Disorders In School Children Research Articles

Borderline mental disorders in schoolchildren

To study the frequency of borderline mental disorders in children of secondary general education schools. We examined 1013 male and female schoolchildren, aged 12-14 and 15-17 years. In the first stage, the they completed a screening questionnaire to estimate the presence of a range of psychosomatic syndromes. An analysis of medical history and clinical examination were performed as well. The second stage included medical examination using DAWBA for the children with total scores on The Strengths and Difficulty questionnaire ≥ 16; with the score ≥ 6 on the emotional scale and with the score ≤ 5 on the social scale. Generalized anxiety and depression were recorded more often in girls than in boys. Every 4-th adolescent (26.1%), regardless of gender, had problems in communication with peers. At the same time, boys showed conduct disturbances more often (p = 0.005) than girls (23.3% and 16.3%, respectively). Depression syndrome was 6.1 times more frequent in adolescents of the older group as compared with younger children (p = 0.024). Depression was associated with chronic headache (68.6% of children, mostly in girls and in the older group), abdominal pain (37.3%, mostly in girls) and back pain (39.2%).

Clinical application of standardized rating scales for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in school-age children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among school-age children.The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD rely on a comprehensive evaluation of symptom, functional impairment and comorbidity.Therefore the standardized rating scales is widely used clinically.The standardized rating scales can be categorized into: Broad-band scales, evaluating the general misbehavior and sociopsychological functions and Narrow-band scales, evaluating ADHD specific symptoms, and also functional impairment rating scales.Useful comorbidity and functional impairment rating scales are in need domestically.This paper reviewed the published literature about the clinical application and progression of frequently-used rating scales for school-age ADHD evaluation, at home and abroad. Key words: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Rating scale; Symptom; Functional impairment

Early psychological intervention in accidentally injured children ages 2–16: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundRoad traffic accidents (RTA) and burns are frequent events in children. Although many children recover spontaneously, a considerable number develop long-term psychological sequelae. Evidence on early psychological interventions to prevent such long-term problems is still scarce for school-age children and completely lacking for pre-school children.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of an early two-session cognitive-behavioral intervention in 108 children ages 2–16 after RTAs and burns.MethodsChildren assessed at risk for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were randomly assigned to either a control group offered treatment as usual or an intervention group. Primary outcomes were PTSD, behavioral problems, and depression symptoms. Baseline and blinded 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments were conducted.ResultsIn pre-school children, no intervention effects were found. School-age children in the intervention group exhibited significantly fewer internalizing problems at 3-month follow-up relative to controls and a borderline significant time-by-group effect for PTSD intrusion symptoms was found (p=0.06).ConclusionsThis is the first study examining the efficacy of an indicated, early psychological intervention among both school-age and pre-school-age children. Because the intervention was ineffective for young children, no evidence-based practice can currently be suggested. Given that parents of pre-school children perceived the intervention as helpful, brief counseling of parents in terms of psychoeducation and training in coping skills still should be provided by clinicians, despite the current lack of evidence. To prevent trauma-related disorders in school-age children, the intervention might be used in a step-wise manner, where only children at risk for long-term psychological maladjustment are provided with psychological support.

The associations between ADHD and asthma in Korean children.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the associations between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most common neuropsychiatric disorder in school children, and childhood allergic disease by evaluating their respective prevalence.MethodsSubjects were comprised of first and second grade students in twenty two elementary schools in a city in the Republic of Korea. The mode of measurement for ADHD was based on DSM-IV from clinical interviews conducted by child psychiatrists. Along with the diagnostic interviews, we also used the epidemiological questionnaires, Computerized Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnostic System, the abbreviated Conner’s Parent Rating Scale (CPRS), and DuPaul’s ADHD Rating Scales. Allergic conditions, such as asthma, have been separately evaluated based on the questionnaire items whose validity and reliability were proved by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC). All questionnaires were completed by the subjects’ parents.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence rate of asthma in ADHD patients was 36.6%, compared to a prevalence of 24.3% in control subjects. The lifetime prevalence rate of allergic rhinitis in ADHD patients was 59.0%, compared to a prevalence of 47.0% in control subjects. Statistically significant difference has been found between the two groups. In the logistic regression model of the ADHD and the control group, the relative risk of asthma was 1.60 times higher (confidence interval 1.301-1.964), the relative risk of allergic rhinitis was 1.38 times higher (confidence interval 1.124-1.681), which showed statistical significance.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest significant association between ADHD and childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis. Therefore, appropriate evaluation and treatment are needed for asthmatic children with attention-deficit symptoms, or allergic rhinitis with ADHD. Besides, further research is needed to determine the etiological approach towards ADHD, asthma, and allergic rhinitis.

1H-Magnetic resonance spectroscopy study of stimulant medication effect on brain metabolites in French Canadian children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in school aged children. Functional abnormalities have been reported in brain imaging studies in ADHD populations. Psychostimulants are considered as the first line treatment for ADHD. However, little is known of the effect of stimulants on brain metabolites in ADHD patients.ObjectivesTo compare the brain metabolite concentrations in children with ADHD and on stimulants with those of drug naïve children with ADHD, versus typically developed children, in a homogenous genetic sample of French Canadians.MethodsChildren with ADHD on stimulants (n=57) and drug naïve children with ADHD (n=45) were recruited, as well as typically developed children (n=38). The presence or absence of ADHD diagnosis (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria) was based on clinical evaluation and The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children IV. All children (n=140) underwent a proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy session to measure the ratio of N-acetyl-aspartate, choline, glutamate, and glutamate–glutamine to creatine, respectively, in the left and right prefrontal and striatal regions of the brain, as well as in the left cerebellum.ResultsWhen compared with drug naïve children with ADHD, children with ADHD on stimulants and children typically developed were found to have higher choline ratios in the left prefrontal region (P=0.04) and lower N-acetyl-aspartate ratios in the left striatum region (P=0.01), as well as lower glutamate–glutamine ratios in the left cerebellum (P=0.05). In these three regions, there was no difference between children with ADHD on stimulants and typically developed children.ConclusionTherapeutic psychostimulant effects in children with ADHD may be mediated by normalization of brain metabolite levels, particularly in the left fronto-striato-cerebellar regions.

Prevalence of restless legs syndrome and sleep problems in Korean children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a single institution study.

PurposeAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder in school-aged children. Patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) often present with ADHD symptoms and vice versa. This study was the first to attempt to identify the prevalence of RLS and sleep problems in children with ADHD in Korea.MethodsPatients diagnosed with ADHD were asked to complete a sleep questionnaire. The sleep questionnaire included items to help identify the presence of four typical symptoms that are used as diagnostic criteria for RLS.ResultsA total of 56 patients, including 51 boys and 5 girls (mean age, 10.7 years old) participated. Of these, 24 complained of pain, discomfort, or an unpleasant sensation in the legs. Based on the RLS diagnostic criteria, 2 patients were diagnosed with definite RLS and 4 with probable RLS. There were no significant differences in age, medication dosage, or neuropsychological test scores between the patients with and without RLS symptoms.ConclusionApproximately 42.9% of patients with ADHD presented with RLS symptoms and 7.1% of these were diagnosed with RLS. Patients with ADHD also experienced various other sleep disorders. Thus, appropriate assessment and treatment for sleep disorders in patients with ADHD is essential.

Long-term effects of stimulants on neurocognitive performance of Taiwanese children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral and neurocognitive disorder in school-age children. Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most frequently prescribed CNS stimulant for ADHD. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in intelligence quotient and domains of neurocognitive function after long-term MPH treatment of Taiwanese children with ADHD.MethodsThe Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC-III) was administrated twice at an interval of at least one year for all 171 subjects (6–12 years) and 47 age- and gender-matched children without ADHD. The ADHD-Rating scale and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) were also used at the time of enrolment, and at 6 months and one year later.ResultsTaiwanese children with ADHD had lower Verbal IQ (VIQ) and Full IQ (FIQ) and performed poorly on several subtests of the WISC-III, including Similarities, Vocabulary, and Coding, compared to healthy children without ADHD. After one year of MPH treatment, significant decrements in all scores of the ADHD-Rating scale and CGI-S and increments in several domains of the WISC-III, including FIQ, VIQ, PIQ, Perceptual Organization Index (POI), Picture Completion, Picture Arrangement, Object Assembly, and Digit Span were observed. When the ADHD children under MPH treatment were subdivided into two age groups (6–8 years and 9–12 years), significantly better performance in some subtests and subscales of the WISC-III (such as Similarities, Comprehension, and Object assembly) was found in the 6–8 years age group.ConclusionsLong-term MPH treatment may improve the neurocognitive profiles of the ADHD children, as seen in their performance in several subtests and in the IQ scores on the WISC-III. And this improvement had no correlation with the decrement of ADHD symptoms. Starting stimulant treatment at as young an age as possible is advised due to the greater benefits in the 6–8 years age group, as seen in this study. More research in this area is also needed to confirm these results.

The Diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in School-Aged Children and Adolescents Following Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admission

This study explored the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents following pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. Specifically, the study aimed to describe the presentation and prevalence of PTSD symptoms 6 months postdischarge, explore the validity of the DSM-IV PTSD algorithm and alternative PTSD algorithm (PTSD-AA) in school-aged children and adolescents, and examine the diagnostic utility of Criterion C3 (inability to recall aspects of a trauma) in this cohort. Participants were 59 children aged 6-16, admitted to PICU for at least 8 hours. PTSD was assessed via diagnostic interview (Children's PTSD Inventory) 6 months following PICU discharge. The PTSD-AA was found to provide the most valid measure of PTSD at 6 months. Removing Criterion C3 improved the validity of Criterion C. This study supports the use of the PTSD-AA excluding Criterion C3 for identifying highly traumatized children and adolescents following PICU admission.

Effects of using weighted vest on attention and motor skills of 7-11year old children with learning disorders

Background and Aim: learning disorders is one of the most common disorders in school children. These children usually have problems in various areas such as attention and motor skills, cognition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of weighted vest on continuous attention (by using continuous performance test) and motor skills (by using Bruininks osetotsky motor Proficiency Test) in children with Learning Disabilities (LD). Materials and Method : A quasi experimental method was designed for the study. A sample of 16 children with L.D were selected and observed during 3stages.During stage 1 and 3 the participants received 12 school-based occupational therapy (OT) sessions. During phase 2, participants received occupational therapy sessions and wore a weighted vest (OT/WV) during sessions. Finally, the data were compared with each other. Results : this study demonstrated: -Significant differences between attention scores during stage 2were indicated) p= 0,001 t=6, 443( -Significant differences between motor skills scores during stage 2were indicated (t=- 11,212, p=0,001). No significant differences between attention and motor skills scores during phases 1 and 3 results were indicated. Conclusion : This study provides evidence that use of weighted vests for students with LD may increase continuous attention and improve motor skills. All children benefited from the weighted vests; the effects were strong and consistent. Weighted vest may be a component of intervention for children with LD, and the results do not support the use of weighted vests in isolation to improve continuous attention or motor skills. Key words : learning disability, weighted vest; attention; motor skills, occupational therapy

Screening Test for Auditory Processing (STAP): A Preliminary Report

The presence of auditory processing disorder in school-age children has been documented (Katz and Wilde, 1985; Chermak and Musiek, 1997; Jerger and Musiek, 2000; Muthuselvi and Yathiraj, 2009). In order to identify these children early, there is a need for a screening test that is not very time-consuming. The present study aimed to evaluate the independence of four subsections of the Screening Test for Auditory Processing (STAP) developed by Yathiraj and Maggu (2012). The test was designed to address auditory separation/closure, binaural integration, temporal resolution, and auditory memory in school-age children. The study also aimed to examine the number of children who are at risk for different auditory processes. Factor analysis research design was used in the current study. Four hundred school-age children consisting of 218 males and 182 females were randomly selected from 2400 children attending three schools. The children, aged 8 to 13 yr, were in grade three to eight class placements. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSES: The children were evaluated on the four subsections of the STAP (speech perception in noise, dichotic consonant-vowel [CV], gap detection, and auditory memory) in a quiet room within their school. The responses were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In addition, the data were also analyzed to determine the number of children who were at risk for an auditory processing disorder (APD). Based on the PCA, three components with Eigen values greater than 1 were extracted. The orthogonal rotation of the variables using the Varimax technique revealed that component 1 consisted of binaural integration, component 2 consisted of temporal resolution, and component 3 was shared by auditory separation/closure and auditory memory. These findings were confirmed using CFA, where the predicted model displayed a good fit with or without the inclusion of the auditory memory subsection. It was determined that 16% of the children were at risk for APD on one or more of the subsections of STAP. Among these 16%, the auditory memory subsection was the most affected (73.4%), followed by binaural integration (65.6%), auditory separation/closure (59.4%), and temporal resolution (53.1%). The current study revealed that the four subsections of STAP merged to form three distinct components. Dichotic CV and gap detection formed two independent components while speech perception in noise and auditory memory merged to form a single component. This indicates a possible relationship between auditory memory and speech perception in noise as suggested by Katz (1992). Thus, STAP is able to detect three different components related to auditory processing. The study also indicates that the number of children at risk for each of the different auditory processes vary. Ongoing evaluation will shed light on the usefulness of the subsections of STAP in identifying auditory processing problems. In addition to conducting the APD screening test, it is also recommended that a hearing screening be done to rule out peripheral hearing problems when hearing screening programs are not conducted in schools.

Urinary 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol in pregnant women from Mexico City: distribution, temporal variability, and relationship with child attention/hyperactivit

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed and studied cognitive and behavioral disorder in school-age children. The etiology of ADHD and ADHD-related behavior is unclear, but genetic and environmental factors, such as pesticides, have been hypothesized. Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between in uteroexposure to chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, and/or 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPY) and ADHD in school-age Mexican children. The temporal reliability of repeated maternal urinary TCPY concentrations across trimesters was also explored. Methods: From a prospective birth cohort, third trimester urinary TCPY concentrations in 187 mother-child pairs were measured. Child neurodevelopment in children 6-11 years of age was assessed using Conners’ Parental Rating Scales-Revised (CRS-R), Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 (BASC-2). Multivariable linear regression models were used to test relationships for all children combined and also stratified by sex. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) calculations were based on a random effects model. Results: The ICC was 0.41 for uncorrected TCPY, and ranged from 0.29 to 0.32 for specific gravity-corrected TCPY. We did not observe any statistically significant associations between tertiles of maternal TCPY concentrations and ADHD-related outcomes in children, however, we found suggestive evidence of effect modification by sex for ADHD in boys (?= 5.55 points; 95% CI(-0.19, 11.3); p=0.06) and attention problems in girls (?=5.81 points; 95% CI(-0.75, 12.4); p=0.08). Conclusions: Considering the continued widespread agricultural and possible residential use of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl in Mexico and the educational implications of cognitive and behavior deficits, these results are important and deserve further study.

Iodine deficiency disorders in school age children in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh

Iodine deficiency disorder is a major public health problem in Himachal Pradesh. A study was conducted in district Kullu to assess the prevalence of IDD in school age children. Clinical examination of the thyroid of 1986 children was conducted. On the spot urine and salt samples were collected. The Total Goiter Rate was found to be 23.4% and median urinary iodine excretion was 175 ug/L. The population is possibly in transition phase from iodine deficient to iodine sufficient nutrition.

P319 – 1503 Types and prevalence of sleep disorders in school children in the city center of Trabzon

P319 – 1503 Types and prevalence of sleep disorders in school children in the city center of Trabzon

Urinary 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPY) in pregnant women from Mexico City: Distribution, temporal variability, and relationship with child attention and hyperactivity

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed and studied cognitive and behavioral disorder in school-age children. The etiology of ADHD and ADHD-related behavior is unclear, but genetic and environmental factors, such as pesticides, have been hypothesized. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between in utero exposure to chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, and/or 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPY) and ADHD in school-age Mexican children using TCPY as a biomarker of exposure. The temporal reliability of repeated maternal urinary TCPY concentrations across trimesters was also explored (N=21). To explore associations with ADHD-related outcomes in children, third trimester urinary TCPY concentrations in were measured in 187 mother-child pairs from a prospective birth cohort. Child neurodevelopment in children 6-11 years of age was assessed using Conners' Parental Rating Scales-Revised (CRS-R), Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 (BASC-2). Multivariable linear regression models were used to test relationships for all children combined and also stratified by sex. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) calculations were based on a random effects model. The ICC was 0.41 for uncorrected TCPY, and ranged from 0.29 to 0.32 for specific gravity-corrected TCPY. We did not observe any statistically significant associations between tertiles of maternal TCPY concentrations and ADHD-related outcomes in children. However, compared to the lowest tertile we found suggestive evidence for increased ADHD index in the highest TCPY tertile in boys (β=5.55 points; 95% CI (-0.19, 11.3); p=0.06) and increased attention problems for the middle tertile in girls (β=5.81 points; 95% CI (-0.75, 12.4); p=0.08). Considering the continued widespread agricultural and possible residential use of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl in Mexico and the educational implications of cognitive and behavior deficits, these relationships deserve further study.

Reliability, Validity, and Clinical Use of the Dominic Interactive: A DSM-Based, Self-Report Screen for School-Aged Children

As no single informant can be considered the gold standard of child psychopathology, interviewing of children regarding their own symptoms is necessary. Our study focused on the reliability, validity, and clinical use of the Dominic Interactive (DI), a multimedia self-report screen to assess symptoms for the most frequent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, mental disorders in school-aged children. A sample of 585 children aged 6 to 11 years from the community and psychiatric clinics was used to analyze the internal consistency, the test-retest estimate of reliability, and the criterion-related validity of the DI against the referral status. In addition, cross-informant correlation coefficients between this instrument (child report) and the Child Symptom Inventory (parent report) were explored in a subsample of 292 participants. For the total sample, Cronbach alpha coefficients ranged from 0.63 to 0.91. Test-retest kappas varied from 0.42 to 0.62 for categories based on cut-off points, except for specific phobias. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.70 to 0.81 for symptom scales. The DI discriminated between referred and non-referred children in psychiatric clinics for all symptom scales. Significant cross-informant correlation coefficients were higher for the externalizing symptoms (0.35 to 0.48) than the internalizing symptoms (0.14 to 0.27). Findings of our study reasonably support adequate psychometric properties of the DI. This instrument offers a developmentally sensitive screening method to obtain unique information from young children about their mental health problems in front-line services, psychiatric clinics, and research settings.

Increase in Iodine Deficiency Disorder due to Inadequate Sustainability of Supply of Iodized Salt in District Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a known endemic area for iodine deficiency disorders. A study was conducted in district Solan with the objective of assessing the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders in school-age children. Thirty clusters were selected by using the probability-proportionate-to-size cluster sampling methodology. Clinical examination of the thyroid of 1898 children in the age-group of 6-12 years was conducted. Urine and salt samples were collected. The total goiter rate was found to be 15.4%. Median urinary iodine excretion level was 62.5 μg/l. Only 39% of the salt samples had iodine content of ≥15 ppm. Mild iodine deficiency was present in the subjects studied.

Association between severity of behavioral phenotype and comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are neurodevelopmental disorders that cannot be codiagnosed under existing diagnostic guidelines (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, 4th ed., text rev.). However, reports are emerging that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is sometimes comorbid with autism spectrum disorder. In the current study, we examined rates of parent-reported clinically significant symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in school-aged children (4-8 years) with autism spectrum disorder, most of whom were first enrolled in our research protocols as toddlers. Results revealed that children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had lower cognitive functioning, more severe social impairment, and greater delays in adaptive functioning than children with autism spectrum disorder only. Implications for clinical practice include the need to assess for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms at an early age in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Research is needed to determine efficacious interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to optimize outcomes.

Why Adolescent Depression Is a Global Health Priority and What We Should Do About It

Why Adolescent Depression Is a Global Health Priority and What We Should Do About It

The Association of a Preschool Voice Education Program with Changes in Yelling Frequency

Voice problems in children can occur as early as infancy. Early onset of voice problems can carry social and academic penalties, and negatively affect voice in adolescence or adulthood. Unfortunately, only 1% of school-aged children receive voice therapy despite a 6 to 24% prevalence of voice disorders in school-aged children. One alternative may be to use a classroom-based voice education curriculum to effectively reduce yelling frequency, the most common behavior associated with phonotrauma-related voice problems in children. A classroom-based voice education curriculum was administered to preschool children by the preschool speech-language pathologists in a university-affiliated program. Classroom teachers provided cueing and reinforcement of curriculum strategies for 8 weeks following the program. Baseline frequencies of participant yelling behaviors were compared with postprogram frequencies. Results demonstrated significant reduction in yelling frequencies from pre- to postprogram, particularly in those judged as high-frequency yellers prior to the program. Important factors for future consideration are discussed.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of autism spectrum disorders in school-age children in Taif- KSA

Background: There has been a reported worldwide increase in the apparent prevalence of autism and related autism spectrum disorders, Such an increase, whether due to an actual increase in incidence of autism or better detection methods. Aims & Objective: To determine the prevalence and describe the clinical characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in school-age children. Material and Methods: The study proceeded in four steps: screening, sampling, and diagnostic assessment. All parents and teachers asked to complete the ASSQ. Children from regular schools were considered screen positive if they had a teacher-rated ASSQ score ≥10. Results: The result of the current study have shown that the overall prevalence of autism in the primary school of Taif district whose age ranged from 7 to 12 years was 0.035 % from a sample population of 22950 student , the prevalence of autism in male (0.031%) was greater than female (0.004%). The general characteristic of autistic disorders present in the sample population was concentrated on certain items mainly, Has a different style to communicate with others, either formally or informally (80 %), Deal with others with his own style (80%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of autism in the primary school of Taif district whose age ranged from 7 to 12 years was 0.035 %.