Attention Hyperactivity Research Articles

Do behavioural inattention and hyperactivity exacerbate cognitive difficulties associated with autistic symptoms? Longitudinal profiles in fragile X syndrome

Developmental trajectories of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity in genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorders are not well understood. The objective of the current longitudinal study was to explore symptomology and comorbidity in boys with fragile X syndrome focusing on their profiles of autistic and inattentive behaviours in performance on the Leiter R Performance Scale, a non-verbal IQ measure. Of the 46 children, 10 were classified as having combined ASD and ADHD symptoms, 14 met the criterion for autism alone, 10 met the criterion for ADHD alone, and 12 had no symptoms for either. Results indicated that changes in cognitive profiles over time were similar for all groups and there was a slight improvement in growth scores suggesting developmental change. In terms of ASD and ADHD symptomology, we also found stable differences across groups over time. Collectively, these findings highlight the pressing need to explore symptomology longitudinally across disorders at high risk from comorbid ASD and ADHD diagnoses.

Asymmetric tonic neck reflex and symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children

One of the particularly important postnatal developmental reflexes that diminish in later stages of development is asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR), which belongs among the so-called primitive reflexes. According to current evidence, certain later developed functions during ontogenesis of the central nervous system tend to replace the primitive reflexes, and their persistence is related to certain specific neuropsychiatric or neurological disorders. According to current knowledge, there is no evidence to which extent persistence of these reflexes may play a role in attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). With respect to these findings, we have tested a hypothesis to which extent persisting primitive reflex ATNR in 60 children in the school age (8–11 years) will be related to symptoms of ADHD and compared the results with 30 children of the same age. Results of this study show that ADHD symptoms are closely linked to persisting ATNR, which indicates that ADHD symptoms may present a compensation of unfinished developmental stages related to diminishing ATNR.

Lehrer und das Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit und/oder Hyperaktivitätssyndrom: Eine Pilotstudie zur Situation der Lehrer in Tirol

Given the high prevalence of approximately 5% of Attention Deficit and/or Hyperactivity Disorder in children the level of knowledge of Tyrolean educators at selected educational institutions was examined. As part of the thesis of A. Aglan 170 questionnaires were distributed at selected Tyrolean schools from May to October 2010. The questionnaires were completed voluntarily and anonymously by educators working there and then turned in. The questionnaire consisted of 43 items and was evaluated by means of conventional statistical methods. 98 (58%) of the questionnaires sent out were returned. 93 questionnaires (55%) were evaluated using standard statistical methods. Teachers were well informed about generic aspects of Attention Deficit and/or Hyperactivity Disorder. Knowledge gaps could be identified regarding the underlying causes of the disorder and available treatment options. Teachers demonstrated great willingness to actively cooperate and to learn more about Attention Deficit and/or Hyperactivity Disorder through further education in order to improve the situation of all parties involved. Lack of knowledge was found regarding the subtopics "causes of Attention Deficit and/or Hyperactivity Disorder" and "Treatment Options". The majority of the teachers would appreciate specialized training and is willing to adapt their lessons to the requirements of children, pupils and students affected by Attention Deficit and/or Hyperactivity Disorder.

Psychiatric Features in High-Functioning Adult Brothers With Fragile X Spectrum Disorders

Psychiatric Features in High-Functioning Adult Brothers With Fragile X Spectrum Disorders

656 – Comorbidity of psychiatric disorders in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Introduction ADHD is the pattern that includes lasting less attention or hyperactivity and impulsive behavior that is more severe than expected given the age and developmental level of the child. Recent studies were reported different prevalence of psychiatric disorders co morbidity with ADHD. Aims This study evaluates the prevalence of psychiatric disorders comorbidity in children with ADHD admitted to Akhavan Hospital(Kashan-Iran). Method In this cross-sectional study all children referred to child psychiatric Clinic (Akhavan Hospital 1389–1390) with diagnosis of ADHD were interviewed by child and adolescent psychiatrist for psychiatric comorbidity according to DSM-IV criteria. Data were analyzed by Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results 200 children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder were studied. The mean age was 1.23 ± 7.35 years. 167 children (83.5%) had 5–9 years old .132(66%) were male. 107 (53.5%) had psychiatric disorder comorbidity. The highest comorbidities with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder were OCD and then Enuresis and ODD respectively. The relation between sex, age and type of psychiatric dis comorbidity was Significant. Conclusion Considering that the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders comorbidity such as OCD,Enuresis and ODD in childern with ADHD, Diagnosis and proper treatment of these disorders is necessary in this children. More studies is recommended for detection and proper treatment these psychiatric disorder comorbidities.

Does ADHD Matter? Examining Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder on the Likelihood of Recidivism Among Detained Youth

There is limited research regarding attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among youth in the juvenile justice system, but the existing research demonstrates higher rates of difficulties, including substance abuse, parental dysfunction, and school issues. There is, however, little knowledge regarding the impact of detainment on delinquent youth with an ADHD diagnosis, which is the focus of this study. The main research question is if detained youth diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to be rearrested and/or reconvicted, while considering the impact of the type of detention facility to which the individual youth is assigned (treatment or a traditional facility). The findings indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between an ADHD diagnosis, the interaction between ADHD and the type of detention facility, and reconviction. Offenders with ADHD were more likely to recidivate than non-ADHD youth and the youth with ADHD detained in the treatment center appear to have a negative outcome. The research points to the difficulties that juveniles with ADHD face as they attempt to navigate successfully through the juvenile justice system and considers a number of treatment protocol factors to reflect on when working with ADHD youth.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) associated with tumor of the corpus callosum

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), one of the most common neurocutaneous disorders, is a multisystemic disease associated with tumors in any organ of the body, especially in the central nervous system and also the peripheral nervous system. Pilocytic astrocytomas have been described in almost all intracranial regions in patients with NF1. However, only a few patients with NF1 and tumor of the corpus callosum have been reported to date. An 11-year-old white Spanish boy was evaluated due to a family history of NF1 and low performance test scores in school. He was studied from the neurological and intellectual level points of view. Magnetic resonance (MR) study revealed a tumor in the anterior-middle portion of the corpus callosum and a Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised showed verbal IQ of 92, a performance IQ of 108, and a total IQ of 100. In addition, he showed attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Tumors of corpus callosum in patients with NF1 are very uncommon. The patient presented in this paper consulted due to family history of NF1, progressive hyperactivity, and below average school performance. The MR study showed tumor in the corpus callosum. Tumor histology was not investigated.

Parent reported inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity as predictor of long‐term weight loss after inpatient treatment in obese adolescents

The long-term success of treatment for pediatric obesity is often unsatisfactory and variable. We aim to elucidate the influence of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity on weight loss after inpatient treatment for adolescent obesity. We included 13-17 year old obese participants treated in three inpatient multidisciplinary treatment centers. At the beginning and end of treatment and at one year follow-up weight and height were measured. Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity was assessed with the hyperactivity/inattention (HI) subscale of the parent-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. General linear models were used with the standard deviation scores of the body mass index (BMI-SDS) as dependent variable. Totally, 253 participants were included (65% female, age: 15.3 ± 1.4 years, baseline BMI-SDS: 3.13 ± 0.38 kg/m(2)). HI scores were associated with long-term (p < .001) but not short term (ns) weight loss. This indicates that inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity is associated with reduced long-term weight loss success in adolescent inpatients.

The efficacy of atomoxetine for attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and abused children

The efficacy of atomoxetine for attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and abused children

Executive functions in adults with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Executive functions in adults with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Preventive Child Health Care Findings on Early Childhood Predict Peer-Group Social Status in Early Adolescence

A disputed social status among peers puts children and adolescents at risk for developing a wide range of problems, such as being bullied. However, there is a lack of knowledge about which early predictors could be used to identify (young) adolescents at risk for a disputed social status. The aim of this study was to assess whether preventive child health care (PCH) findings on early childhood predict neglected and rejected status in early adolescence in a large longitudinal community-based sample. Data came from 898 participants who participated in TRAILS, a longitudinal study. Information on early childhood factors was extracted from the charts of routine PCH visits registered between infancy and age of 4 years. To assess social status, peer nominations were used at age of 10-12 years. Multinomial logistic regression showed that children who had a low birth weight, motor problems, and sleep problems; children of parents with a low educational level (odds ratios [ORs] between 1.71 and 2.90); and those with fewer attention hyperactivity problems (ORs = .43) were more likely to have a neglected status in early adolescence. Boys, children of parents with a low educational level, and children with early externalizing problems were more likely to have a rejected status in early adolescence (ORs between 1.69 and 2.56). PCH findings on early childhood-on motor and social development-are predictive of a neglected and a rejected status in early adolescence. PCH is a good setting to monitor risk factors that predict the social status of young adolescents.

Trajectories of Psychosocial Problems in Adolescents Predicted by Findings From Early Well-Child Assessments

To describe trajectories of emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents and to identify early indicators of these trajectories using data from routine well-child assessments at ages 0-4 years. Data from three assessment waves of adolescents (n = 1,816) of the TRAILS were used (ages: 11-17 years). Information on early indicators (at ages 0-4 years) came from the records of the well-child services. Trajectories of emotional and behavioral problems were based on the parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist and the adolescent-reported Youth Self-Report, filled out at ages 11, 14, and 17 years. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine the predictive value of these early indicators on trajectories. For boys and girls, we found four trajectories for each outcome: one with high problem levels, and three with middle-high, middle-low, and low levels. For emotional problems, the type of trajectory was predicted by parental educational level and parental divorce or single parents, for both genders. Moreover, sleep problems were predictive in boys and language problems in girls (odds ratios between 1.53 and 7.42). For behavioral problems, the type of trajectory was predicted by maternal smoking during pregnancy, parental educational level, and parental divorce or single parents, for both genders. Moreover, for boys, early behavioral problems and attention hyperactivity problems were predictive (odds ratios between 1.64 and 5.43). Trajectories of emotional and behavioral problems during adolescence are rather stable and can be predicted by a parsimonious set of data from early well-child assessments.

Effectiveness of Noncontingent Attention to Decrease Attention-Maintained Disruptive Behaviors in the General Education Classroom

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of noncontingent attention (NCA) on disruptive talking-out behavior in a student diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in the general education classroom. Functional analysis indicated that the talking-out behavior was maintained by teacher attention. We used an ABAB design in which the teacher implemented NCA. Results indicated that the strategy decreased the participant's talking-out behavior. Furthermore, social validity data indicated that the participant was able to spend more time on-task. Results and implications for research and practice are discussed.

Strategies for helping children with ADHD

Eva Cartwright explains how you can support children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity disorder to learn, be included and develop self-esteem.

P12 Neurobehavioural disorders in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract Variable neurobehavioural disorders and IQ one SD below average are recognised comorbidities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), reflecting the disrupted expression of different length dystrophin isoforms in the brain, based on the dystrophin gene mutation site. Following a screening of 84 DMD boys with validated questionnaires, we previously reported 15 with severe learning disability and 41 with scores predictive of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits, conduct and emotional problems were also described. Overall, a higher proportion of boys affected had mutations towards the 3’ end of dystrophin. We performed targeted neuropsychological assessments including: Wechsler Intelligence Children Scale-IV (WISC-IV), Developmental Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3Di), Conners-3 Questionnaires, Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). We found marked unevenness of performance on the WISC-IV. Eight out of 12 boys had significant difference between verbal comprehension (VCI) and perceptual reasoning (PRI), with VCI more compromised. Eight out of 19 met criteria for ASD on the 3Di. In 5 boys with ASD the CBCL showed higher scores for internalising and externalising difficulties compared to non-ASD. There were associations between lower IQ and autistic social communication difficulties. On the Conners 6/17 boys met criteria for hyperactivity and 7 for inattention problems. There was a strong association between ASD and severe ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity (OR = 22.5) and inattention (OR = 54). There was a trend towards children with mutations towards the 3’ end of the gene, having a greater chance of ASD (OR = 3.4). In our on-going study, neurobehavioural disorders emerged as important facets in DMD, with confirmed ASD prevalence rates much higher than the general population. Whilst further exploring the role of dystrophin in the brain, children with DMD should be provided with neurobehavioural-targeted support.

Does Attention Constrain Developmental Trajectories in Fragile X Syndrome? A 3-Year Prospective Longitudinal Study

Basic attentional processes and their impact on developmental trajectories in fragile X syndrome were assessed in a 3-year prospective study. Although fragile X syndrome is a monogenic X-linked disorder, there is striking variability in outcomes even in young boys with the condition. Attention is a key factor constraining interactions with the environment, so it is a perfect candidate to predict trajectories in cognitive and behavioral outcomes. In this study, 48 boys with fragile X syndrome were assessed 3 times over 24 months. Although nonverbal IQ declined, there were significant improvements in nonverbal growth scores and in cognitive attention. In contrast, behavioral difficulties (i.e., autistic symptomatology, hyperactivity-inattention) remained stable over this time frame. Attentional markers in the visual and auditory modalities predicted intellectual abilities and classroom behavior, whereas auditory markers alone predicted autistic symptomatology.

Kinesiology and Mental Health: The Promise of Exercise Neuroscience Research for Diseases and Disorders of the Brain

The relevance of kinesiology to the major issues of public health facing the nation is increasing with time. Of great importance is the area of exercise neuroscience in which remarkable developments have occurred in the past 35 years. The primary investigative efforts to date have been devoted to the impact of exercise on normal brain aging and recent efforts have also focused on the neurocognitive benefit to brain development in children. However, little work has been conducted in those with neurological disorders. The literature includes a number of animal studies that offer biological plausibility for the positive influence of exercise observed on brain structure and cognition in normal human subjects and, collectively, these studies provide a foundation on which to examine the role of exercise treatment in some of the major brain disorders that afflict adults and children today. These include the dementias, stroke, traumatic brain disorder (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attentional deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A role for exercise in building resilience to such disorders is discussed here that may assist in reducing the financial and emotional burden of these affictions.

Multilevel complex interactions between cognitive and motor domains in Williams syndrome

Event Abstract Back to Event Multilevel complex interactions between cognitive and motor domains in Williams syndrome Darren Hocking1*, Jasmine Menant2, Melanie Porter3, Christine Garnham1, Hannah Kirk1 and Kim Cornish1 1 Monash University, School of Psychology & Psychiatry, Australia 2 Neuroscience Research Australia, Australia 3 Macquarie University, Department of Psychology, Australia Background: Previous studies suggest that individuals with Williams syndrome (WS), a rare genetically based neurodevelopmental disorder, show a syndrome-specific neuromotor profile that may be reflective of a complex interaction between higher-level cognitive processes and visuomotor control. Here we aimed to characterise the effects of cognitive dual tasks on whole body control and their relationship with executive functioning (EF) and inattentive behaviours in individuals with WS. Methods: Nineteen adolescents and adults with WS were compared to mental age (MA) and chronological age (CA) matched typically developing controls. The spatiotemporal gait characteristics and stride-to-stride variability of gait timing were measured while participants performed single (i.e. preferred walking) and concurrent cognitive (i.e verbal fluency) tasks while walking. Relationships between dual task costs on gait parameters and behavioural measures of inattention and EF were also examined. Results: When compared to chronological age and MA, the WS group showed clear dual task costs during the concurrent verbal fluency task for a range of gait parameters (i.e. speed, step length, double support time), alongside increased intra-individual variability of gait timing, suggestive of compromised rhythmic stepping and balance control mechanisms. Critically, there were significant interactive influences between dual task motor costs and behavioural inattention, impulsivity and planning in the WS group, while there were no such associations in the MA and CA groups. Conclusion: Our findings show that higher-level cognitive functions associated with planning and EF constrain motor functioning in WS, suggestive of cerebellar-cortico dysfunction as a basis for atypical multilevel interactions across cognitive and motor domains. Acknowledgements This work was supported by the APEX Foundation for Research into Intellectual Disability (Australia). Keywords: Williams Syndrome, visuomotor control, Gait, executive control, executive functioning, Inattention hyperactivity, Dual Task Performance Conference: ACNS-2012 Australasian Cognitive Neuroscience Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 29 Nov - 2 Dec, 2012. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Motor Citation: Hocking D, Menant J, Porter M, Garnham C, Kirk H and Cornish K (2012). Multilevel complex interactions between cognitive and motor domains in Williams syndrome. Conference Abstract: ACNS-2012 Australasian Cognitive Neuroscience Conference. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2012.208.00150 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 25 Oct 2012; Published Online: 17 Nov 2012. * Correspondence: Dr. Darren Hocking, Monash University, School of Psychology & Psychiatry, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia, darren.hocking@monash.edu Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Darren Hocking Jasmine Menant Melanie Porter Christine Garnham Hannah Kirk Kim Cornish Google Darren Hocking Jasmine Menant Melanie Porter Christine Garnham Hannah Kirk Kim Cornish Google Scholar Darren Hocking Jasmine Menant Melanie Porter Christine Garnham Hannah Kirk Kim Cornish PubMed Darren Hocking Jasmine Menant Melanie Porter Christine Garnham Hannah Kirk Kim Cornish Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

P-302 - Pupillometric assessment of autonomic nervous system functions in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Introduction Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequently seen neurobehavioral disorder in school-aged children. Although the main cause of ADHD is unknown, it's thought that numerous biopsychosocial factors have part in etiology of ADHD together. Objectives/aims This study aims to compare autonomic nervous system functions by measuring pupil diameters in 6–11 aged boys diagnosed ADHD with age and sex matched healthy controls. Methods Thirty-two boys with ADHD and 24 healthy controls were participated into this study. We studied with a more homogeneous group by exclusion of any other psychiatric disorders except oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). The participants were evaluated autonomic nervous system functions by measuring pupil diameter changes in photopic and mesopic conditions. Results There were no statistical differences on photopic and mesopic pupil diameters between ADHD and healthy control groups (p>0.05). Moreover, there were no significant differences on same parameters between pure ADHD and ADHD+ODD groups (p>0.05). Conclusions These findings suggest that boys with ADHD don’t show difference in pupil diameters from typically children. This might indicate no difference in autonomic nervous system functions.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder secondary to lesion of the basal ganglia

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a childhood onset autoregulation disorder characterized by attention deficit, hyperactivity and/or impul- siveness, which results in social and academic functional impairment. ADHD has a complex aetiology: along with genetic factors, anomalies in several cere-bral districts have been reported. We describe the case of a 9 year old boy with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in association with memory, behavioural and attentive disabilities. The patient’s clinical history is characterized by cerebral stroke at 3 years of age during a febrile episode, resulted in slight hemiparesis. Neuroimaging revealed a cystic lesion in the anterior portion of the right lenticular nucleus. Neuropsychological and psychiatric assess- ment evidenced alterations of executive functions. Diagnosis of ADHD secondary to lesion of the basal ganglia was made. We report the patient’s clinical profile in the light of current evidence pointing towards dysfunction of the basal ganglia as a crucial aetiological factor in memory and executive function impairment.