Attention Deficit Scores Research Articles

Does Temperament Constitute a Risk Factor for Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

The aim of this study was to examine the temperament characteristics of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the relationship between ADHD subtypes and temperament. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood ADHD symptoms and temperament. The study included 59 ADHD patients aged between 18 and 60 years and 44 healthy controls. All participants completed the Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and the Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis and Rating Scale. Temperament characteristics were assessed using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire scale (TEMPS-A). The ADHD group had significantly higher scores for cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious temperament compared to the control group (p<0.001). The number of individuals with cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious temperament was also significantly higher in the ADHD group (p=0.007, p=0.018, p=0.029, respectively). Positive correlations were found between cyclothymic and depressive temperament scores and WURS scores (r=0.278, p=0.033; r=0.326, p=0.012, respectively), between hyperthymic temperament scores and hyperactivity scores (r=0.399, p=0.002), and between depressive temperament scores and attention deficit scores (r=0.303, p=0.020). There was no relationship between ADHD subtypes and dominant temperament (p>0.05). The most common dominant temperament in the ADHD group was cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious. The positive correlation between WURS scores and cyclothymic temperament suggests that cyclothymic temperament may be a risk factor for adult ADHD.

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.

The impact of teaching reform on students’ attention deficit

BackgroundStudents’ attention deficit has a negative impact on their learning and development. In traditional teaching environments, students with attention deficit often face problems such as difficulty concentrating, distraction, difficulty maintaining sustained attention, and controlling attention. At the same time, teaching reform has become a focus of attention in the education industry, aiming to improve students’ learning outcomes and cultivate comprehensive development abilities.Subjects and MethodsThe study adopts an experimental group and a control group design. The experimental group received teaching reform measures, including improving teaching methods, increasing interaction and cooperative learning, etc; The control group continued to use traditional teaching methods. The study collected data on students’ attention deficit scores and academic performance, and used SPSS 22.0 statistical software for data processing and analysis to compare the differences between the experimental group and the control group.ResultsThe attention deficit score of the experimental group students was significantly reduced, and the SPSS22.0 statistical method verified that the difference between the experimental group and the control group was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). In addition, the academic performance of the experimental group students has also significantly improved, such as improving exam scores and increasing interest in learning.ConclusionsThe research results indicate that teaching reform has a positive impact on students’ attention deficit. Improving teaching methods and increasing interaction and collaborative learning can help improve students’ concentration and attention regulation abilities.AcknowledgementKey Education Reform Project of Hainan Provincial Department of Education (No. Hnjg2022ZD-4220); High-level Talents Project of Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation (No. 621RC602); Major Special Project of Sanya University (No. USY22XK-04); Key Research and Development Project of Hainan Province (No. ZDYF2023GXJS007); School-level Project of Sanya University (No. USYYB22-07).

New Hematological Parameters as Inflammatory Biomarkers: Systemic Immune Inflammation Index, Platerethritis, and Platelet Distribution Width in Patients with Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

ObjectivesThe potential role of neuroinflammation in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients has been investigated with peripheral hemogram-related inflammatory markers. Systemic immune inflammation index (SII) is defined as a new index that has been developed for the balance of inflammatory and immune status.MethodsOur study was based on a prospective routine complete blood count(CBC) analysis of 74 Adult ADHD patients and 70 healthy participants. The DSM-5-Clinician version and Barratt impulsivity scale-11 were used to evaluate the participants.ResultsThere was no statistical difference in the comparison of the SII ratios, platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateretritis (PCT) (p>0.05 for each) in a group of a young adults with ADHD and in a comparison control group. These inflammatory indicators were found to be similar between patients newly diagnosed with ADHD (n=40) and patients using methylphenidate (n=34) (p>0.05 for each). The relationship between ADHD clinical symptoms and severity and inflammation was evaluated. A significant negative correlation was observed between attention deficit scores and PCT (r=−0.301, p=0.009). A positive significant correlation was found between hyperactivity scores and SII (r=0.247, p=0.034). A significant positive correlation was found between Barrat motor scores and PDW(r=241, p=0.038). In the regression analysis, the PCT variable changed the attention deficit variable (β=.33, t(70)= −2.703, p=.009, pr2= .094) predicted negatively and significantly.ConclusionsWe demonstrated the association of SII, which is independently associated with adverse outcomes in many diseases, and the severity of hyperactivity symptoms in adult ADHD. The fact that PCT predicts attention deficit negatively and decisively shows the importance of inflammatory assessments specific to clinical presentations. The critical importance of platelets in inflammatory processes in ADHD has been demonstrated once again with inflammatory markers such as SII, PLT, and PDW, which can be accessed by an easily applicable complete blood count method.

Central sensitization and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in medical students with chronic back pain: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChronic back pain is a common health complaint among university students. A subset of chronic back pain patients suffer from increased pain sensitivity, a process termed central sensitization. Chronic pain is also associated with cognitive dysfunction, involving attention, memory, and learning. Those are key features of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This study aimed to assess the associations between adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and central sensitization in students with chronic back pain.ResultsTwo hundred twenty-seven students completed the survey, and 90 (39.6%) had back pain for more than 3 months. Students with back pain had significantly higher central sensitization (P<0.01) and higher attention deficit scores (P=0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between scores of the two questionnaires (r= 0.55, P<0.01). Regression analysis adjusted for age and gender showed that higher attention deficit scores were associated with back pain (odd’s ratio:1.025, P=0.05). The odd’s ratio was attenuated after adding central sensitization to the model (odd’s ratio: 0.99, P=0.70).ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with elevated central sensitization in patients with chronic back pain. Our results support the hypothesis that central sensitization mediates the effect of attention deficit on back pain.

Associations of attention distractibility with attention deficit and with variation in the KTN1 gene

Attention distractibility in a low load visual search experiment with a rare irrelevant distractor could be an objective continuous measure in adulthood that correlates well with the symptoms of attention deficit throughout lifespan. This was studied using a birth cohort representative sample in a longitudinal study. The expected correlations were not found between the distractor cost measured in the experiment in adulthood and the inattention questionnaire scores from ages 15−33. However, the coefficient of variability for RT (CVRT) correlated negatively with self-reported motor restlessness (age 15) and attention deficit (age 25). We suggest that hyperactivity in childhood improved motor control at age 33. Associations with the gene KTN1 rs945270 (found to affect putamen size) were explored. CVRT, motor restlessness at age 15 and attention deficit scores at age 25 were especially low for male C-allele carriers. A possible association with the volume of putamen of individual participants is considered.

Relationship between eating attitude and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in a group of bariatric surgery candidates: A pilot study

Aim: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is more common in bariatric surgery candidates who are more failed to lose weight. We decided to evaluate eating attitudes and ADHD in a group of bariatric surgery candidates.Material and Methods: We created a study group from bariatric surgery candidates (n=40) from outpatient psychiatry clinic of Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS), Adult attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), DSM IV- based diagnostic screening and rating scale, Beck depression inventory (BDI) and eating attitude test (EAT) were applied to all participants.Results: 77.5% of 40 bariatric surgery candidates (n=31) were women. Rate of childhood ADHD was 17.5% based to WURS cut off point. Rate of adult ADHD was found 7.5%. Mean point of total Adult ADD/ADHD DSM IV- based diagnostic screening and rating scale score was 36.12±20.55. Mean point of attention deficit score was 6.35±4.62, hyperactivity score was 6.07±4.99 and related properties score was 23.72±13.86. Mean point of EAT was 24.20±10.61. Mean point of BDI score was 14.05±+9.47.Conclusion: Symptoms of adult ADHD, childhood ADHD, disordered eating patterns and high levels of depressive symptoms are common and that they are positively correlated in bariatric surgery candidates (BSCs). Some factors about ADHD (total ADHD score and related factors with ADHD) have a clear association with eating attitude. All these factors must be taken into consideration by treatment team of BSCs.

Study on the level of peripheral serum glial-derived neurotrophic factor in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objective To explore the changes of peripheral serum glial-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF) levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), and to provide a new marker for early identification of ADHD in clinical practice. Methods Totally 42 drug-naive children with ADHD(ADHD group) and 45 healthy children(HC group) were included. General demographic information, scale scores, and fasting peripheral serum GDNF levels were compared between the two groups. Meanwhile, the correlation between GDNF level and symptom severity score of children with ADHD was analyzed. Results There were significant differences in FSIQ, attention deficit, and hyperactivity/impulsivity scores between ADHD group and HC group(FSIQ(105.26±13.82) vs (114.73±9.93); attention deficit(23.60±5.06) vs (20.04±2.85); hyperactivity/impulsivity(19.43±3.47) vs (15.93±2.42), all P<0.05). Serum level of GDNF in the ADHD patients was significant lower than that in the HC group ((442.52±70.01)pg/ml vs (554.02±101.37)pg/ml, P<0.01). In addition, GDNF levels were negatively correlated with attention deficit scores in children with ADHD (radj=-0.447, P<0.01). More importantly, ROC curve results show that GDNF had good diagnostic value (AUC=0.81). Conclusion GDNF levels decreased child with ADHD.Decreased serum GDNF levels have certain promising value in the diagnosis of ADHD. Key words: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Glial-derived neurotrophic factor; Children

Scan patterns during scene viewing predict individual differences in clinical traits in a normative sample.

The relationship between viewer individual differences and gaze control has been largely neglected in the scene perception literature. Recently we have shown a robust association between individual differences in viewer cognitive capacity and scan patterns during scene viewing. These findings suggest other viewer individual differences may also be associated with scene gaze control. Here we expand our findings to quantify the relationship between individual differences in clinical traits and scene viewing behavior in a normative sample. The present study used Successor Representation Scanpath Analysis (SRSA) to quantify the strength of the association between individual differences in scan patterns during real-world scene viewing and individual differences in viewer attention-deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and dyslexia scores. The SRSA results revealed individual differences in vertical scan patterns that explained more than half of the variance in attention-deficit scores, a third of the variance in autism quotient scores, and about a quarter of the variance in dyslexia scores. These results suggest that individual differences in attention-deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and dyslexia scores are most strongly associated with vertical scanning behaviors when viewing real-world scenes. More importantly, our results suggest scene scan patterns have promise as potential diagnostic tools and provide insight into the types of vertical scan patterns that are most diagnostic.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Nicotine Dependence in Adults

The aim of this study is to assess clinical characteristics and smoking profiles of individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and compare their nicotine dependence status with healthy controls for better understanding the mutual and complex relationship between ADHD and smoking. We included the following participants in the study: 40 adults with the diagnosis of ADHD, 40 participants who visited the smoking cessation polyclinic without any psychiatric disorders, and 40 healthy controls. A sociodemographic data form, Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), Adult ADD/ADHD Diagnosis and Evaluation Inventory, and Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Test (FNDT) were administered to the participants. Mean age of the ADHD, nicotine dependence, and control groups was 28.68±7.22, 34.17±8.60, 33.70±7.45 years, respectively. Percentages of females and males were 27.5% and 72.5% in the ADHD group, 50% and 50% in the nicotine dependence group, 47.5% and 52.5% in the control group. The attention-deficit scores in the ADHD, nicotine dependence, and control groups were 21.18±5.05, 7.23±3.96, 4.75±2.65, respectively (p=0.001), whereas the hyperactivity scores were.73±5.84, 6.43±4.2, and 3.58±2.27, respectively (p=0.001). The related features scores were 56.53±12.96, 24.30±13.93, and 13.13±6.11, respectively (p=0.001), whereas the WURS scores were 61.88±12.69, 23.03±16.07, 11.90±8.15, respectively (p=0.001). FNDT scores in ADHD and nicotine dependence groups were 5.83±2.11 and 6.20±2.74, respectively (p=0.495). Considering the argument of ADHD being an independent risk factor for nicotine dependence, we think the co-occurrence of the smoking addiction and ADHD symptoms in the context of dopamine dysregulation is important in the clinical setting. Treatment modalities and of preventive strategies should be considered while keeping this in mind.

Does Severity of Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder impact Trauma in Children?

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder with high heritability. It is the most common childhood mental disorder. The key aspects of ADHD may put the affected children at risk for different traumatic experiences. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the severity of trauma and ADHD symptoms in children. Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, the target population included 90 children aged 6-12 years old, visiting Imam Reza, Children, Sina, and Shohada Hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. The severity of trauma was assessed, using placebo transdermal system (PTS), and the ADHD symptoms were evaluated, using Conners' Parent Rating Scale. To rule out other psychiatric disorders, the Child Symptoms Inventory-4 (CSI-4) was employed. Results: Results showed a significant positive correlation between the severity of trauma and ADHD, hyperactivity, oppositional/impulsivity, and attention-deficit scores (P < 0.01). In addition, results from the independent t-test suggested a significance difference between the ADHD and non-ADHD children in terms of the severity of trauma. Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between the symptoms of ADHD and the severity of trauma in children, in a way that the scores of the aforementioned variables improved with increasing the severity of trauma. Regarding the profound effects of trauma on human and financial resources, required measures should be taken for making house and school settings safe for such children.

Comparison between Actigraphic Records, the Evaluation of Behavior and Attention, and the Use of Psychostimulants in ADHD Patients: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) leads to cognitive problems in childhood and adolescence, and due to its associated hyperkinesias, it may also result in behavioral problems, which can lead to negative impressions amongst one’s peers. Objective: To assess the impact of hyperkinesia reduction on the attention and behavior profiles of three children with the combined type of ADHD following an intervention featuring psychoactive medication. Methods: This pilot study was conducted at the Laboratory of Learning Difficulties and Disabilities and Attention Disorders (DISAPRE-UNICAMP). Objective data (including mean values of amplitude and frequency of movement over 24 hours) were obtained using an actigraph (a clock-like device), a behavioral assessment scale (the Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]), and the Strength and Weakness and ADHD Symptoms Normal Behavior (SWAN) rating scale (which was administered by clinicians and school staff members); these were cross-referenced to compare the children’s performance before and after the use of psychoactive medication. The treatment was introduced after 15 days and maintained thereafter for 30 days, and the results were statistically analyzed by means of actigraphic variables (L5 and M10) and by student’s t-test (P < 0.05). Results: There was a simultaneous reduction in the actigraphic index, the attention deficit scores of hyperactivity for both the CBCL and SWAN, and the somatic disorder symptom scores of the CBCL. These results were statistically significant when examining the pre- and post-medication data for each individual in the sample. Conclusion: The reduction in hyperkinesias in the three patients with ADHD resulted in improvements in inattention, somatic symptoms, and emotional symptoms.

Relationship between Symptoms of Disruptive Behavior Disorders and Unsafe Internet Usage in Early Adolescence.

Children and adolescents are at the highest risk for negative effects of internet usage. Risk taking and erroneous decision making have been described as major behavioral characteristics of patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD and its association particularly with oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder are correlated with risk-taking behaviors. This study was conducted to evaluate how disruptive behavior disorder symptoms are associated with internet usage, particularly unsafe internet usage, in early adolescents. A sample of 1389 secondary school students was invited to the survey. All children were given an invitation letter and Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) forms were sent to their parents. The accepted participants filled in questionnaire forms, which consisted of questions interrogating demographic information and internet usage habits. Responses indicated that 27.4% (n=249) of the participants encountered unwanted content unintentionally and nearly one-third (n=280, 30.4%) had chatted online with people they did not know. Additionally, respondents who had more severe ADHD symptoms were more likely to report surfing online mainly for the purpose of chatting than respondents with milder ADHD symptoms. Students with comparatively higher attention deficit scores were also significantly more likely to report meeting in person with strangers they knew only from internet chatting. Analyses have demonstrated the presence of a significant difference between study participants with and without conduct disorder as for internet overusage or meeting with their internet acquaintances. This study suggests that there may be a significant relation between ADHD symptoms, conduct disorder and pathological and unsafe internet usage. Evaluating adolescents with ADHD and conduct disorder with this risk in mind is important in the development of both preventive and interventional strategies.

Dikkat Eksikliği Hiperaktivite Bozukluğu Tedavisinde Atomoksetin ve Osmotik Salınımlı Metilfenidat: Etkinlik ve Yan Etki Profilinin Değerlendirildiği Altı Aylık İzlem Çalışması

Objective: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequently seen neuropsychiatric disorders in childhood. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and the adverse effects of two FDA-approved agents, atomoxetine (ATX) and osmotic release oral system methylphenidate (OROS-MPH), in the treatment of ADHD. Material and Methods: This research was designed as a randomized, open label, prospective and follow-up study. The study was performed by 120 cases between ages 7-16 years who were diagnosed as ADHD for the first time and given prescription. The cases were divided into two by randomization. One group was given ATX (n=59) while the other was given OROS-MPH (n=61) were evaluated prospectively by clinical examination and Conner's Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale-Teacher (CRS-T) at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th months. Efficacy of treatment was regarded as a 40% reduction in CRS-T scores when compared to baseline values, and the adverse effects were questioned in every follow up visit. Results: The efficacy was 55.7% in CRS-T hyperactivity score, 63.9% in the attention deficit score, and 55.7% in the behavior problems score in OROS-MPH group. Those values were 47.5%, 69.5% and 57.6% respectively in ATX group. Adverse effects were seen in 27.1% (n=16) of the patients in the ATX group, and in 31.1% (n=19) of the patients in the OROS-MPH group. Two groups were not found significantly different for the frequency of adverse effects as well as the efficacy of the medication, at the follow-up evaluations which were performed at 2nd, 4th and 6th months. Conclusion: In this study, ATX and OROS-MPH were compared for their efficacy and adverse effects for the treatment of ADHD, and two agents were found similar for their efficacies and adverse effect profiles. ATX and OROS-MPH have similar efficacies in the treatment of ADHD and adverse effect profiles are similar.

Therapeutic effect of atomoxetine hydrochloride for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder comorbid Tourette syndrome

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of atomoxetine hydrochloride for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined with Tourette syndrome (TS). Methods Twenty-six cases of children with ADHD combined with TS were firstly diagnosed American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-Ⅳ) of ADHD and TS were treated with atomoxetine.The symptoms were improved and conditions were assessed based on the fourth version of ADHD parent rating scale and the severity of Yale comprehensive pumping quantity during pre-treatment, the 2nd, 4th, 6th and the 8th week of therapeutic courses, respectively.The adverse reaction was observed. Results 1.Compared with pre-treatment, attention deficit scores after treatment were statistically different(t=8.41, 9.97, all P 0.05). But at the fourth week of assessment, and the rates of curative effect were respectively 19.23% and 46.15%.It had statistical significance (χ2=3.923, P 0.05).3.During the treatment, no severe adverse reaction had appeared. Conclusions Atomoxetine in ADHD comorbid TS had exact curative effect and no obvious adverse reactions.In the treatment of ADHD, hyperactivity / impulsivity effect is better than the attention deficit.In the treatment of TS, vocal tics onset is better than the motor tics.In comparison of ADHD with TS, TS symptoms improve faster than ADHD in the onset, but the final effect is quite. Key words: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Tourette syndrome; Comorbid; Atomoxetine hydrochloride

Similar hyporesponsiveness of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex in problem gamblers and heavy smokers during an inhibitory control task

BackgroundBehavioral addictions like pathological gambling share many clinical characteristics with substance dependence. In addition, both types of disorders are associated with impairments in inhibitory control. Studies in patients with substance use disorders point to hyporesponsiveness of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. However, no such data exist on behavioral addictions. MethodsUsing functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated the neural circuitry associated with impaired response inhibition in a group of male problem gamblers (n=17) using a stop signal task. We included control conditions tailored to specifically isolate neural correlates of inhibitory control. To investigate the specificity of effects, a group of heavy smokers (n=18) and a group of healthy controls (n=17) were also included. ResultsGroups did not differ in behavioral performance on the stop signal task. However, both problem gamblers and heavy smokers showed hyporesponsiveness of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex compared to healthy controls, during successful as well as failed response inhibition. These effects were robust against adjustments for depression and adult attention deficit scores. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that hypoactivation of the inhibition circuit is a shared neural mechanism in substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. As such, they support the reclassification of pathological gambling as a behavioral addiction in DSM-V.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Social Anxiety in İstanbul Heavy Metal Bar Patrons

Objective: We aimed to examine the heavy metal bar patrons in Istanbul by means of self-reported questionnaires for psychiatric disorder symptoms. Material and Methods: Seventy-one volunteers from 4 popular heavy metal bars were included to the study. The Beck Depression Inventory, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) Scale and the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) were administered to the participants. Results: One fourth of the participants (25.4%) were under high risk for a depressive episode (BDIagt;17), 22 (32.3%) reported significant social anxiety (LSASagt;30), and 41 (57.7%) showed moderate ADHD symptoms (Adult ADD/ADHD scale: 20-59). According to BDI score participants who were under the risk for depression showed higher scores in Adult ADD/ADHD scale scores than that of participants who were not under a risk for depression (p=0.001 for attention deficit; p=0.003 for hyperactivity; p=0.002 for impulsivity; p=0.001 for total score). In the study group, ADD/ADHD scale attention deficit score was positively correlated with the total fear, total avoidence and the total scores of LSAS (r=.359 palt;0.01; r=.332 palt;0.01; r=.358 palt;0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Heavy metal bar patrons appear to be a particular social group with an increased risk of psychopathology.

Visual field asymmetries in attention vary with self-reported attention deficits

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an index of self-reported attention deficits predicts the pattern of visual field asymmetries observed in behavioral measures of attention. Studies of “normal” subjects do not present a consistent pattern of asymmetry in attention functions, with some studies showing better left visual field (LVF) performance, others showing no asymmetry or even a right visual field (RVF) advantage. Here we found that a participant variable (a measure of self-reported attention problems) may help to explain these inconsistencies. We used Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales to measure self-reported attention problems in a group of 36 normal (non-ADHD) subjects, and we used two behavioral tasks to directly measure their attentional abilities: a lateralized Attention Network Task (ANT) and a visual search task. Comparing subjects with relatively Low versus High scores on the attention-deficit (AD) scale, we found that subjects with High scores were less efficient in orienting attention to the left visual field. When LVF targets were preceded by a valid spatial cue, response times were positively correlated with AD scores, indicating slower covert-attention shifts as attention-deficit scores increased. Right visual field data showed a different pattern of results. Subjects with High AD scores were at least as efficient as those with Low AD scores in orienting attention to the RVF. This study provides evidence that visual field asymmetries in orienting attention vary across individuals, and that level of self-reported attention problems correlates with behavioral deficiencies in orienting attention to the left visual field.

The relationship between self-esteem and AD/HD characteristics in the serious juvenile delinquents in Japan

The purpose of this study was to clarify the following 2 points: (1) whether self-esteem changes after correctional education, and (2) whether attention deficit/hyperactivity characteristics affect self-esteem. The subjects were 118 juveniles (all males) admitted to “A” juvenile correctional facility. Our findings indicated that during the correctional education period, changes in self-esteem were limited. The AD/HD-YSR attention deficit score was negatively correlated with the self-esteem score on admission but was not associated with the self-esteem score at the time of parole. Next, the subjects were classified according to the self-esteem score. Consequently, the attention deficit score was significantly associated with self-esteem in all groups. Our results were suggested that total AD/HD-YSR score in the high self-esteem group was lower than that in the other groups. Our cross-sectional surveys have shown an association between the AD/HD-YSR score and self-esteem, suggesting the influences of developmental problems on self-esteem. Research implications were discussed.

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Symptoms in Children with Asthma

Background. Asthma that is chronic may influence children's behavioral health and quality of life (QoL) negatively. Objective. To evaluate the frequency of attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in children with asthma and to determine if these symptoms are associated with a deterioration of QoL. Methods. Mothers of 62 children with moderate asthma and those of 38 healthy children aged between 7–12 years were included in the study. Conners' Parent Rating Scale-48 (CPRS), a 48-item multiple-choice questionnaire, was completed by the mothers to identify attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in children. The Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) was filled in by children to measure QoL. Results. Mean age was 9.2 ± 1.5 years for asthmatic children (37 male, 25 female) and 10.1 ± 1.3 years for control group (20 male, 18 female). The two groups were similar regarding age and sex. Attention deficit score in the asthma group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p = 0.01). The frequency of hyperactivity was higher in the asthmatic group but the difference between the groups was not significant (p = 0.36). Attention deficit and hyperactivity scores of Conners-P were not correlated with PAQLQ scores (regarding total, activity, emotional and symptom domains). Conclusion. Increased rates of attention deficit symptoms in children with asthma, as reported by mothers, might reflect the negative impact of asthma on neurobehavioral health. Asthmatic children, especially the ones who display attention deficit symptoms, must be considered for further evaluation regarding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.