Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Research Articles

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.

Prevalence and risk factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children admitted to the emergency department due to traumas.

This study aims to determine the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and the associated risk factors in children admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) due to traumas. EChildren aged 3-16 years admitted to the ED for traumas were included in the study. The control group consisted of children aged between 3-16, who visited the pediatric ED for non-traumatic reasons. The Revised Conners Parent Rating Scale (CPRS-R) was administered to parents who agreed to participate following initial intervention and stabilization. Trauma patients were divided into two groups: those diagnosed with ADHD and those without ADHD. Risk factors likely to increase the identification of ADHD were assessed. The study included 917 children, with both groups showing similar characteristics regarding age, sex, demographic, and cultural factors. The most common reason for ED visits was extremity traumas, accounting for 296 (35.2%) cases. The majority of trauma patients (95.9%) were discharged from the ED after outpatient interventions. All subscale scores of the CPRS-R, except for the social problems subscale, were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group. Factors that increased the risk of ADHD included admission with extremity traumas (p<0.001), previous ED admissions due to traumas (p<0.001), and having a family member previously diagnosed with ADHD (p<0.001). The prevalence of ADHD symptoms may be higher in children admitted to the ED due to traumas. Furthermore, extremity traumas, previous trauma-related ED-admissions, and a family history of ADHD increase the risk of ADHD.

Comparison of opioid use disorder patients with and without problematic internet use in terms of impulsivity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

To investigate attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and impulsivity among individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) who also exhibit symptoms of problematic internet use (PIU). The study involved the participation of 360 patients with OUD enrolled at an alcohol and drug addiction treatment center (ADATC) from October to December 2022. Various assessment tools were administered, including Young's Internet Addiction Scale (YIAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). PIU was identified by YIAS scores equal to or exceeding 50. Most participants diagnosed with OUD had comorbid PIU, with high levels of depression, anxiety, and ADHD symptoms. Both BDI and BAI scores were significantly increased in the PIU group compared to the non-PIU group (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in BIS Motor Impulsivity, Attentional Impulsivity, and total scores, indicating higher impulsivity in the PIU group (all p < 0.001). Additionally, higher ASRS scores were found in the PIU group (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the importance of addressing PIU and comorbidities in OUD treatment. Interventions targeting ADHD symptoms and emotional well-being may benefit PIU management.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (BMDS-16)

Introduction and objective: Daydreaming is a common mental experience in which one gets immersed in stories, narratives, images, and fantasies, imagining them as they were real, although knowing they are unreal. Maladaptive daydreaming is characterised by an excessive and compulsive involvement on fantasy which in severe cases replaces human interaction and impairs academic, interpersonal, or vocational functioning. It can be measured using the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16) which has been translated into 39 languages but validated only in eight. This study investigates the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of this instrument (BMDS-16). Materials and methods: A total of 2,682 Brazilian adults (78% women; Mage = 26.6 years, standard deviation, SD = 7.0) participated in the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses provided support for a three-factor structure of BMDS-16 with satisfactory reliability indices. Results: Maladaptive daydreaming had positive but weak correlations with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and dissociative experiences. As a result of the latent profile analysis, a cut-off score of 63 for maladaptive daydreaming was suggested. Based on this cut-off score, 18.6% of our sample could be considered maladaptive daydreamers. The general reliability of the scale was good (McDonald’s ω = 0.93; Cronbach’s α = 0.90). Conclusions: Overall, BMDS-16 demonstrated sound psychometric properties and applicability for general use to assess maladaptive daydreaming. The daydreaming tendency should be carefully examined in people with scores above 63, who may use fantasy in a maladaptive way, causing impairment in daily functioning and potentially conflicting with treatment.

Sustainable fluorescence derivatization approach for spectrofluorimetric quantification of methylphenidate hydrochloride in pharmaceutical formulation and spiked human plasma

Autistic children commonly experience symptoms that overlap with those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, such as inattention and hyperactivity. Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a brain stimulant drug used to treat the principal symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in autistic individuals. A sustained spectrofluorimetric approach for quantifying methylphenidate hydrochloride in tablets and spiked plasma was developed in this study. At 75°C in a borate buffer pH 9, methylphenidate hydrochloride was derivatized by 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl) into a fluorescent derivative detectable at 538 nm following excitation at 475 nm. The approach has been validated using ICH criteria, and it proved a sufficient linear response curve with the studied drug concentrations ranging from 2 to 100 ng/mL. The described approach was selectively used to quantify methylphenidate hydrochloride in tablets and plasma without the impact of the matrix components. In addition, the approach's sustainability was investigated and compared to the published work using two greenness assessment metrics termed analytical eco-scale and Analytical GREEnness (AGREE). The findings suggest that the recommended approach is sustainable compared to the published work.

Relationship between attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and substance use among college students in southeastern Iran

ABSTRACT Background or Objective Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are more likely to struggle with substance use. College students are more prone to and at risk of substance use. The aim of the present study was to conduct the association between ADHD and substance use among college students in southeastern Iran. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that was carried out among 235 Iranian students in 2022. The demographic information questionnaire, Conner’s Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Questionnaire of Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior was used to collect the required data. The Chi-square test was used to examine the relationship among the research variables. Results Stimulant use was more common than opioid use, with 8% of college students admitting to having consumed alcohol at some point in their lifetimes. Attention-deficit symptoms, impulsive symptoms, and the ADHD index were found in 42%, 44%, and 43.4% of the sample, respectively. Students who used substances exhibited higher levels of attention deficit and impulsivity than other students. Conclusions The high incidence of attention deficit and impulsive symptoms among college students may play a role in encouraging and sustaining substance use and lowering academic performance.

Prevalence of Undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms in the Young Adult Population of the United Arab Emirates: A National Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a globally prevalent behavioural disorder, remains underdiagnosed, particularly among adults. This issue is exacerbated in the Arab region due to stigma and insufficient healthcare facilities and professionals. Despite the United Arab Emirates (UAE) efforts to improve mental healthcare, shortcomings persist. No studies in the UAE currently assesses the appropriateness of the screening system for ADHD and other behavioural issues. Furthermore, prevalence rates of ADHD, particularly within the young adult population, are absent.AimTo estimate the prevalence of ADHD amongst young adults attending university in UAE and examine its relationship with gender and academic outcomes.MethodsA cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Young adults in their first year at university were recruited from different academic institutions across the UAE. The study utilized the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) for data collection.ResultsA sample of 406 young adults, aged between 18 and 20 years of age were recruited. Approximately, 34.7% (n = 141) reported symptoms suggestive of probable ADHD. Significantly lower grade point average marks were observed in participants with ADHD symptoms (M = 3.15) compared to those without (M = 3.35). Females reported symptoms of probable ADHD at higher rates than males, indicating possibly a potential screening deficiency and a potential stigma consequence.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates a high prevalence of probable ADHD in young adults, particularly among females attending university in the United Arab Emirates. Implications for early screening, service provision, and greater professional health training on this disorder are required.

The Relation Between Academic Procrastination, Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Academic Performance in Medical Students

The Relation Between Academic Procrastination, Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Academic Performance in Medical Students

Excessive mind wandering, rumination, and mindfulness mediate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and anxiety and depression in adults with ADHD.

Persistent mind-wandering processes are associated with negative emotions; however, mindful states exhibit an anticorrelation with mind-wandering patterns. The aim of this study is to investigate the mediating role of excessive mind wandering (EMW), rumination, and trait mindfulness between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and the severity of anxiety/depression in adults with ADHD. Medication-free 159 adults diagnosed with ADHD completed a test battery that included a sociodemographic form as well as the Adult ADHD Severity Rating Scale, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Mind Excessively Wandering Scale, Ruminative Response Scale, and Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory after the diagnostic examination according to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5-Clinician Version (SCID-5). ADHD symptoms exhibited an indirect, but not a direct, association with the severity of anxiety and depression, mediated by increased excessive mind wandering and rumination, as well as decreased trait mindfulness. This study was carried out within a clinical population using a cross-sectional design. While diagnostic assessments were conducted using SCID-5, psychiatric symptoms were evaluated through self-report measures. Coping with EMW and rumination and promoting mindfulness ability may be promising targets in treating comorbid conditions in adults with ADHD. These findings have highlighted the effects of mentation processes on depression and anxiety, which are common comorbidities with ADHD in adults; however, longitudinal studies are needed.

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

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

Susceptible windows of prenatal and postnatal fine particulate matter exposures and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in early childhood

Few prior studies have explored windows of susceptibility to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in both the prenatal and postnatal periods and children's attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.We analyzed data from 1416 mother-child pairs from the Spanish INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente) Study (2003–2008). Around 5 years of age, teachers reported the number of ADHD symptoms (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity) using the ADHD Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Around 7 years of age, parents completed the Conners' Parent Rating Scales, from which we evaluated the ADHD index, cognitive problems/inattention, hyperactivity, and oppositional subscales, reported as age- and sex-standardized T-scores. Daily residential PM2.5 exposures were estimated using a two-stage random forest model with temporal back-extrapolation and averaged over 1-week periods in the prenatal period and 4-week periods in the postnatal period. We applied distributed lag non-linear models within the Bayesian hierarchical model framework to identify susceptible windows of prenatal or postnatal exposure to PM2.5 (per 5-μg/m3) for ADHD symptoms. Models were adjusted for relevant covariates, and cumulative effects were reported by aggregating risk ratios (RRcum) or effect estimates (βcum) across adjacent susceptible windows.A similar susceptible period of exposure to PM2.5 (1.2–2.9 and 0.9–2.7 years of age, respectively) was identified for hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms assessed ~5 years (RRcum = 2.72, 95% credible interval [CrI] = 1.98, 3.74) and increased hyperactivity subscale ~7 years (βcum = 3.70, 95% CrI = 2.36, 5.03). We observed a susceptibility period to PM2.5 on risk of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms ~5 years in gestational weeks 16–22 (RRcum = 1.36, 95% CrI = 1.22, 1.52). No associations between PM2.5 exposure and other ADHD symptoms were observed.We report consistent evidence of toddlerhood as a susceptible window of PM2.5 exposure for hyperactivity in young children. Although mid-pregnancy was identified as a susceptible period of exposure on hyperactivity symptoms in preschool-aged children, this association was not observed at the time children were school-aged.

Lowered social motivation is associated with adolescent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and social anxiety symptoms.

Difficulties in social skills are highly prevalent in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), however, the reasons for these social difficulties are poorly understood. This study aimed to understand social motivation in children (aged 5-8) and adolescents (aged 13-17) with and without ADHD, and the relationship between social anxiety and social motivation in youth with ADHD. 204 parents of children and adolescents with and without ADHD completed online questionnaires on social motivation, social anxiety, and ADHD symptoms. Adolescents with ADHD had significantly lower social motivation than typically developing adolescents, and children with ADHD. Higher social anxiety significantly predicted lowered social motivation in participants with ADHD. These findings indicate a unique pattern of social motivation in ADHD, specifically a reduction during adolescence, reflecting social intervention inefficacy. Additionally, these findings establish a link between social motivation and social anxiety, suggesting that they may act as barriers to social intervention.

Exposure to chlorpyrifos and pyrethroid insecticides and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in preschool children from the Odense Child Cohort

BackgroundAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood psychiatric disorder with severe and lifelong impact on mental health and socioeconomic achievements. Environmental factors may play a role in the increasing incidens rates. Previous studies on associations between prenatal and childhood exposure to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides and ADHD symptoms have yielded mixed findings. ObjectivesTo investigate associations between prenatal and childhood exposure to chlorpyrifos and pyrethroids and ADHD symptoms in 5-year-old children from the Odense Child Cohort. MethodsSpot urine samples from pregnant women in gestational week 28 (n = 614) and offspring at 5 years of age (n = 814) were collected and analyzed for the specific metabolite of chlorpyrifos, TCPY (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol), as well as the generic pyrethroid metabolite, 3-PBA (3-phenoxybenzoic acid). Offspring ADHD symptoms were assessed at age 5 years using the parent reported “ADHD scale” from the “Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5” (n = 1114). Associations between insecticide exposure variables and an ADHD score ≥90th percentile were analyzed using logistic regression for all children and stratified by sex. ResultsMost pregnant women had detectable concentrations of 3-PBA (93%) and TCPY (91%) with median concentrations of 0.20 μg/L and 1.62 μg/L, respectively. In children, 3-PBA and TCPY concentrations were detectable in 88% and 82% of the samples, and the median concentrations were 0.17 and 1.16 μg/L. No statistically significant associations were observed between insecticide metabolites and an ADHD score ≥90th percentile at age 5. ConclusionIn this relatively large Danish birth cohort study with mainly low dietary insecticide exposure, we found no statistically significant associations between prenatal or childhood exposure to chlorpyrifos or pyrethroids, and excess ADHD-symptom load, in 5-year-old children. Prospective studies with multiple urine samples across vulnerable windows of neurodevelopment is warranted to improve assessment of safe exposure levels, which is particularly relevant for pyrethroids, since their use is increasing.

The Research on the Influence of the Life of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Coexisting with Anxiety Disorders

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety are two mental disorders that enable children to behave badly in daily life and be poor at learning. And most importantly, anxiety is associated with a high probability of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The paper explores the specific problems faced by children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety in learning and daily life and how to help them correct to the level of ordinary people to the greatest extent. The first experiment which examined behavioral problems and self-awareness characteristics of children with both anxiety and through the methods of using the two-stage epidemiological investigation and filling out the behavioral survey scale. The survey surveyed 9,495 teenagers and children from Hunan Province. The Achenbach Child Behavior Scale and the Piers-Harris Child Self-awareness Scale are two scales that were applied during this experiment. The second experiment involved the following experiments: the alphanumeric connection task, stroop color word naming, and the Rey complex graphic memory. The purpose of this experiment is to examine the executive function of children with comorbidity. The paper illustrates that all the symptoms of general attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will reflect the life of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder co-existing with anxiety disorders and some diseases can be more severe.

46 Exploring Social Cognition Deficits Characterised by Impulsive Responding in Children

Objective:Theory suggests that symptoms of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; e.g., hyperactivity and impulsivity) may be associated with social cognition deficits characterised by fast but erroneous processing of social cues. Despite this, prior research has provided mixed evidence for (a) deficits in social cognition skills and (b) a link between such deficits and poor social outcomes among children with ADHD. We sought to clarify this ambiguity by (a) exploring variation in social cognition skills across a mixed clinical and normative population and (b) examining the demographic, clinical, and dimensional symptom profiles of children presenting with reduced social cognition skills characterised by fast but erroneous processing.Participants and Methods:Participants were children and adolescents (N = 1,097) aged 4–18 years (M = 9.02, SD = 2.72) assessed using the Paediatric Evaluation of Emotions Relationships and Socialisation (PEERS), a child-direct, ecologically sensitive measure of social cognition. Latent profile analysis of standardised social cognition scores and response times for incorrect encoding of social cues (error-response times) was used to identify social cognition profiles. Differences between each profile in terms of demographics, clinical profiles, symptom dimensions, and social outcomes were explored.Results:Four social cognition profiles were identified. Two profiles were identified as being of particular interest: one which captured typically developing children (TDC; n = 727), and another which was characterised by lower social cognition scores and faster error-response times (impulsive responding; n = 201). The remaining profiles captured the response styles of younger participants (n = 152) and children with more pervasive social cognition deficits (n = 17). Comparison of the two profiles of interest revealed a number of statistically significant differences (p &lt; .05). Compared to the TDC group, the impulsive responding group had: higher SDQ scores for hyperactivity, conduct, emotional, and peer problems; lower IQ and prosocial scores, and; greater parent-perceived social function deficits. Children in this group were also more likely to be male and from a lower SES background. Clinically, 18% of children in the impulsive responding group had an ADHD diagnosis, and 14% had at lease one mental health diagnosis other than ADHD.Conclusions:A large minority of children (~18%) demonstrate social cognition deficits characterised by fast but erroneous processing of social cues. Although the explorative nature of this study does not allow conclusions to be made about the causes of such deficits, it is reasonable to conclude that they are not reducible to clinically significant symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity — less than 1/5 of the children in this group had an ADHD diagnosis, and 2/3 of children in this group had no mental health diagnosis at all. Child-direct tools designed to detect individual differences in social cognition skills may be beneficial in identifying individuals who will benefit from social support or interventions aimed at reducing social cognition deficits despite being missed by more traditional screening measures (e.g., clinical diagnoses). Future work should focus on understanding the causal relationships between symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, fast but erroneous processing of social cues, social cognition skills, and social outcomes for this group of children.

Is the Consumption of Added Sugar from Common Beverages Associated with the Presence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Thai Medical Students?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) significantly affects the well-being of medical students in various aspects. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) pose a potential risk of ADHD. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of ADHD symptoms and the association between consumption of added sugar in common beverages and ADHD symptoms in Thai medical students. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students at Chiang Mai University from May 2022 to April 2023. The consumption of added sugar from common beverages in Thailand was assessed using the Thai Adolescence Sugar Sweetened Beverage Intake (THASSI) questionnaire. An Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) score ≥ 3 identified the presence of ADHD symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression was used for the analysis. Of 441 participants, 29.9% had ADHD symptoms. Daily consumption of added sugar from beverages higher than 25 g/day showed an increased risk of ADHD symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.80, 95%CI 1.15 to 2.84, p = 0.011). The same trend was observed when using the sex-specific cutoff points (adjusted OR 1.73, 95%CI 1.10 to 2.73, p = 0.018). Higher consumption of added sugar from beverages may increase the risk of ADHD symptoms in Thai medical students. This finding supports the implementation of health policies that promote healthy consumption behaviors among medical students.

Trait mindfulness and personality characteristics in a microdosing ADHD sample: a naturalistic prospective survey study.

Microdosing (MD), repeatedly taking psychedelics in small, non-hallucinogenic amounts, has been practiced by individuals to relieve attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Generally, adults diagnosed with ADHD have lower levels of mindfulness and differ in personality structure from non-ADHD adults. How MD affects mindfulness and personality in adults with ADHD remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 4 weeks of MD on mindfulness and personality traits in adults diagnosed with ADHD and those experiencing severe ADHD symptoms. It was expected that mindfulness and the personality traits conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness would increase and neuroticism would decrease after 4 weeks of MD compared to baseline. It was explored if using conventional ADHD medication alongside MD and/or having comorbidities influenced MD-induced effects. An online prospective naturalistic design was used to measure participants before MD initiation and 2 and 4 weeks later. Validated self-report measures were used assessing mindfulness (15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) and personality traits (10-item version of the Big Five Inventory) at three time points. The sample included n = 233, n = 66, and n = 44 participants at the three time points, respectively. Trait mindfulness, specifically description and non-judging of inner experience, was increased, and neuroticism was decreased after 4 weeks of MD compared to baseline. The remaining personality traits remained unchanged. Using conventional medication and/or having comorbid diagnoses did not change the MD-induced effects on mindfulness and personality traits after 4 weeks. MD induced changes in otherwise stable traits. Future placebo-controlled studies are warranted to confirm whether these changes occur in a controlled setting.

Efficacy of Mandala Coloring Intervention on Executive Functioning and Emotional & Motivational Self-Regulation Among Children With Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuropsychiatric condition of childhood. There is a sizable subset of children with ADHD symptoms in whom early intervention can prevent their progression into fulminantADHD. However, the therapeutic options for ADHD symptoms are limited. Mandala coloring is a form of art therapy that may be used in these children, but there is a dearth of literature regarding its efficacy. This is a prospective cohort study on 120 children aged six to 10 years diagnosed with ADHD symptoms. The children were divided into two equal groups of interventionand control. Children in the interventiongroup were given mandala coloring intervention for 10 weeks duration. Pre-test and post-test values of executive functioning and emotional and motivational self-regulation (EMSRQ) were compared betweenthe two groups by using SPSS 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The demographic data and baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Post-test values showed significant improvement across all parameters of executive functioning in the interventiongroup. However, the difference was not significant in EMSRQ. At follow-up, parents reported improvement in academic performance, concentration, and mindfully focusing on a single activity for a longerduration of time. The attention span and cognitive abilities of children at risk for ADHD may be improved with the relatively simple yet effective intervention technique of mandala coloring that can easily be administered by parents at home. Further research is needed to compare its efficacy with other treatment modalities.

Gender differences in transdiagnostic domains and function of adults measured by DSM-5 assessment scales at the first clinical visit: a cohort study

BackgroundMeasurement-based care has been called for as best practice in psychiatric care and learning health systems and use of transdiagnostic measures was suggested as part of the DSM-5. Our objective is to examine gender differences in first visit socioeconomic, transdiagnostic, and functional characteristics of a dynamic, real-world measurement-based care cohort.MethodsTransdiagnostic, functional, and clinical measures were collected from 3,556 patients at first visit in an ambulatory psychiatric clinic. All patients were evaluated at the first visit by board-certified psychiatrists or licensed clinical psychologists. Demographic variables and clinical diagnoses were collected from the Electronic Medical Record. Self-report measures were collected that assessed transdiagnostic symptoms (DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-cutting Measure and Level 2 symptom scales), disability, alcohol use, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, depression, anxiety, mania, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and trauma exposure.ResultsMen and women did not differ in age, BMI, household income, high school graduation rate, race, or ethnicity, but women were more likely to be formerly married and less likely to have commercial insurance. Compared to men, women reported significantly higher overall psychopathology on the transdiagnostic Level 1 Cross-cutting measure and had higher depression, anxiety, sleep, anger, ADHD combined presentation, and suicidality severity. Women also had higher disability scores than men. However, men reported higher alcohol, tobacco and substance use, and more risky behavior than women. Trauma exposure differed significantly by gender; men reported more exposure to accidents, war-related trauma, serious accidents, and major disasters and women reported more unwanted sexual contact.ConclusionsThis cross-sectional study of a transdiagnostic, ecologically-valid real-word measurement-based care cohort demonstrates gender differences in socioeconomic factors, trauma exposure, transdiagnostic symptoms, and functioning.

The therapeutic effect of mechanical motion sensor technology and emotion recognition technology on hyperactivity disorder

BackgroundHyperactivity disorder is a common childhood mental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. Adolescent children often experience various problems due to their own developmental differences, which can lead to the symptoms of hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, the experiment proposes the use of mechanical motion sensor technology combined with emotion recognition for the treatment of hyperactivity disorder in children.Subjects and MethodsThis study selected 120 children diagnosed with hyperactivity disorder and randomly divided them into two groups, each consisting of 60 children. The experimental group received treatment intervention using mechanical motion sensor technology combined with emotion recognition technology; The control group received routine treatment. The observation period is 3 months, and the data generated during the process is statistically analyzed by SPSS24.0. Conners rating scale is used to provide feedback on therapeutic effects.ResultsCompared with the control group, all patients in the experimental group showed a reduction in symptoms of hyperactivity disorder, with over 60% of children. It showed that the experimental method has a positive therapeutic effect. Body functions like impulse control and physical movement of the children are significantly improved.ConclusionsThis indicates that mechanical motion sensor technology combined with emotion recognition technology has potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of hyperactivity disorder. This study provides new ideas and methods for the treatment of hyperactivity disorder and provides a foundation for further research.