk during hospitalization was also compared by assessment of the interaction between groups (ASRS+ vs. ASRS-) and time (at discharge vs. baseline). The total ARRS score and dimension subscores for stimulus-induced vulnerability and emotionality problems were significantly higher in the ASRS+ group at baseline and before discharge compared to the ASRS- group. There was a significant group × time interaction indicating less improvement of stimulus-induced vulnerability during inpatient treatment among the ASRS+ group compared to the ASRS- group. Our findings suggest that AUD patients with ADHD characteristics have a higher risk of relapse both at baseline and after inpatient treatment. Stimulus-induced vulnerability to relapse is less likely to improve with treatment in patients with ADHD characteristics.

Screen Time and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Symptoms Among Young Adults in Bangladesh: An Online Cross-Sectional Study During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective. Mobile or computer device screening time contributes to developing attention deficithyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study assessed the role of screening time in developing ADHDsymptoms in adults according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale(ASRS). Method. This research is an internet-based self-reported study on young adult people aged over 18 yearsamid Covid-19 to collect information on ADHD symptoms and mobile/computer device screening time usinga web-based structured questionnaire. Results. Among the 310 respondents, 124 (40%) had ADHD symptoms. Males with ADHD symptoms(45%) were more than females (35%). Histories of using digital devices with screening time of more than 4hours a day were seven times more likely to develop ADHD symptoms compared to the respondents who hada history of using digital devices with screening time less than 3 hours (aOR 7.5, 95% CI: 3.62-24.92). Conclusion. The occurrence of ADHD symptoms was not uncommon in young adults amid the COVID-19pandemic. More awareness regarding the negative impact of longer screening time in progressing ADHDamong young adults needs to be improved to reduce the risk of developing ADHD.

Influence of ADHD, especially attention-deficit characteristics, on the course of alcohol-dependent individuals

BackgroundWhile several studies have revealed that neurodevelopmental disorders have a high probability of overlapping with substance use disorders, the effects of neurodevelopmental disorders on the courses of substance use disorders have hardly been examined.MethodsThis study targeted 637 alcohol-dependent individuals who received inpatient treatment and whose drinking situations were followed for 12 months after hospital discharge using mailed questionnaires. The comorbidity of psychiatric disorders and the characteristics associated with the neurodevelopmental disorders were assessed using several measurements at the time of hospital admission. The effects of neurodevelopmental disorders on the drinking courses of the subjects were then estimated.ResultsThe presence of a current depressive episode or any anxiety disorder significantly lowered the abstinence rates during the follow-up period (p = 0.0195 and p = 0.0214, respectively). ADHD traits as assessed using the ADHD Self-report Scale (ASRS) predicted a significantly poorer abstinence rate (p = 0.0296). Similarly, attention-deficit characteristics assessed objectively through interviews predicted a significantly lower abstinence rate (p = 0.0346), and a sensitivity analysis enhanced these results (p = 0.0019). When the drinking patterns were classified into three groups, the subjects with attention-deficit characteristics had a significantly higher rate of “Recurrence” and lower rates of “Abstinence” and “Controlled drinking” (p = 0.013). In a multivariate proportional hazards analysis, the ASRS score was significantly correlated with the re-drinking risk (p = 0.003).ConclusionADHD traits had significant effects on not only abstinence rates, but also on drinking pattern. The presence of ADHD traits, especially attention-deficit characteristics, influenced the drinking courses of alcohol-dependent individuals after hospital treatment.

Standardized instruments for assessing psychiatric, behavioral, sexual problems, and quality of life in male and female adults with disorders of sex development in Indonesia

Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) are a group of congenital medical conditions defined as atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, and anatomical sex. Psychiatric, behavioral, and gender-associated problems could arise in both male and female adult with DSD. Structured assessments for each variable are needed to properly measure psychiatric and sexual issues and overall quality of life in adults with DSD. This study aims to review structured questionnaire instruments that had been used to assess psychiatric, behavioral, sexual problems, and quality of life in adults with DSD.For psychiatric or behavioral problems, adults with DSD can be assessed with GHQ-28, Brief Symptoms Inventory, Achenbach and Rescorla’s Adult Behavior Checklist, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview plus, Hospital anxiety and depression scale, Body image scale, Adult ADHD self-report scale screener, Short Autism Spectrum Quotient, and coping with DSD questionnaire. For quality of life, assessment could be done with WHOQOL and Short Form-36. Gender role assessment in adults with DSD can be done using Core Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Role Behavior and Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale. Both of the apparent male and female DSD patients can be assessed using the instruments available. Recommendations are made based on its function, compliance, validity, reliability, and avaibility of an Indonesian version of the questionnaire.There are a plethora of structured questionnaire tools that have been used to measure psychiatric or behavioral problems, quality of life, and gender roles in adult with DSD, each with its own advantages and disadvantages

Alarmingly high prevalence and lack of gender differences in ADHD among high school students: Screening for ADHD with ASRS among adolescents and working adults

Abstract Introduction: The aim was to examine the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) among adolescents and adult working populations of different genders, the prevalence of ADHD, and its relationship to stress. Materials and methods: A sample of 723 professionally active people and 1744 high school students participated in the study. Part A of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) was used to measure ADHD and the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) was used to measure stress. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the original 6-item two-factor solution of ASRS Part A had a satisfactory fit and showed basic measurement invariance between age groups and genders. Inattention and hyperactivity were related mostly similarly to stress in all groups. The prevalence of ADHD among adolescents was much higher than in previous reports, and no gender differences were found. About every fifth high school student and every tenth adult showed a risk of ADHD. The potential cause of the difference in the prevalence in the studied groups can be generation change. Conclusions: ASRS is a well-functioning screening measure with good psychometric properties. It is a convenient option for large-scale epidemiological surveys necessary to understand potential generational changes in the prevalence of ADHD and the lack of gender differences among adolescents.

Association between ADHD symptoms and inhibition-related brain activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with deficits in inhibitory functions including interference control, inhibition of prepotent/automatic responses and suppression of already initiated responses. This study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the neural basis of these three forms of inhibition assessed by a recently developed behavioral protocol combining the Stroop-matching/stop-signal task in twenty-five young adults with inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity symptoms. The severity of ADHD symptoms was measured using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). The concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) was assessed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and temporoparietal regions (TP) during the Stroop-matching/stop-signal task. Correlations yielded significant associations between ASRS scores and HbO concentration in frontal regions during blocks with stop-signal tasks, namely the right IFG, the left DLPFC and the left IFG. This study revealed that different types of inhibition involve unique frontal and temporoparietal activities and linked frontal dysfunction during the suppression of ongoing responses to the severity of ADHD symptoms.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, perceived stress, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms have been linked to suicidal behavior. However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in this association. This study examined ADHD symptoms and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of self-perceived stress in this association. Data were analyzed from an online sample of 1,452 Japanese individuals aged 18 to 89 obtained in February 2021. Information was collected on past-year suicidal ideation. ADHD symptoms were assessed with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener while stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), while the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) was used to assess anxiety symptoms. Logistic regression was used to examine associations. Fifty-one (3.5%) individuals had ADHD symptoms, while more than one in ten (11.7%) of the respondents reported past-year suicidal ideation. In an analysis adjusted for sociodemographic factors, ADHD symptoms were associated with eight times higher odds for past-year suicidal ideation. However, adjusting the analysis for mental health variables (anxiety and depressive symptoms) attenuated the association which became non-significant (odds ratio [OR]: 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-4.18). In contrast, in an analysis adjusted for mental health, individuals with ADHD symptoms and stress had significantly higher odds for suicidal ideation (OR: 3.72, 95%CI: 1.43-9.67) whereas, ADHD symptoms without stress were not linked to suicidal ideation (OR: 1.25, 95%CI: 0.38-4.18). Self-perceived stress is important in the association between ADHD symptoms and suicidal ideation among individuals in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Detecting and managing stress and its effects in individuals with ADHD/ADHD symptoms should be a therapeutic focus for improving health-related outcomes in this population both during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Entrepreneurial Behavior: A Mediation Analysis

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and entrepreneurship are two concepts that have recently received attention from researchers. Objectives: This study aimed to find the relationship between ADHD symptoms and entrepreneurial behavior with the mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and attitude, as well as to assess the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial behavior with the mediating role of entrepreneurial attitude. Methods: This study was conducted on 388 Iranian entrepreneurs in 2021. The Entrepreneurial Behavior Scale, the Entrepreneurial Attitude Questionnaire, the Entrepreneurial Self-efficacy Scale, and the Adult ADHD Self-report Scale were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using Mplus software (version 8). Results: The results revealed that hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms were positively and significantly related to entrepreneurial behavior (P &lt; 0.001), and attention-deficit symptoms were negatively and significantly related to entrepreneurial behavior and entrepreneurial attitude, mediated through entrepreneurial self-efficacy (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the entrepreneurial behaviors and entrepreneurial attitudes of individuals with attention-deficit symptoms depend on their entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Our findings hold important implications for empowering individuals with ADHD symptoms in the entrepreneurial path.

WITHDRAWN: Internet delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD -A randomized controlled trial

Evidence-based psychological interventions for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are seldom available in clinical settings. Medication is often offered as the sole treatment, with non-optimal effects for a majority of patients. The objective was to compare internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) to an active control treatment of internet-based applied relaxation training (IART), and to treatment as usual only (TAU) in adult outpatients with ADHD. One hundred and four patients, of which 67 % used ADHD medication, were randomized to 12 weeks of ICBT (n = 36), IART (n = 37), or TAU (n = 31). Primary outcome was change in the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ASRS) up to 3 and 12 months after treatment. ASRS improved more for ICBT (t (93.8) = 3.2; p < .01) and IART (t (91.5) = 3.2; p < .01) than for TAU, with sustained effects over 12 months for ICBT (t (160.8) = −7.3; p < .001). No significant difference was found when comparing ICBT to IART (t (98.3) = 0.63; p = .53). Treatment responders reached 25 % for both treatments, which was superior to the 3 % responders in TAU (p < .05). ICBT could be a promising add-on to medication and increase availability to psychological treatment with sustained symptom reductions after one year. • Few patients with ADHD are offered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) after diagnosis • Guided self-help treatment through internet (iCBT) can increase access to CBT • This randomized controlled trial included 104 participants with verified ADHD • Positive effects on ADHD symptoms were found for both iCBT and internet-based Applied Relaxation compared to treatment as usual • The lower symptom levels were sustained after one year • iCBT can be a promising treatment for ADHD

Mental health and driving behaviour of students and alumni of a university in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.

The United Arab Emirates has set the goal to reduce traffic-related deaths to 3 per 100 000 people by 2021. To do this, authorities must assess the factors related to risky driving behaviour. To verify if there are any correlations between driving behaviour and certain variables, including years of driving experience, daily hours of sleep, general markers of mental health, and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Two hundred and seventy-five participants responded to a survey made up of the Manchester driver behaviour questionnaire, the general health questionnaire, the adult ADHD self-report scale, and 2 additional questions. Spearman's coefficient was calculated for correlations between these variables, at statistical significance level P < 0.05. Years of driving experience and hours of sleep had no correlations with driving performance. Markers of general mental health had a weak correlation with risky driving behaviour, and symptoms of ADHD had moderate correlation with risky driving behaviour. Policymakers and public health officials should screen for ADHD during driver licensing examination.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder persistence from childhood into young adult age: a 10-year longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Introduction The aim of this study was to estimate ADHD persistence in a European clinical sample of children diagnosed with ADHD and followed prospectively for 10 years into young adulthood. Methods We assessed 85 children with ADHD at baseline (M age = 11.6, SD = 2.1, 54% male) and re-assessed 59 at 10-year follow-up (M age = 21.4, SD = 2.3, 54% male). ADHD symptoms at baseline were assessed with a semi-structured clinical interview (Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia/Present and lifetime version) and parent rating scales (ADHD Rating Scale IV, Child Behavior Checklist). ADHD symptoms at 10-year follow-up were assessed with a semi-structured clinical interview (MINI-Plus) and self-report scales (ADHD Self-Report Scale version 1.1 screener, Adult Self Report). Functional impairment at 10-year follow-up was assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. Results At 10-year follow-up, 39% met ADHD symptom thresholds based on clinical evaluation using MINI-Plus or the ADHD Self-Report Scale version 1.1 screener or the Adult Self Report together with clinicians’ rating of functional impairment. Conclusion ADHD persistence rates in this European clinical sample match previous estimates and indicate that a significant proportion of those diagnosed with ADHD as children still exhibit clinical levels of ADHD symptoms in adulthood.

Impact of Impulsivity, Hyperactivity, and Inattention on Discontinuation Rate among Opioid-Dependent Patients Treated with Extended-Release Naltrexone.

Previous studies have indicated elevated levels of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention (IHI) among opioid-dependent patients seeking outpatient treatment with extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX). This led us to hypothesize that IHI may be associated with a higher discontinuation rate for XR-NTX treatment. In a group of 162 patients with opioid dependence, discontinuation prior to the full 24 weeks of the study period (six injections and attending the study visit at 24 weeks) occurred in 49% of the patients, primarily in the early stage of treatment. IHI above the clinical cut-off on the adult ADHD self-report scale (ASRS) was not associated with a risk of premature discontinuation. This finding was not altered when controlling for socio-demographics, substance, use and mental health severity. Conclusively, high levels of IHI per se is not contradictive for XR-NTX treatment in regard to concern for premature discontinuation.