Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms Research Articles

The use of psychotropic medications in autistic individuals (21 years and younger) in Western Australia: A preliminary investigation.

Prescriptions and use of medications to treat mental health conditions in young autistic populations are inconsistent worldwide. This makes it hard to compare findings from international studies to the Australian autistic population, where there are limited relevant studies. Apart from risperidone, there are no other medications specified for direct use in autistic persons. This study aims to gain initial broad understanding of the use of medications, commonly prescribed for mental health conditions, specifically by autistics under the age of 21 years. We analysed data that were previously collected as part of the Western Australian Autism Biological Registry between 2011 and 2015 which amounted to 239 surveys completed on young persons with diagnosed autism. The questionnaires included information on co-occurring conditions, current or previous use of medications and reasons for use of the medications. Only one-quarter of the participants in this study reported using at least one mental health-related medication in their lifetime. The most reported medications were stimulants, antidepressants and antiepileptics. The reasons for using medication included managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, challenging behaviours, seizures, sleep difficulties and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The number of individuals reporting medication use in this study was lower compared to other developed countries. Nevertheless, these medications should be monitored due to limited understanding of their use to manage co-occurring symptoms in young autistic persons. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing research to better understand mental health-related medications and inform best practice.

Signs and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and its main comorbidities: A systematic review

Objective: The objective of the study is to survey the latest scientific evidence on the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder associated or not with comorbidities. Knowledge and use of clinical criteria reverberate in the benefit of early diagnosis, optimizing positive results in phase of greater brain plasticity. Methodology: Bibliographic review, using the Pubmed and VHL databases, with the descriptors: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Signs and Symptoms and Differential diagnosis, from 2018 to 2023. 299 articles were identified and, after applying the inclusion and exclusion, 20 studies were selected for analysis. Results: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous disorder presenting different clinical presentations called predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and combined. Among these presentations, inattention is considered the most prevalent and symptoms include difficulty maintaining attention on tasks, difficulty completing imposed tasks, not paying attention to details and not following instructions. The diagnosis is made using DSM-5 criteria. It is reported that ADHD is associated with several comorbidities and other concomitant and overlapping disorders, such as anxiety disorder, mood disorder, substance use disorders, reading disorders, sleep disorder and dyscalculia. Anxiety is the most prevalent comorbidity in patients with ADHD. Conclusion: Scientific studies contributed to demonstrating the main signs and symptoms of ADHD, in addition to listing the main comorbidities that can affect children with this pathology.

Impulsivity and attention deficit-hyperactivity symptoms among patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a case-control study

ABSTRACT Background and objectives Multiple sclerosis(MS) is a progressive, autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease.Studies have suggested that autoimmune diseases play a role in the pathogenesis of Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).We aim to evaluate ADHD symptoms among patients with RRMS(pwRRMS). Methods The study included 48 RRMS patients and 54 healthy controls. ADHD symptoms were assessed by self-report questionnaires and performance tests.Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Turgay’s Turkish version of Adult-ADD/ADHD (A-ADHD), Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11), and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Short Form (WHOQoL-Bref) were completed by the participants.Stroop Colour and Word Interference Test – TBAG Form (SCWT); was used for assessing cognitive function by a trained psychiatrist. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were used to evaluate by pwRRMS. Results PwRRMS had significantly higher attention-deficit scores and poor performance in all SCWT subtests.All SCWT scores were positively correlated with MS duration.A-ADHD-Total scores were negatively correlated with the age of MS diagnosis.A moderate positive correlation was found between falls and A-ADHD-total scores, and psychomotor speed.A moderate negative correlation was found between WHOQoL-Bref scores and BID, FSS, ADHD-Attention Deficit, SCWT-3, SCWT-5, and SCWT-interference.In multivariate linear regression analyzes, attention-deficit predicted EDSS positively, while depressive symptoms, attention-deficit, and psychomotor speed time were negative predictors of physical health quality. Conclusions In pwRRMS, cognitive dysfunctions such as response inhibition and intervention control, which are symptoms of attention deficit and impulsivity, have been shown to reduce the overall QoL. Among the strategies to reduce the impact of RRMS disease on patients’ lives, it is essential to implement programs to prevent depression and increase cognitive reserve.

Secure Attachment Relationships With Mothers, But Not Fathers, Moderate the Relation Between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms and Delinquency in Adolescents

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether secure parent-adolescent attachment relationships moderate the longitudinal relation between 9th grade (G9) ADHD symptoms and 12th grade (G12) delinquency within a community sample of adolescents. Method: Participants included 335 9th graders, of whom 203 students completed measures again in 12th grade. Mothers reported on their adolescents’ ADHD symptoms and aggressive behaviors, and adolescents completed measures of their own delinquency and their perceptions of their parent-child attachment relationships. Results: G9 ADHD symptoms predicted increases in G12 delinquent behaviors. Moderation effects were also found such that G9 ADHD symptoms predicted G12 delinquency for only those youth who had moderate or low levels of secure maternal attachment. Paternal secure attachment did not moderate the effects of G9 ADHD symptoms on G12 delinquency. Conclusion: Findings underscore the importance of secure maternal attachment relationships in the development of delinquency among adolescents with ADHD symptoms.

Psychological Characteristics of Community People with Insomnia Focused on : Attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms, Depression, Anxiety and Mood Disorder

Psychological Characteristics of Community People with Insomnia Focused on : Attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms, Depression, Anxiety and Mood Disorder

EMOTION REGULATION AND ATTENTION DEFECIT HYPERACTIVITY SYMPTOMS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A MEDIATING ROLE OF INTERPERSONAL PROBLEMS

Objective: This study aims to explore the mediating role of interpersonal problems between emotion regulation and attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms in young adults. Methodology: This cross-sectional research was carried out from September 2020 to November 2020 in the city of Lahore. A sample of 1190 university students (545 men and 645 women) selected through a multi-stage sam­pling technique with age range18-24 years (M=20, SD=1.55) were given a Demographic Performa, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Interpersonal Difficulties Scale (IDS), and Attention Defecit and Hyperactive Symptoms Scale (ADHSS). Results: The sample size consisted of 46% men and 54% women selected from BS1 (34%), BS2 (25%), BS3 (24%) and BS4 (17%). Pearson Product Moment correlation was used to investigate the relationship among study variables. Correlation analysis indicated that a significant moderate and high positive relationship between difficulties in emotion regulation and interpersonal problems (r=.56, p<.001), difficulties in emotion regulation and attention defecit hyperactivity symptoms (r=.36, p<.001), and interpersonal problems and attention defecit hyperactivity symptoms (r=.51, p<.001). Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that interpersonal problems partially mediate the relationship between difficulties in emotion regulation and attention defecit hyperactivity symptoms in young adults. Conclusion: This research provides empirical evidence that interpersonal relationship problems partially mediate the relationship between emotion regulation and attention defecit hyperactivity symptoms.

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS WITH ESSENTIAL TREMOR

Background: Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder. İn this disease, which is characterized by tremor that increases with action and passes at rest, different accompanying symptoms can also be seen. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms in adults with ET. Methods: Fifty six essential tremor patients and 56 controls were included in the study. Patients were recruited from outpatient clinic at Kirikkale University Medicine Faculty. An informed consent form was signed by each patient after detailed information. Institutional ethics committee approval was obtained. Patients’ characteristics such as education level, gender, age and disease duration were recorded. Symptoms of ADHD in patients and controls were determined by using the Adult Report Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report Scale. Short Form-36 and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were also performed. Essential tremor severity was determined by using the Whiget essential tremor scale. Results: Essential tremor patients had significantly higher rate of Adult Attention Disorder Self-Report Scale Deficit/Hyperactivity scores compared to controls. Scores of Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale were associated with depression and anxiety scores and physical and mental component scores of Short Form-36 in bivariate analyses. There was a positive correlation between tremor severity and ASRS scores( ASRS A scores= 17,3±5,5, p=0,032, ASRS B scores= 27,7±6,7,p=0,043, ASRS T scores= 45±12,2, p=0,017) however there was no significant statistical relationship between the duration of disease and ASRS scores. Conclusion: This study showed that ADHD symptoms can be observed in adult essential tremor patients and this may be associated with increased psychosocial morbidity and lowered quality of life in ET patients.

Not in education, employment and training: pathways from toddler difficult temperament.

Youths disengaged from the education system and labour force (i.e. 'Not in Education, Employment, or Training' or 'NEET') are often at reduced capacity to flourish and thrive as adults. Developmental precursors to NEET status may extend back to temperamental features, though this - and possible mediators of such associations such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms and antisocial behaviours (ASB) - have yet to be directly tested. This study investigates if i) difficult temperament in toddlerhood associates with NEET status in adulthood and ii) different subdomains of ADHD (i.e. hyperactivity-impulsivity vs. inattention) in late childhood and ASB in adolescence partially explain this pathway. Participants were 6,240 mother-child dyads (60.7% female) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Mothers reported on their child's (a) difficult temperament (i.e. mood, intensity and adaptability) at age 2 and (b) ADHD symptoms at ages 8 and 10. Participants reported their own ASB at age 14 and NEET status in adulthood (ages 18, 20, 22 and 23). First, higher levels of difficult temperament in toddlerhood directly associated with an increased probability of being NEET in adulthood. Second, this effect was carried through hyperactivity-impulsivity, but not inattention, in late childhood, and ASB in adolescence; this demonstrates differential contribution to the pathway between the ADHD dimensions, with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity playing a prominent role. Early difficult temperament is a vulnerability factor for NEET status in adulthood. Our findings suggest that one developmental pathway for this vulnerability manifests through increased hyperactivity-impulsivity in childhood and ASB in adolescence. Of note, difficult temperament, as measured here, reflects difficulties in emotional and behavioural self-control (e.g. low adaptability and high intensity negative emotional expressions). Our results, therefore, suggest a prominent developmental role for lack of self-control from toddlerhood onwards in increasing risk for NEET.

Rapid Onset Functional Tic-Like Behaviors in Young Females During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Rapid Onset Functional Tic-Like Behaviors in Young Females During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Age at school entry and reported symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity in first graders: results of the prospective cohort study ikidS

Young age at school entry (ASE) is related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in higher grades. The reason for this association is unclear, but medical oversupply and stress-related factors are discussed. We aimed to investigate whether ASE is associated with reported symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADH) already in first grade. Data of a population-based prospective cohort study (N = 2003; Mainz-Bingen region; Rhineland-Palatinate; Germany) with baseline assessments prior to school entry and two follow-ups during first grade were analysed. ADH symptoms were assessed by parent and teacher versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Associations between ASE and scores of the hyperactivity/inattention subscale (range 0–10) were investigated by regression analysis and adjusted for potential confounders and baseline symptoms prior to school entry. In total, 1633 children (52% boys, mean ASE 6.5 years) were included. There were no relationships between ASE and parent-reported scores of the hyperactivity/inattention subscale prior to school entry and 3 months thereafter. However, at the end of first grade, ASE was negatively associated with the hyperactivity/inattention subscale in parent (− 0.7 subscale points per year ASE, standard error = 0.16, p < 0.0001) and teacher reports (− 1.2 subscale points per year ASE, standard error = 0.25, p < 0.0001). This ASE effect appeared more pronounced in girls than in boys. Young ASE is related to more reported symptoms of ADH at the end of first grade, but not before. The evolvement of this effect during first grade may be a clue to ASE-related stress factors.

Sex differences in attention deficit hyperactivity symptom severity and functional connectivity of the dorsal striatum in young adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurs more frequently and manifests with greater symptom severity in men than in women. Although studies have implicated basal ganglia dysfunction, the functional connectivity (FC) of the dorsal striatum (DS), particularly in terms of sex differences, has not been fully investigated in ADHD. Here, using resting state fMRI data of a large sample of adults (n = 744; 395 women; 22–36 years) curated from the Human Connectome Project, we performed seed-based correlations for caudate and lentiform nucleus (LN) FC. ADHD symptom severity was quantified with the Achenbach Adult Self-Report ADHD total score as well as inattention and hyperactivity subscores. Imaging data were processed with published routines and evaluated at a corrected threshold. Men showed significantly higher ADHD total score than women. In men, inattention was negatively associated with LN FC with the right superior frontal gyrus. In women, inattention was negatively associated with caudate FC with the right inferior parietal gyrus and positively with LN FC with the left inferior frontal gyrus, and hyperactivity was positively associated with LN FC with a cluster in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and supplementary motor area. Sex differences in most of these connectivity patterns were confirmed by slope tests. Further, k-means clustering of FC's identified 3 groups each in men and in women. In men, group 1 showed higher inattention and hyperactivity than both group 2 and 3, and group 2 showed higher inattention than group 3. In women, group 1 showed higher inattention and hyperactivity than group 3 and higher inattention than group 2, and group 2 showed higher hyperactivity than group 3. These findings together suggest sex differences in DS FC as neural markers of ADHD and potentially of ADHD subtypes, with men and women each showing altered FC predominantly in the executive control and ventral attention/saliency networks.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms, Impulsivity, and Cyberdeviance in an Adult Population

Previous research suggests a link between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and criminal behaviour. The present study explored the relationship between ADHD symptoms and cyberdeviance. 170 participants completed an online questionnaire measuring computer crime behaviour, ADHD symptoms, and impulsivity. A statistically significant relationship was found between Cyberdeviance, ADHD symptoms and impulsivity. Regression analysis showed that hyperactivity and gender (male) could predict self-reported computer crime. Our findings suggest a role of individual differences in cybercrime, thus leading to the development of potential interventions and preventive mechanisms.

Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met Genotype and Early-Life Family Adversity Interactively Affect Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms Across Childhood.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders of childhood. The dopaminergic system has been shown to have substantial effects on its etiology, with both functional Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met genotype and early-life environmental adversity involved in the risk of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. In this prospective longitudinal study, we examined for the first time the impact of proximal and distal early-life family adversity and COMT Val158Met polymorphism gene – both the direct and the interactive effects, on children’s ADHD symptoms across childhood. Data came from the Family Life Project, a prospective longitudinal study of 1,292 children and families in high poverty from birth to 11 years. In infancy, data regarding socioeconomic (SES)-risk-factors, observed-caregiving behaviors, and DNA genotyping were collected. In early and middle childhood teachers rated the occurrence and severity of the child’s ADHD symptoms. Multilevel growth curve models revealed independent effects of COMT, early-life SES-risk and negative caregiving on ADHD symptoms in early and middle childhood. Significant gene-environment interactions were found, indicating that overall, carriers of at least one COMT158Met allele were more sensitive to early-life adversity, showing higher inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms severity in childhood when exposed to high SES-risk factors in infancy, compared to Val-Val carriers. Findings provide new insights into the complex etiology of ADHD and underline the need for further investigation of the neuronal mechanisms underlying gene-environment interactions. Findings might have implications for prevention and intervention strategies with a focus on early-life family relationships in genetically at-risk children.

Psychological distress and life satisfaction in mothers of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder children

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder of childhood ADHD which is often comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. This disorder is a major public health problem with enormous negative impact on the child, the family schools, and society. Objective: This study objective is to look into the relationship of attention-deficit hyperactivity symptom of children with psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) and life satisfaction in their mothers. Materials and Methods: The sample of the present study consisted of 27 mothers with ADHD children who were selected with children age range from 6 to 17, both male and female. These children diagnosed as having ADHD attending the Psychiatry Child and Adolescent Unit. The study design is a case–control research. The measures used were depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 translated version, along with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Conners Parent and Teacher Rating Scale of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; parent version). Results: A total of 27 mothers with ADHD children compared to 25 mothers with no ADHD children. The results show that there was more maternal depression (P = 0.001), anxiety (P = 0.001), and stress (P = 0.002), also less satisfaction with life (P = 0.002) compared to mothers with no ADHD children. Conclusion: The results indicate that characteristics in children influence family distress and satisfaction with life. It means that mothers with ADHD children are at higher risk to develop psychological distress.

Analysis of association between temperament and psychological symptoms using the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament (AFECT) model: An internet-based survey

BackgroundTemperamental characteristics have been suggested as potential vulnerability markers or could help differential diagnosis among psychiatric disorders. The current study aimed to explore whether there are specific temperament profiles related to different psychological symptoms, according to the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament (AFECT) model. MethodsWe used a cross-sectional web-based survey collected from the Brazilian Internet Study on Temperament and Psychopathology (BRAINSTEP). The sample consisted of 16,495 self-selected volunteers assessed with the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS), Adult Self-Report Inventory (ASRI), and Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS). ResultsAll unstable affective temperaments (cyclothymic, dysphoric, and volatile) correlated, in different intensities, with all psychiatric symptoms assessed. Cyclothymic temperament was mainly related to borderline personality symptoms. Dysphoric and volatile temperament showed an association with attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms. Melancholic temperament was associated with major depressive symptoms, and euphoric temperament showed a positive correlation with maniac symptoms. Euthymic and hyperthymic temperaments were negatively correlated with all psychiatric symptoms. In addition, the assessment of the emotional traits of temperament showed that high volition, low anger, low sensitivity, and high control are characteristics that are not related to psychopathology. LimitationsThis study had a cross-sectional design, which does not allow an exact inference of cause and consequence. ConclusionsOur results suggest that temperament assessment using AFECT model may be relevant to assess the risk of developing psychological symptoms over the time. These results strengthen the theoretical framework that psychiatric disorders may be manifestations of the extremes of affective temperaments.

Emotional false memory in autism spectrum disorder: More than spared.

To advance what is known about how emotions affect memory in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we examined emotional false memory for negative, positive, and neutrally valenced photographs comprising scripts of everyday events in a verbal IQ-case matched sample of youth ages 8-14 with ASD (N = 38) and typical development (TYP, N = 38). The groups exhibited many similarities. Their task performance during a recognition task including previously seen and unseen photographs was largely comparable. They evidenced high hit rates for previously viewed photographs, and low false alarm rates for lure photographs that were inconsistent with the scripts. Both ASD and TYP groups showed relatively higher false alarms for lure photographs depicting previously unseen causes of scenario outcomes (causal errors) compared to errors for script-consistent lure photographs that showed extra potentially related events (gap-filling errors). In both groups, task performance was associated with verbal working memory, but not attention deficit hyperactivity, anxiety, or depression symptoms. However, the ASD group made more causal and gap-filling errors on negative and positive, but not neutral, lures compared to TYP, indicating that viewing emotionally valenced stimuli made it harder to discriminate previously seen and unseen photographs. For the ASD group, task performance was associated with compulsive, ritualistic, and sameness behaviors and stereotypic and restricted interests. Findings suggest that the integration of cognition and emotion in ASD is altered and associated with the presence of repetitive behaviors. The impact of these results on the lives of individuals with ASD and implications for psychosocial interventions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Study the Attention deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms in a Sample of primary School children

Study the Attention deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms in a Sample of primary School children

The relationship between internet addiction, attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms and online activities in adults

AimThe objective of this study was to examine the relationship between Internet Addiction (IA), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and online activities in an adult population. MethodsA sample of 400 individuals aged 18 to 70 completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Young's Internet Addiction Test, and their preferred online activities. ResultsA moderate association was found between higher levels of ADHD symptoms and IA. The best predictors of IA scores were ADHD symptoms, age, playing online games and spending more time online. ConclusionOur findings further support a positive relationship between ADHD symptoms and excessive internet use.

COMT Val158Met Polymorphism and Social Impairment Interactively Affect Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms in Healthy Adolescents.

The dopaminergic system has been shown to have substantial effects on the etiology of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, while some studies found a significant direct effect, others did not. In this context, social behavior might play an important role as a factor that is related both to the dopaminergic system and ADHD. In a large epidemiological sample of adolescents (N = 462; 16–17 years), we assessed the level of ADHD symptoms using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, social behavior using the Social Responsiveness Scale, and the allelic distribution of the dopaminergic catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism. We found a significant association between COMT and social impairment, insofar as Met-allele carriers showed increased levels of social impairment. Moreover, social impairment significantly determined an association between COMT and ADHD (explained variance: 19.09%). This effect did not significantly differ between males and females. COMT and social impairment might interactively affect ADHD symptomatology, and could thus represent significant gene-phenotypic risk factors for ADHD symptomatology. This might have interesting implications for prevention and intervention strategies with a focus on social behavior in genetically at-risk individuals.

Examining the factors that are correlated with mindfulness with a focus on attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms.

We hypothesized that attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms would negatively correlate with the level of mindfulness. Seventy-six subjects referred to the outpatient psychiatry unit and 32 healthy control subjects filled out the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), and the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS). Patients scored higher on ADH symptoms compared to controls (p≤.001). Higher scores on the ASRS and WURS revealed lower mindfulness in the study group (p≤.001). WURS, DASS depression, ASRS attention subscale-based scores (p<.05) were significant predictors on MAAS scores. Besides emotional symptoms ADH symptoms had a significant predictive value on mindfulness.