Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Behavior Research Articles

Sex differences in physiological correlates of affectively driven decision-making behavior in adult ADHD

BackgroundSex differences in the symptomatology of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have often been overlooked when studying behavioral abnormalities. However, it is known that women exhibit considerably more stronger symptoms related to emotional competence than men. Since affective functions significantly influence the processing of risky decision-making and risk-engagement, we assume that risky behavior in ADHD is affected by sex differences. Therefore, we specifically investigated sex-specific effects on the interaction between emotionally induced changes in physiology and behavioral performance on a decision-making task.MethodsSkin conductance responses of twenty-nine adults with ADHD (n = 16 male; n = 13 female) and thirty-three adults in the control group (n = 14 male; n = 19 female) were recorded during the performance in a modified version of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). Additional questionnaires were used to reveal insights in the self-assessment of emotional competence, risk perception, and feedback sensitivity. Emotional arousal and decision-making behavior were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.ResultsResults showed different effects of sex on risk behaviors in controls and ADHD. In contrast to healthy controls, female adults with ADHD showed a significantly greater risk engagement in the BART compared to males with ADHD. This contrary sex relation was not observed in skin conductance responses and revealed a significantly different sex-dependent correlation of body response and behavioral task performance in ADHD. Comparisons with results from self-assessments furthermore indicate a reduced behavioral self-perception in women with ADHD, but not in men.ConclusionIn summary, we found an altered interaction between physiological activity and risky behavior in women with ADHD. Thus, the present study indicates a reduced sensitivity towards the own bodily responses in women with ADHD, which could consequently cause increased risky DM behavior in daily life. The current results suggest that more consideration needs to be given to sex-specific effects on physiological processes and behavior in adults with ADHD.

An introduction to inverse probability weighting and marginal structural models: The case of environmental tobacco exposure and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder behaviors.

Developmental scientists routinely examine how a focal predictor relates to some aspect of children's development. Although covariate adjustment is typically used to test hypotheses, propensity score-based methods, including inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and marginal structural models (MSM), can strengthen inference and answer more nuanced, developmentally relevant questions. This article provides a didactic introduction to IPTW and MSM methods and demonstrates their use for testing the impact of environmental smoke exposure (continuous treatment) from 6 to 90 months on parent-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder behaviors in first grade for 1,053 children (51% male, 44% Black) in the Family Life Project. We highlight differences that result both in conclusions and in the evaluation of assumptions for IPTW and MSM relative to more traditional covariate adjustment methods. Sample Stata syntax is provided. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Quality of Life Among Saudi Parents of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children can adversely impact parental quality of life (QoL). However, limited research exists among families in Saudi Arabia, especially in understudied regions like Jazan. This study was designed to determine the QoL in parents of children with ADHD in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia from June 2023 to December 2023. Online questionnaires were used to collect data from parents of children with ADHD residing in the country.A structured questionnaire was developed in consultation with the National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ) guidelines. The total sample size was 276. The study participants were recruited through convenient non-random snowballing sampling where the promotion of the questionnaire web link aided in reaching the required sample size of the study. Participants aged more than 18 years, residents of the Jazan area, and both genders were included. R software was used for data analysis. Results The study, involving 275 participants, revealed that 45 (16%) children were diagnosed with ADHD by doctors, with a higher prevalence among males 36 (80%). The NICHQ scale identified ADHD in 50 (18%) participants, with the predominant subtypes being inattentive 28 (56%), hyperactive/impulsive 28 (56%), and combined 19 (38%). The median QoL score was 8.6, with good QoL reported by 51.27% of parents and poor QoL by 48.73%. Gender significantly influenced QoL (p < 0.01), with 57% of males and 43% of females reporting good QoL, while 61% of females and 39% of males reported poor QoL. Oppositional defiant symptoms were significantly associated with poorer QoL (p < 0.05). There was a notable alignment between ADHD diagnoses from parental reports and the NICHQ scale. Conclusions This cross-sectional study found that parents of children with ADHD behaviors, especially those exhibiting oppositional defiant symptoms, experienced significantly lower QoL, particularly in personal fulfillment and psychosocial well-being. The findings emphasize the need for culturally tailored psychosocial interventions in Saudi Arabia to improve parental coping and QoL, benefiting overall family well-being and child outcomes.

Sleep disturbance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: relationship with melatonin and behavior

ABSTRACT Aim To evaluate the prevalence and types of sleep problems and their correlations with melatonin content and behavior in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) children. Method Sleep in ADHD children and typically developing children (TD) aged 6–14 was assessed by the Sleep Disorders Scale for Children (SDSC) and actigraphy, salivary melatonin quantified by ELISA, and behavior was analyzed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results ADHD children showed a higher frequency of sleep disturbances, higher sleep latency, and lower sleep efficiency than in the TD group. The ADHD group presented lower melatonin nocturnal content compared to the TD group. Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep (DIMS) was moderately associated with nocturnal melatonin. The total behavior difficulties were correlated with Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep (DIMS), Sleep/Wake Transition Disorders (SWTD), Disorders of Excessive Somnolence (DES), Sleep Hyperhidrosis (SHY) and Total SDSC Score. The behavior was the only determinant of the total SDSC score (R2 = 0.499; p < 0.002). Conclusion This study provides, for the first time, evidence that among the frequent sleep disturbances in ADHD, the disorders in initiating and maintaining sleep are associated with the low levels of melatonin found in this population. Additionally, these, along with other sleep disturbances, are linked to behavioral problems in ADHD.

Investigating the shared genetic architecture between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and risk taking behavior: A large-scale genomewide cross-trait analysis

BackgroundThis study aims to explore the genetic architecture shared between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and risk behavior. MethodsBased on the latest large-scale Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we firstly employed Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and Local Analysis of Variant Association (LAVA) to investigate the genetic correlation between risk behavior and ADHD. Then, we conducted cross-trait analysis to identified the Pleiotropic loci. Finally, bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis (MR) was applied to examine the causal relationship. ResultsWe found a significant positive genetic correlation between ADHD and risk-taking behavior (rg = 0.351, p = 6.50E-37). The cross-trait meta-analysis identified 27 significant SNPs shared between ADHD and risk behavior. The most significant locus, located near the CADM2 gene on chromosome 3, had been identified associated with this two trait (pADHD = 3.07E-05 and prisk-taking behavior = 2.47E-30). The same situation can also be observed near the FOXP2 gene on chromosome 7 (rs8180817, pmeta = 5.72E-21). We found CCDC171 gene and other genes played a significant role in ADHD and risk behavior in mRNA level. Bidirectional MR analysis found a causal relationship between them. LimitationThe majority of our data sources were of European origin, which may limit the generalizability of our findings to other ethnic populations. ConclusionThis article reveals in depth the shared genetic structure between ADHD and risk-taking behavior, finding a significant positive genetic correlation between ADHD and risk-taking behavior. Providing insights for the future treatment and management of these two traits.

Family skill development for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder behavior problem alleviation model in at-risk preschool children: a mixed methods study

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the most prevalent childhood mental health problem. This study examined families caring for children with ADHD and created a model to alleviate behavior problems in at-risk preschoolers. Methods: This exploratory sequential mixed-methods study comprised two phases. Phase 1 included a qualitative retrospective survey that examined family experiences in caring for ADHD children. This involved in-depth interviews with 14 family caregivers (FCGs) and utilized thematic content analysis. Phase 2 involved creating, implementing, and evaluating a family skill development model using a quasi-experimental design. Thirty FCG- ADHD at-risk preschool child dyads, utilizing services at two Child Development Clinics, were paired and equally divided into experimental and control groups. Data analysis used repeated measures ANOVA and covariances (ANCOVA). Results: The study FCGs reported that family-child interactions and positive parenting alleviated the ADHD at-risk preschool child’s behavior problems. The Family Skill Development for ADHD Behavior Problem Alleviation Model was constructed and validated. Results from within-group comparisons showed significant improvements in the experimental group, with reduced behavior problems (p&lt;0.05, ηp2=0.28) in ADHD at-risk children, improved caregiver behaviors to alleviate the child’s behavior problems (p&lt;0.01, ηp2=0.37), and enhanced family functions (p&lt; 0.001, ηp2=0.42). Conclusions: The model significantly aids families in alleviating behavior problems in ADHD at-risk children, improving family functions and caregivers’ efforts to address the children’s behavioral issues. It is a promising parental intervention model for fostering healthy families and reducing behavior problems in ADHD-at-risk preschool children in northeastern Thailand and similar contexts.

Relationship between Traumatic Experiences, Circadian Preference and ADHD Symptoms in Adolescents with ADHD Residing in Institutional Care: A Controlled Study

ABSTRACT Circadian preference, describes biological and behavioural characteristics that influence the ability to plan daily activities according to optimal waking times. It is divided into three main categories: morning, evening and intermediate. In particular, the evening chronotype is associated with conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study was conducted in three groups aged 14–18 years: The first group consisted of 34 adolescents diagnosed with ADHD who had been in institutional care for at least two years and had not used medication in the last six months. The second group included 29 adolescents with ADHD living with their families who had not used medication in the last six months. The third control group consisted of 32 healthy adolescents. The study utilized sociodemographic data forms, the Turgay DSM-IV Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S) to measure ADHD symptoms, the Childhood Chronotype Questionnaire (CCQ), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). In institutionalized adolescents with diagnosed ADHD, ADHD and disruptive behavior symptoms were more severe. Increased trauma scores were associated with higher ADHD and disruptive behaviour symptom severity and evening chronotype. In the conducted mediation analysis, evening chronotype was identified as a full mediator in the relationship between trauma symptoms and ADHD symptoms, while it was determined as a partial mediator in the relationship between trauma symptoms and PTSD symptoms. In conclusion, traumatic experiences in institutionalized adolescents with diagnosed ADHD may exacerbate ADHD and disruptive behavior symptoms. Evening chronotype is associated with ADHD and disruptive behavior symptoms, and therefore, the chronotypes of these adolescents should be assessed. Chronotherapeutic interventions may assist in reducing inattention, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems.

Arousal dysregulation and executive dysfunction in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition, that continues to have an elusive etiological background. A number of extant models and theories have historically intended to explain the many factors contributing to ADHD behaviors. One of the most accepted hypotheses has been the executive dysfunction theory associating reduction in executive control to abnormalities in structure and operational dysfunction of dopaminergic signaling networks. Nevertheless, executive functions are not always impaired in ADHD, and the literature describes other symptoms commonly reported suggesting individuals with ADHD would appear to suffer from a more general deficit. Another existing line of research, that has gained much attention recently, establishes that ADHD would have dysregulated states of brain arousal that would account for its commonly observed cognitive deficits and behavioral symptoms, described as the state regulation theory, which has now included measures of autonomic function. This article describes some important aspects that compose and challenge these two most influential theoretical constructs, executive dysfunction and state-regulation, based on their empirical evidence, implying the need to reevaluate the norms used to classify individuals and establish ADHD diagnosis. Large number of controversial results continue to exist within the study of ADHD biological and/or performance markers, possibly due to such heterogeneity and variability within the same diagnosis. The need to resolve these issues and establish newly revised diagnostic criteria for ADHD is critical, as therapeutic success depends on having accurately identified underlying neurophysiological factors in order to appropriately address them in treatment.

ADHD and hypersexual behaviors: The role of impulsivity, depressive feelings, hypomaniacal symptoms and psychotic prodromes

IntroductionNumerous studies in the literature correlate hypersexual symptomatology and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study aimed to investigate this correlation and the eventual mediation role of impulsivity. MethodsWe recruited through an online platform a sample of 309 subjects (mean age = 34.5, SD = 15.4; females: 67.31 %); then, a sociodemographic questionnaire, together with validated psychometric scales for assessing hypersexuality, ADHD symptomatology, depression, hypomania, prodromal symptoms of psychosis and impulsivity were administered. ResultsWe found a significant association between ADHD symptomatology and hypersexuality symptoms (β = 0.459; p < 0.001). We found a significant predictive model of hypersexuality related to age, gender, depression, hypomanic symptoms, psychotic prodrome, ADHD symptomatology, and impulsivity (adjusted R2 = 0.311; p < .001). Moreover, we found that impulsivity is a significant mediator of the relationship between ADHD and hypersexuality when we considered only the hyperactive-impulsive ADHD subscale (β = 0.103; p = 0.006). Depression and psychotic prodromes have been shown a more relevant mediator effect on the relationship between ADHD and hypersexuality. ConclusionsOur results clarified the well-known relationship between ADHD and hypersexuality, suggesting a significant mediating role of psychotic prodromes and depression in this association. This finding further reinforces the view of hypersexual symptomatology not as a disorder but rather as a psychopathological manifestation of distress, a maladaptive coping strategy that individuals enact due to increased difficulties experienced in the environment. The role of impulsivity as a predictor has shown mixed results, revealing that difficulties in impulse control may play a more marginal role, compared to depressive symptomatology and psychotic prodromes, in determining hypersexuality.

Impaired flexible reward learning in ADHD patients is associated with blunted reinforcement sensitivity and neural signals in ventral striatum and parietal cortex

Reward-based learning and decision-making are prime candidates to understand symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, only limited evidence is available regarding the neurocomputational underpinnings of the alterations seen in ADHD. This concerns flexible behavioral adaption in dynamically changing environments, which is challenging for individuals with ADHD. One previous study points to elevated choice switching in adolescent ADHD, which was accompanied by disrupted learning signals in medial prefrontal cortex.Here, we investigated young adults with ADHD (n = 17) as compared to age- and sex-matched controls (n = 17) using a probabilistic reversal learning experiment during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The task requires continuous learning to guide flexible behavioral adaptation to changing reward contingencies. To disentangle the neurocomputational underpinnings of the behavioral data, we used reinforcement learning (RL) models, which informed the analysis of fMRI data.ADHD patients performed worse than controls particularly in trials before reversals, i.e., when reward contingencies were stable. This pattern resulted from ‘noisy’ choice switching regardless of previous feedback. RL modelling showed decreased reinforcement sensitivity and enhanced learning rates for negative feedback in ADHD patients. At the neural level, this was reflected in a diminished representation of choice probability in the left posterior parietal cortex in ADHD. Moreover, modelling showed a marginal reduction of learning about the unchosen option, which was paralleled by a marginal reduction in learning signals incorporating the unchosen option in the left ventral striatum.Taken together, we show that impaired flexible behavior in ADHD is due to excessive choice switching (‘hyper-flexibility’), which can be detrimental or beneficial depending on the learning environment. Computationally, this resulted from blunted sensitivity to reinforcement of which we detected neural correlates in the attention-control network, specifically in the parietal cortex. These neurocomputational findings remain preliminary due to the relatively small sample size.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Mozambique: an epidemiological investigation in a primary school sample.

To evaluate the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), comorbidity rates with disruptive behavior disorders and main negative outcomes in primary school students in Nampula, Mozambique. We selected a random sample of 748 students for ADHD screening from a population of around 43,000 primary school students. The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale version IV was applied to both parents and teachers. All students who screened positive (n=76) and a propensity score-matched random subset of students who screened negative (n=76) were assessed by a child psychiatrist. The prevalence of ADHD was estimated at 13.4% (95%CI 11.5-19.2), and 30.6% of those with ADHD presented comorbid disruptive behavior disorders. Students with ADHD (n=36) had significantly higher rates of both substance use (alcohol, marijuana) (p < 0.001), and school failures than controls (n=96; p < 0.001). Comorbidity between ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders increased the chance of substance use (p < 0.001). Secondary analyses with more restrictive ADHD diagnostic criteria revealed a lower prevalence rate (6.7%; 95%CI 5.2-12.9) with similar patterns of associated factors and negative outcomes. Our findings demonstrated that ADHD is a prevalent mental disorder in Mozambique, and it is associated with similar comorbid profiles, predisposing factors, and negative outcomes, as in other cultures.

Elevated level of prenatal testosterone and vitamin D3 deficiency during pregnancy, in the presence of prenatal maternal stress, and their association with the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms in toddlers.

To investigate the hypothesis that the presence of prenatal maternal stress, increased level of prenatal testosterone, and low level of vitamin D3 in pregnancy is associated with the development of ADHD-like symptoms in toddlers (< 2 years old). The study group comprised 53 pregnant women and 53 infants of these pregnancies. The population cohort of 53 pregnant women were recruited at their 35th to 37th week of pregnancy and investigated prospectively. The participants were selected through targeted selection. Maternal experience of stressful life events was assessed by stress standardised questionnaires, prenatal testosterone was determined in the mothers' saliva by using the immune enzymatic (ELISA) method, and maternal plasma D vitamin was measured using the ECLIA method, during pregnancy. When the age of the offspring was 6 months and then less than 2 years, the mothers completed the child behaviour and temperament checklist. A small but statistically significant association was found between the common symptom complex of ADHD and the level of testosterone and vitamin D3, in the presence of prenatal maternal stress. Multiple regression analysis showed that maternal stressful events during pregnancy significantly predicted ADHD behaviours in offspring. The study supported the hypothesis that prenatal maternal stress, increased level of prenatal testosterone, and low level of vitamin D3 during pregnancy increases the risk of development of ADHD-like symptoms in toddlers (< 2 years old). Also, the obtained results support the hypothesis that the influence of prenatal factors causes ADHD-like symptoms in offspring through a programming effect.

The Chinese Version of the Compensatory ADHD Behaviors Scale (CABS): A Study on Reliability, Validity, and Clinical Utility.

With the further development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research, more and more assessment tools related to ADHD have been used. However, there is still no measurement instrument to evaluate the compensatory behavior of ADHD in China. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Compensatory ADHD Behaviors Scale (CABS) adapted in Chinese and explore ecological characteristics in adults with ADHD using the CABS. Data were collected from a sample of 306 adults (Mage = 26.43 years, SD = 5.32; 46.08% male). The original version CABS was translated into Chinese using the forward and backward translation procedures. Participants completed the CABS and questionnaires assessing ADHD symptoms and executive function. We utilized content validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and criterion validity to test the validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were employed to test the reliability. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare ADHD subgroups based on gender, ADHD subtype, comorbidities, and medication status, while controlling for demographic variables as covariates. CABS exhibited good construct validity (two factors: present-oriented and future-oriented), content validity (content validity index: 0.98), internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient: 0.85 to 0.87) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.59 to 0.88). The results of CFA showed acceptable fitness for each subscale. CABS demonstrated significant associations with inattention symptoms and plan/organizational abilities. Medicated ADHD individuals scored higher on future-oriented effectiveness subscale of CABS than non-medicated (F = 6.106, p = 0.014). The results indicate that the Chinese CABS exhibited good validity and reliability. It can be considered a valid tool for assessing compensatory behaviors in Chinese adults with ADHD. Further research is needed to explore the connection between medication and compensatory behavior.

Epilepsy is more than a simple seizure disorder: Parallels between human and canine cognitive and behavioural comorbidities

Psychiatric and cognitive comorbidities have been known to play a major role in human epilepsy for a long time. People with epilepsy (PWE) frequently express signs of varying psychiatric and cognitive disorders affecting their quality and quantity of life (QoL/QaoL). Over the last few years, research on behavioural comorbidities and their effect on the underlying disease have been performed in canine epilepsy. The following article reviews manifestations of comorbidities in canine epilepsy with an emphasis on patterns of clinical signs and their effects on QoL and QaoL. Cognitive and behavioural alterations in epileptic dogs are mainly represented by fear-/anxiety related behaviour and cognitive impairment (CI). Reduced trainability and altered reactions to daily situations are common results of comorbid changes posing obstacles in everyday life of owners and their dog. In addition, clinical signs similar to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in humans have been reported. Canine attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-like (c-ADHD-like) behaviour should, however, be evaluated critically, as there are no official criteria for diagnosis of ADHD or ADHD-like behaviour in dogs, and some of the reported signs of c-ADHD-like behaviour could be confused with anxiety-associated behaviour. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors could potentially influence the development of behavioural and cognitive comorbidities in canine epilepsy. In particular, seizure frequency/severity, signalment and factors concerning disease management, such as pharmacotherapy and nutrition, are closely linked with the presence of the aforementioned comorbid disorders. Further studies of behavioural alterations in epileptic dogs are needed to comprehend the complexity of clinical signs and their multifactorial origin.

Are individual differences in loss aversion related to ADHD symptomatology?

Loss aversion, or the greater sensitivity to losses than equivalent gains, has been shown to vary across individuals, but has yet to be thoroughly examined in relation to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptomatology. Examining factors related to decision-making in ADHD has important implications for interventions as well as understanding engagement in risky behavior. Undergraduates (N = 98; 73% women) completed questionnaires measuring ADHD symptomatology, loss aversion, and gambling preference as well as the Balloon Analog Risk Task. Individuals with high ADHD symptomatology (n = 50) were less loss averse than those low in symptomatology, even after controlling for individual differences in risk taking and gambling preference. Inattention symptoms were not related to loss aversion after controlling for hyperactivity/impulsivity, risk taking, and gambling preference. Greater hyperactivity/impulsivity was related to less loss aversion, even after covariates were controlled. It is unclear if group differences were the result of reduced sensitivity to losses, increased attraction to gains, or both. Future research should examine if reduced loss aversion in those with high ADHD symptomatology replicates using other decision-making paradigms and whether or not loss aversion mediates the relationship between ADHD and risk-taking behavior.

The relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and criminal behavior: a psychological profile of convicts serving custodial sentences. Pilot studies

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder whose symptoms are mostly observed in childhood, however, their intensity may also persist into adulthood. What is more, research shows that the very nature of this disorder’s symptoms is such that adults experience numerous secondary consequences of the disorder. The purpose of the described pilot studies was to determine the connection between hyperactivity disorder and criminal behaviour as well as between hyperactivity disorder and mental functioning understood as the experience of trauma, maladaptive emotional schemas and mental health. Two groups of convicts participated in the research: first offenders and recidivists in prison aged from 21 to 65. Each group consists of 20 people (40 in total). Participants in the study were recruited from semi-open prisons in Poland (Detention Centre in Poznań, Iława Prison). The control group consisted of men without a criminal record aged from 21 to 65 – 20 men in total. The DIVA 5.0 questionnaire was used in order to recognise the intensity of ADHD symptoms. Other questionnaires used in the study were the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale IV (FACES-IV), Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30). The results of pilot studies demonstrate that ADHD materially correlates with the experience of early childhood trauma. ADHD intensity also correlates with the evaluation of family functioning – these people evaluated relationships in their families of origin more negatively than the control group. Finally, ADHD intensity correlates with the disclosure of maladaptive emotional schemas. Research results did not demonstrate a connection between the intensity of ADHD symptoms and the tendency to get into conflicts with the law.The conducted research is innovative in nature as it attempts to provide a multifactorial approach to relationship between ADHD and criminal behavior.

Clinical characteristics of child and adolescent psychiatric outpatients engaging in fireplay or arson: a case–control study

BackgroundFireplay and arson incidents among children and adolescents have gained attention because of their potentially severe consequences and societal impacts. Understanding the underlying psychiatric characteristics of individuals engaging in fireplay or arson is crucial for early identification and targeted intervention. However, there is a lack of research conducted in clinical psychiatric populations in this context. This study compared the clinical characteristics of child and adolescent psychiatric outpatients who engaged in fireplay or arson with those without such behaviors.MethodsA retrospective case–control study was conducted using data collected from patients who visited the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Japan, between April 2014 and March 2022. Medical records were checked to see if the patient had practically committed behaviors that corresponded to fireplay or arson. The case group was identified using this process. After identifying the case and control groups, sex, diagnosis, antisocial behavior, abuse history, and children-to-parent violence were assessed and compared by careful review of medical records.ResultsThe study identified 64 patients who engaged in fireplay or arson, representing approximately 1.1% of the total 5,587 patients (case group). The median age of the patients’ first fire-related behavior was 13 years (range, 6–18 years). In the case group, 14.1% of the cases involved arson, resulting in substantial damage. Of the remaining 5523 patients, 2268 patients had datasets for the first consultation (control group). The most prevalent diagnosis in the case group was attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), present in 57.8% of the cases. The study revealed a significant association between fire-related behaviors and ADHD as well as antisocial behavior. Gender differences were observed, with boys being more likely to engage in fireplay or arson than girls.ConclusionsThis study suggests that clinicians and mental health professionals should closely consider male sex, ADHD, and antisocial behaviors as potential risk factors for fire-related behaviors. Monitoring the case group for the development of psychiatric disorders, including the use of illegal drugs, is recommended to prevent future arson incidents.

Effects of adolescent methylphenidate administration on methamphetamine conditioned place preference in an animal model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Examination of potential sex differences

BackgroundIndividuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder; however, the effects of long-term psychostimulant treatment on addiction are mixed. Preclinical studies are useful for further elucidating the relationship between ADHD and addiction-like behaviors, but these studies have focused on male subjects only. The goal of the current study was to determine if early-life administration of methylphenidate (MPH) augments methamphetamine (METH) conditioned place preference (CPP) and/or potentiates reinstatement of CPP in both male and female rats. MethodsMale and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs) received either MPH (1.5mg/kg; p.o.) or vehicle (1.0ml/kg) during adolescence (postnatal day [PND] ~29–57). Two weeks after cessation of MPH treatment, rats were tested for METH CPP (1.0mg/kg or 2.0mg/kg; s.c.). Rats were then given extinction sessions. Once rats met extinction criteria, they were tested for reinstatement of CPP following a priming injection of METH (0.25mg/kg; s.c.). ResultsAll groups developed METH CPP, except vehicle-treated SHR males and vehicle-treated WKY females conditioned with the higher dose of METH (2.0mg/kg). Female SHRs treated with MPH showed greater reinstatement of METH CPP compared to female SHRs treated with vehicle. Adolescent MPH treatment did not augment the locomotor-stimulant effects of METH in adulthood. ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the importance of considering biological sex when prescribing psychostimulant medications for ADHD as long-term MPH administration may increase the risk of continued drug use in females with ADHD following a period of abstinence.

Pioglitazone enhances brain mitochondrial biogenesis and phase II detoxification capacity in neonatal rats with 6-OHDA-induced unilateral striatal lesions.

The psychostimulant methylphenidate (MPH) is the first-line pharmacological treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but has numerous adverse side effects. The PPARγ receptor agonist pioglitazone (PIO) is known to improve mitochondrial bioenergetics and antioxidant capacity, both of which may be deficient in ADHD, suggesting utility as an adjunct therapy. Here, we assessed the effects of PIO on ADHD-like symptoms, mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant pathways in multiple brain regions of neonate rats with unilateral striatal lesions induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) as an experimental ADHD model. Unilateral striatal injection of 6-OHDA reduced ipsilateral dopaminergic innervation by 33% and increased locomotor activity. This locomotor hyperactivity was not altered by PIO treatment for 14 days. However, PIO increased the expression of proteins contributing to mitochondrial biogenesis in the striatum, hippocampus, cerebellum and prefrontal cortex of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. In addition, PIO treatment enhanced the expression of the phase II transcription factor Nrf2 in the striatum, prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. In contrast, no change in the antioxidant enzyme catalase was observed in any of the brain regions analyzed. Thus, PIO may improve mitochondrial biogenesis and phase 2 detoxification in the ADHD brain. Further studies are required to determine if different dose regimens can exert more comprehensive therapeutic effects against ADHD neuropathology and behavior.

Effectiveness of Ear Acupuncture Therapy and Behavioral Therapy in Children with ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD characterized by signs and symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive. The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of ear acupuncture therapy and behavioral therapy in children with ADHD. This research used Quasy Experimental Design with pretest and posttest design. This research was conducted in February-April 2023 at SLB Autis Alamanda and SLB Harmony Surakarta. The sample is children with ADHD who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample was divided into two groups, 15 children each group. Ear acupuncture therapy using earseeds at point zero, shenmen point, and liver point. Behavioral therapy using ABA method (Applied Behavioral Analysis). Data were analyzed using Independent Sample T-test. The result of this test showed that significance value is 0.849 (p &gt; 0.05). The conclusion of this research is ear acupuncture therapy and behavioral therapy were not effective to decrease ADHD behavior in children at SLB Autis Alamanda and SLB Harmony Surakarta.