Hyperactivity Impulsivity Research Articles

ADHD Symptoms in Childhood and Big Five Personality Traits in Adolescence: A Five-Year Longitudinal Study in Girls

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental condition characterized by developmentally extreme and impairing symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. Great interest has emerged in the ways ADHD and its underlying symptom dimensions relate to the development of personality traits. Much extant research on this topic is cross-sectional, relying on self-report measures and male samples. Herein, we present data from a prospective, longitudinal study of a socioeconomically and racially diverse sample of girls, including those with ADHD and a matched neurotypical comparison sample. We examined how parent- and teacher-reported ADHD in middle childhood relate to self-reported Big Five personality traits in adolescence. As expected, childhood ADHD diagnosis prospectively predicted lower self-reported Conscientiousness, lower Agreeableness, and higher Neuroticism in adolescence. With ADHD diagnosis covaried, Inattention (IA) predicted only low Conscientiousness, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (HI) predicted only low Agreeableness, and neither predicted adolescent Neuroticism. An exploratory moderator analysis showed that family income moderated the effects of IA and HI on the negativity of adolescent self-descriptions of their own personalities, with more pronounced negative effects for girls in families with higher (rather than lower) income. Familial pressures to achieve in higher-income families may be linked to more pronounced negative ramifications of ADHD on personality development.

Genetic and phenotypic evidence of the predictive validity of preschool parent reports of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention.

To determine the validity of parent reports (PRs) of ADHD in preschoolers, we assessed hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) and inattention (IN) in 1114 twins with PRs at 1.5, 2.5, 4, 5, 14, 15, and 17 years, and teacher-reports at 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12. We examined if preschool PRs (1) predict high HI/IN trajectories, and (2) capture genetic contributions to HI/IN into adolescence. Group-based trajectory analyses identified three 6-17 years trajectories for both HI and IN, including small groups with high HI (N = 88, 10.4%, 77% boys) and IN (N = 158, 17.3%, 75% boys). Controlling for sex, each unit of HI PRs starting at 1.5 years and at 4 years for IN, increased more than 2-fold the risk of belonging to the high trajectory, with incremental contributions (Odds Ratios = 2.5-4.5) at subsequent ages. Quantitative genetic analyses showed that genetic contributions underlying preschool PRs accounted for up to a quarter and a third of the heritability of later HI and IN, respectively. Genes underlying 1.5-year HI and 4-year IN contributed to 6 of 8 later HI and IN time-points and largely explained the corresponding phenotypic correlations. Results provide phenotypic and genetic evidence that preschool parent reports of HI and IN are valid means to predict developmental risk of ADHD.

Does Aerobic Fitness Buffer the Associations Between Young Children’s ADHD Symptom Severity and Academic and Social Functioning?

This study examined whether the links between children’s ADHD symptom severity and academic and social functioning varied based on their aerobic fitness levels. Hierarchical regression models were used to examine the main and interactive effects of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive (HI) symptom severity and aerobic fitness levels on academic and social functioning in 198 children ( Mage = 6.83; 53% male; 68% White, 14% Mixed Race, 8% Black or African American; 2% Asian; 8% selected the “Other” category when reporting racial identity; across race categories, 15% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity). Children’s aerobic fitness levels were assessed using a multistage fitness test. Parents rated children’s ADHD symptoms, and teachers rated academic and social functioning. Results highlighted negative associations between ADHD symptom severity and adaptive academic and social functioning. Aerobic fitness was positively linked with academic performance. Aerobic fitness moderated the associations between HI symptom severity and academic outcomes, highlighting that aerobic fitness may be protective against academic impairments for children with elevated HI symptoms.

Does Emotion-Related Impulsivity Relate to Specific ADHD Symptom Dimensions, and Do the Effects Generalize Across Comorbid Internalizing and Externalizing Syndromes?

Background: Recent work highlights the role of emotion dysregulation in the pathology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As such, emotion-related impulsivity (ERI), the trait-like tendency toward disinhibited thoughts (Pervasive Influence of Feelings, PIF) and actions (Feelings Trigger Action, FTA) during heightened emotional states, may be particularly relevant. We explored whether Inattention (IN) and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (HI), two core symptom dimensions of ADHD, would relate to distinct facets of ERI, and whether externalizing and internalizing symptoms would moderate these relations. Method: Using structural equation modeling, we examined hypotheses among 364 adults recruited for high internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Results: We identified significant paths for FTA regressed on HI and PIF regressed on IN, supporting our hypotheses about main effects. Moderating paths were not significant. Conclusions: IN and HI correlate with distinct forms of ERI, These effects appear to generalize across co-occurring internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

A - 177 The Self-Concept Scale of Conners Adult Rating Scale in the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults.

Self-report scales are beneficial in identifying symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adults (Hayashi et al., 2021; Hull et al., 2019). Symptoms of ASD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) overlap significantly even without dual-diagnosis (Nakagawa et al., 2021). The Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) is a reliable and valid screening tool when identifying ADHD in adults, 78% sensitivity and 56% specificity (Abbass et al., 2021). Distinguishing features of ASD include restricted repetitive behaviors (RRB) and social interaction and communication deficits (SIC) (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). In adults, CAARS has shown a moderate correlation of RRB with the inattention (IA) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) of ADHD; SIC moderately correlates with IA and mildly with HI. This study explores group differences when comparing Self-Concept (SC) Scale of CAARS in those diagnosed with ASD from clinical comparisons. Data composed of 93 adult participants, 7 diagnosed with ASD, were extracted from a midwest neuropsychological outpatient clinic and analyzed to determine the sensitivity of CAARS-SC in diagnosing ASD. Independent t-Test identified no significant effect for diagnosis, t(91) = -0.301, p = 0.764, despite those in the ASD group (M = 62.00, SD = 12.432) endorsing more concerns than those without the diagnosis (M = 60.47, SD = 12.996). This study did not identify significant group differences on the CAARS-SC when comparing those diagnosed with ASD to the clinical comparisons. Further implications and limitations will be explored to distinguish ASD from overlapping diagnoses to employ appropriate treatment and future psychometric research directions.

Neurogenetic mechanisms of risk for ADHD: Examining associations of polygenic scores and brain volumes in a population cohort

BackgroundADHD polygenic scores (PGSs) have been previously shown to predict ADHD outcomes in several studies. However, ADHD PGSs are typically correlated with ADHD but not necessarily reflective of causal mechanisms. More research is needed to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying ADHD. We leveraged functional annotation information into an ADHD PGS to (1) improve the prediction performance over a non-annotated ADHD PGS and (2) test whether volumetric variation in brain regions putatively associated with ADHD mediate the association between PGSs and ADHD outcomes.MethodsData were from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (N = 555). Multiple mediation models were tested to examine the indirect effects of two ADHD PGSs—one using a traditional computation involving clumping and thresholding and another using a functionally annotated approach (i.e., AnnoPred)—on ADHD inattention (IA) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI) symptoms, via gray matter volumes in the cingulate gyrus, angular gyrus, caudate, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and inferior temporal lobe.ResultsA direct effect was detected between the AnnoPred ADHD PGS and IA symptoms in adolescents. No indirect effects via brain volumes were detected for either IA or HI symptoms. However, both ADHD PGSs were negatively associated with the DLPFC.ConclusionsThe AnnoPred ADHD PGS was a more developmentally specific predictor of adolescent IA symptoms compared to the traditional ADHD PGS. However, brain volumes did not mediate the effects of either a traditional or AnnoPred ADHD PGS on ADHD symptoms, suggesting that we may still be underpowered in clarifying brain-based biomarkers for ADHD using genetic measures.

Effect of Mahapaishacika Ghrta in the Management of ADHD - Case Series

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorder. It is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by problems in paying attention and hyperactivity–impulsivity which is inappropriate for the age of the child. Children with ADHD have been found to have Cognitive deficits, lower IQ, Impaired social relationships with in the family and with peers as well as poor study skills and lower academic achievement. The disease most commonly affects the children of age group 6 to 12. Despite being most commonly studied and diagnosed mental disorder in children, the cause is yet not known in majority cases. W.H.O. (World Health Organization) estimated that it affected 39 million people as of 2013. ADHD prevalence is estimated to be 5% for the Indian pediatric population. 5 to 7% children are getting affected with similar rates in various countries. It is found more commonly in boys than in girls (ratio 3:1). In Ayurveda, disorders related to psychiatric and behavioral disturbances are discussed under the chapter of Unmada. The cardinal features of ADHD resemble features of Vata-pitta predominant Unmada. This disorder affects mind as well as body because of having Adhishṭhana in both Sharīra and Mana. Five diagnosed cases of ADHD from OPD of Manassanthi, Vaidyaratnam P S Varier Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, were given Mahapaishacika Ghrta in a dose of 10ml twice daily 1 hour after food for 1 month period. Severity of symptoms was assessed by using Conner’s Revised Rating Scale on 0th day, 16th day, 31st day and after 15 days. There was a significant improvement in the Conner’s Revised Rating Scale after Ayurvedic management and follow up.

Attention and neurodevelopment in young children who are HIV-exposed uninfected

ABSTRACT Children HIV-exposed, uninfected (CHEU) are at risk for compromised developmental outcomes. Attention is important for behavioural, cognitive and academic skills, yet has not been thoroughly investigated compared to children HIV-unexposed uninfected (CHUU). Fifty-five CHEU and 51 CHUU children were recruited at 5.5 years of age. Measures of inattention (IA), hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) and total scores were collected using the parent-reported ADHD-Rating-Scale-IV. Measures of intelligence, visuomotor skills, academics and adaptive functioning were obtained. Analyses of between-group differences were performed as were correlational and multiple regression models, accounting for maternal education, employment and delivery type. Few children met clinical cut-offs for probable ADHD (3.6% CHEU, 2.0% CHUU), and no group differences in measures of IA, HI and combined scores were found. CHEU scored significantly lower than CHUU on intelligence, visuomotor function, academic skills and aspects of adaptive behaviour, though within age expectations. Lower Full-Scale IQ and Processing Speed were associated with higher IA in CHEU and lower adaptive functioning with higher IA in CHUU. Across both groups, children of unemployed mothers had more HI symptoms. CHEU were not at increased risk for attention difficulties at 5.5 years of age. Maternal employment status highlights the contribution of sociodemographic factors in shaping behaviour and neurodevelopment.

Comparing behavioural outcomes in children born extremely preterm between 2006 and 1995: the EPICure studies.

Children born extremely preterm (EP) are at increased risk of neurocognitive and behavioural morbidity. Here, we investigate whether behavioural outcomes have changed over time concomitant with increasing survival following EP birth. Comparison of outcomes at 11years of age for two prospective national cohorts of children born EP in 1995 (EPICure) and 2006 (EPICure2), assessed alongside term-born children. Behavioural outcomes were assessed using the parent-completed Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), DuPaul Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (ADHD-RS), and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). In EPICure, 176 EP and 153 term-born children were assessed (mean age: 10.9years); in EPICure2, 112 EP and 143 term-born children were assessed (mean age: 11.8years). In both cohorts, EP children had higher mean scores and more clinically significant difficulties than term-born children on almost all measures. Comparing outcomes for EP children in the two cohorts, there were no significant differences in mean scores or in the proportion of children with clinically significant difficulties after adjustment for confounders. Using term-born children as reference, EP children in EPICure2 had significantly higher SDQ total difficulties and ADHD-RS hyperactivity impulsivity z-scores than EP children in EPICure. Behavioural outcomes have not improved for EP children born in 2006 compared with those born in 1995. Relative to term-born peers, EP children born in 2006 had worse outcomes than those born in 1995. There is an ongoing need for long-term clinical follow-up and psychological support for children born EP.

Hair and urine lead, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic levels in children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: A case–control study in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India

AbstractAttention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity. It is one of the most widespread neurodevelopmental conditions and has compound etiopathogenesis involving both environmental and genetic factors. Though the role of heavy metals on ADHD has been implicated but is less studied. Hair and urine are two non‐invasive methods which can substitute blood as a method of monitoring and assessing heavy metal levels. Twenty‐four cases of ADHD and their age matched healthy children (24) were taken as controls. Hair and urine samples were analyzed for lead, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) after acid digestion and extraction. The levels of heavy metals were significantly higher in cases; lead (p = .004, .003), cadmium (p = .020, <.001), and nickel (p = .016, <.001) of the hair and urine samples, respectively. Arsenic was below the limit of detection for all the samples. Hence, in conclusion, the heavy metal levels in hair and urine were significantly higher in ADHD cases as compared to their healthy counterparts.

Neurodivergence: ADHD

The purpose of our collaborative research is to explore how teachers can help a student with ADHD become more accountable for their learning as they progress through their education career. A child with ADHD can be identified as having “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development” (CDC, 2022). Findings suggest that the earlier, in school, a teacher can identify the symptoms of ADHD in a student, the more successful a student is across their education career (DuPaul, 2014). With early identification teachers can work with their students with ADHD to identify strengths and weaknesses in terms of their learning and start to introduce appropriate intervention strategies. As the student progresses through their education career teachers can also work with the student to develop the necessary hard and soft skills to advocate for themselves and for their learning needs as they gain more independence in school. Knowing what accommodations they are entitled to, what works for them, and being able to communicate their needs is vital, especially at points of change and as they leave public schooling and enter post-secondary. Our recommendations will help educators as they learn to support their students with ADHD to help them be successful, not just within the classroom but across their schooling and beyond.

Development of a Multiple RGB-D Sensor System for ADHD Screening and Improvement of Classification Performance Using Feature Selection Method

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mixed behavioral disorder that exhibits symptoms, such as carelessness and hyperactivity–impulsivity. To date, existing ADHD diagnosis methods rely on observations by observers, such as parents and teachers, which limits the ability to reflect objective evaluation. In this study, to overcome this limitation, we proposed a multiple RGB-D sensor system that can objectively measure the amount of action and attention of children playing a robot-led game. In addition, a classifier was developed to classify children into ADHD, ADHD risk, and normal groups using the multilayer perceptron and data obtained through sensors. The effectiveness of the developed system for ADHD screening was verified. In this study, the priority of abnormal behavior indicators designed for ADHD screening was measured, the features with the highest priority were selected using a feature selection method. Eight hundred and twenty-eight children participated and were classified into the ADHD, ADHD risk, and normal groups, and the results were compared with the diagnosis by clinicians. The proposed system achieved sensitivity of 97.06% and 100%, and specificity of 96.42% and 94.68% in the ADHD and ADHD risk groups, respectively.

Adolescent-Caregiver Agreement Regarding the School Bullying and Cyberbullying Involvement Experiences of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

School bullying and cyberbullying victimization and perpetration are prevalent in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (AASD). However, the levels of adolescent-caregiver agreement regarding the bullying involvement of AASD and the factors associated with these levels remain to be evaluated. In the present study, we evaluated the levels of adolescent-caregiver agreement on the school bullying and cyberbullying involvement experiences of AASD and the factors associated with the levels of agreement. This study included 219 dyads of AASD and their caregivers. The school bullying and cyberbullying involvement experiences of the participating AASD were assessed using the School Bullying Experience Questionnaire and the Cyberbullying Experiences Questionnaire, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), depressive and anxiety symptoms, and autistic social impairment were also assessed. AASD and their caregivers had poor to fair levels of agreement regarding the school bullying and cyberbullying victimization and perpetration experiences of AASD. Severe inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, ODD, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and autistic social impairment were associated with high levels of adolescent-caregiver agreement. When assessing the bullying involvement experiences of AASD, mental health professionals should obtain information from multiple sources. In addition, the factors influencing the levels of agreement should be considered.

Acupuncture for Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, it is uncertain whether the use of acupuncture (AT) in children with ADHD is supported by the current evidence. This review aims to provide updated evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture in children with ADHD. Methods: Nine databases were searched from their inception to 28 July 2022. Two authors independently screened potentially eligible studies. The quality assessment of the selected studies was performed using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). The characteristics of the included studies were presented in a tabular form, and a meta-analysis was performed on the treatment effects of AT on ADHD symptoms. Results: Fourteen studies involving 1185 patients evaluating the efficacy of AT for ADHD treatment were included in this review. Compared to conventional medicine alone, the meta-analysis indicated that AT as an add-on to conventional medicine has a positive effect on improving conduct problems, learning problems, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptoms in ADHD patients. Similarly, AT alone was found to improve learning problems, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptoms in ADHD patients and exhibited better total treatment efficacy than conventional medicine alone. No major adverse events were reported. The risk of bias of the included studies was generally concerning. Conclusions: Evidence on the effectiveness of AT for ADHD patients is currently too limited to provide recommendations for its usage. More studies with the proper methodology are needed for the validation of AT interventions in treating children with ADHD.

Associations Between Dimensional Persistence of ADHD and Adult Sleep Quality in a Prospective Study of Girls

Objectives: We investigated the prospective association between (a) ADHD symptom dimensions, including their persistence and (b) adult sleep quality in a female sample, covarying adult depressive symptoms. Methods: Participants comprised four persistence groups (persisters, partials, desisters, and comparison) based on overall ADHD diagnosis and separate dimensions of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) in childhood, late adolescence, and early adulthood, featuring girls with (n = 140) and without (n = 88) carefully diagnosed ADHD. Results: Only persistence of inattention predicted lower adult sleep quality when covarying young-adult depression, which was also a significant predictor. When additionally covarying stimulant medication use in adulthood, inattention persistence lost significance, although depression maintained significance, with medication use predicting worse sleep quality. Conclusions: Persistence of inattentive (but not HI) symptoms was significantly related to adult sleep quality in the context of concurrent depression. Sleep quality is an important outcome for research on and treatment for ADHD.

ADHD symptoms and smoking outcomes in a randomized controlled trial of varenicline for adolescent and young adult tobacco cessation

BackgroundMost adult daily smokers try their first cigarette during adolescence. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescents is associated with increased risk for cigarette smoking. The impact of ADHD symptoms on smoking cessation among adolescents has been less well-studied. The present secondary data analysis from a clinical trial of varenicline examined ADHD symptoms as a moderator of smoking cessation in adolescents and young adults. MethodsThe double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included treatment-seeking daily cigarette smokers ages 14 – 21 (N = 157) randomized to receive a 12-week course of varenicline or placebo, added to weekly smoking cessation counseling. At pre-treatment assessment, participants were administered a self-report measure of ADHD symptoms, the ADHD – Rating Scale (ADHD-RS). High (≥5) versus low (<5) and continuous ADHD-RS symptom counts in both hyperactive/impulsive (HI) and inattention (IA) domains were examined as predictors of smoking outcomes. ResultsParticipants with high IA symptoms at baseline were less likely to achieve 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) at weekly visits (p = .001) during active treatment and end-of-treatment (p = .002) compared to those with low IA symptoms. In contrast, high HI symptoms did not predict differences in 7-day PPA or end-of-treatment abstinence versus low symptoms (p’s ≥ .07). These findings were not modified by varenicline versus placebo treatment assignment. ConclusionsADHD IA symptoms were associated with poorer cessation outcomes among adolescent smokers. These findings warrant additional investigation into how ADHD symptoms may be accounted for in smoking cessation interventions for adolescents and young adults.

The relation of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity to peer dislike: An examination of potential mediators.

Children who exhibit inattention (IA) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI), symptoms often indicative of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have notable social impairments. We investigated whether IA and HI are directly connected to peer difficulties or indirectly connected through their known association with other problem behaviors. Quadratic assignment procedures (QAP) were employed to address the main study questions: Is the relation between a child reporting not wanting to play with a peer who they perceive as HI and/or IA mediated by the child's perception of that same peer as reactively aggressive, instrumentally aggressive, and/or anxiously withdrawn? Participants were 387 fourth and fifth graders nested in 21 classroom-based peer networks. Participants nominated classroom peers as IA, HI, aggressive, anxiously withdrawn, and as liked-least. Analyses were conducted separately for each classroom-based peer network, and meta-analytic procedures were used to compile results and calculate effect sizes across networks. Controlling for gender homophily between nominators and nominees, logistic regression QAPs indicated that reactive and instrumental aggression do not mediate the relation between IA/HI and peer dislike but, rather, add unique information beyond IA/HI. In contrast, nominating a peer as anxious-withdrawn was not tied to nominating that same peer as IA, HI, or disliked. The results suggest that children find IA and HI aversive enough to contribute to their disliking of peers who exhibit these behaviors, even when accounting for co-occurring aggressive behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Screening for inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in children with haemophilia: A quality improvement intervention.

Children with haemophilia have been reported with increased rates of inattention (IN) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) and, therefore, are particularly vulnerable to poor social and academic outcomes. To examine the benefit of utilizing a formal screening process for IN/HI in children with haemophilia during comprehensive clinic visits using a quality improvement approach. At a single haemophilia treatment centre, screening for psychosocial issues was expanded and formalised to include (1) the Conners 3rd Edition (Conners3) screening tool for IN/HI symptoms administered during the standard psychosocial assessment (SPA) by the social worker and school advocacy coordinator, (2) formal pathways to diagnosis and intervention as indicated including psychology consultation, psychological testing, or referral to community-based mental health professionals, and in-person advocacy assistance in the patient's community school. Forty-four patients, age 9.9±4.8 years (range 3-16) were targeted. The initial screening approach was modified to improve the communication with caretakers during assessments and streamline diagnostic pathways if no, moderate or significant behavioural concerns were identified. Eleven patients had pre-existing mental health diagnoses. Thirteen of the remaining 33 patients (39.4%) received a new mental health diagnosis, ADHD in 8/33 (24.2%). Of the total cohort, 54.5% were found to have a mental health diagnosis. The rate of ADHD (29.5%) was significantly higher than reported in the general population. The described process, developed through a QI approach, allowed formal and objective screening for IN/HI, streamlined a pathway to diagnosis and intervention, and identified undiagnosed disabilities in children with haemophilia improving their access to services.

School-based group intervention in attention and executive functions: Intervention response and moderators.

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of a school-based skill-training intervention in attention control and executive functions for pupils with hyperactivity-impulsivity (H-I) and cognitive control (CC) deficits. The main aim was to examine whether the intervention differently influenced H-I and CC, and whether cognitive abilities or conduct problems moderated response to the intervention.MethodElementary school pupils from 41 schools participated the study and were divided into an intervention group (n = 71) and a waitlist control group (n = 77). Intervention outcomes were assessed with an inventory assessing executive function difficulties (including H-I and CC) completed by classroom teachers.ResultsSignificant intervention effects and positive changes were detected in CC but not in H-I. Significant intervention effects were found mainly among pupils with low levels of conduct problems.ConclusionsThe results suggest that a skill-training intervention has specific positive effects on CC, but conduct problems may diminish response to intervention.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from preschool to school age: change and stability of parent and teacher reports

Identifying attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pre-schoolers may improve their development if treated, but it is unclear whether ADHD symptoms from this age are stable enough to merit treatment. We aimed to investigate the stability of parent- and teacher-reported ADHD symptoms and ADHD classified above the diagnostic symptom thresholds, including for hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI), inattention and combined presentations from age 3 to 8 years. This study is part of the longitudinal, population-based Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study. At child age 3 years, parents were interviewed and teachers rated ADHD symptoms. At age 8 years, parents (n = 783) and teachers (n = 335) reported ADHD symptoms by the Child Symptom Inventory-4. We found a significant reduction in the mean number of parent-reported ADHD and HI symptoms from age 3 to 8 years, but otherwise similar mean numbers. Parent-reported ADHD symptoms were moderately correlated between ages, while correlations were low for teachers. A total of 77/108 (71%) of the children classified with parent-reported HI presentation at age 3 years were no longer classified within any ADHD presentation at age 8 years, the only clear trend across time for either informant. There was a low to moderate parent–teacher-agreement in the number of reported symptoms, and very low informant agreement for the classified ADHD presentations. Overall, clinicians should exercise caution in communicating concern about HI symptoms in preschool children. Age 3 years may be too early to apply the ADHD diagnostic symptom criteria, especially if parents and teachers are required to agree.