Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder Rating Research Articles

B - 49 Exploring the Factor Structure of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Impact on Processing Speed Performance.

The present study investigated: 1) factor structure of the Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) sub-scale from the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-4th Edition (BAARS-IV) and 2) the association between SCT sub-factors and processing speed. Cross-sectional data were collected from 586 adults undergoing neuropsychological evaluation for suspected attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at an academic medical center. Patients were excluded if they failed two or more performance validity tests and/or had not completed all measures. Final sample included 155 patients (Mage = 28.52; Meducation = 16.26; 63.2% female; 38.1% White, 21.9% Hispanic, 20% Black, 12.9% Asian, 7.1% other race/ethnicity; 69% diagnosed with ADHD). Factor structure of the SCT sub-scale was investigated via exploratory factor analysis with Oblimin rotation. Hierarchical multiple regressions were used to assess the relationship between SCT sub-factors and processing speed (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-4th Edition, Processing Speed Index), controlling for estimated intelligence (Test of Premorbid Functioning) and self-reported inattention (Clinical Assessment of Attention Deficit-Adult). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure [KMO = 0.78] and Bartlett's test [χ2(36) = 469,p < 0.001] suggested the data were factorable. Parallel analysis scree plot suggested a two-factor solution: "Cognitive Complaints" and "Lethargy" accounting for 46.3% of SCT scale variance. Only Lethargy predicted processing speed in the first (beta = -0.221, p < 0.05) and final models (beta = -0.197, p < 0.05). The overall model including estimated intelligence and inattention accounted for 6.2% of the variance in processing speed (F(4,150) = 3.57, p < 0.05). Previous studies demonstrated mixed results of two or three sub-factors of SCT including daydreaming, lethargy, and/or cognitive complaints. Present findings support the more parsimonious two-factor solution in a clinical sample. Higher lethargy complaints are modestly associated with poorer processing speed.

Comparison of psychosocial screeners in an epilepsy clinic

Screenings are recommended for co-occurring conditions in pediatric epilepsy. However, there is limited research regarding which screener to implement in the clinic. This study aimed to compare different screening measures for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and emotional concerns in a pediatric epilepsy population during a routine neurology clinic visit. Fifty (22%) of 226 contacted parents of children with epilepsy ages 5–17 years old agreed to participate. Screening measures included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; Hyperactivity/Inattention (ADHD), Emotional Problems (E) subscales), the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Epilepsy Module (PedsQL-EM; Executive Functioning (EF), Mood/Behavior (M/B) subscales), and the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS). Analyses comparing measures included Chi Square, Pearson’s correlation, and agreement statistics (Cohen’s kappa, overall agreement). Consistent with prior literature, positive screening rates ranged from 40% to 72% for ADHD concerns and 38% to 46% for emotional concerns. Agreement between measures ranged from fair to substantial, with the highest agreement (85%; κ = 0.70) between the SDQ-E and PedsQL-EM-M/B. Although all measures rendered positive screens within expected rates, there are differences among the measures that inform screening measure selection.

Yoga and music intervention reduces inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional defiant disorder in children's consumer with comorbid ADHD and ODD.

To analyze the impact of yoga and music intervention on child consumers, we selected 60 eligible child consumers from yoga and music companies. This preliminary study used a randomized controlled design to investigate whether a 16-week combined yoga and music intervention improves attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in 60 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbid with ODD aged 4-6 years. It also preliminarily identified which intervention is best for these children among three types: combined yoga and music, yoga-only, and musiconly interventions. We used both the parent- and teacher-rated MTA SNAP-IV ADHD Rating Scale for data collection. We found that the combined yoga and music intervention had a positive effect on inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and ODD in children with comorbid ADHD and ODD. The combined yoga and music intervention was the most effective in reducing inattention (in repeated measures ANOVA effect size, 0.9; followed by the yoga- and the music-only interventions, respectively), hyperactivity/impulsivity (effect size, 0.92), and ODD behaviors (effect size, 0.93) in children with comorbid ADHD and ODD. Thus, the combined yoga and music intervention was the most effective and had a more comprehensive effect on children with combined ADHD and ODD compared with the two other interventions (i.e., yoga- and music-only interventions). Our findings provide preliminary evidence for the use of combined yoga and music interventions on a daily basis as a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for children with comorbid ADHD and ODD. The children in the article refer to child consumers of yoga and music companies.

의사결정나무분석을 적용한 유아의 또래놀이행동에 대한 예측모형

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prediction models of peer play behavior, including play interaction, disruption, and isolation, using decision tree analysis. The prediction variables were temperament, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), language, and teacher-student relationship. Methods: The participants were 737 five-year-old children recruited from day care centers and preschools located in the Incheon and Gyunggi provinces. The study used the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale and the Child Behavior Questionnaire to measure peer play behavior and temperament, respectively. The other measures employed were the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale and the ADHD rating. Moreover, the study examined language ability using the Korean version of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. The study assessed peer play behavior, teacher–student relationship, and ADHD (reported by teachers) and temperament (reported by mothers). Data were analyzed using decision tree analysis. Results: According to the prediction model for peer play interaction, the significant predictors were Gender, teacher-student intimacy, and ADHD were significant predictors for peer play interaction. Negative emotionality, teacher-student conflict, and dependence were significant predictors for peer play isolation, whereas ADHD and teacher–student conflict were significant predictors for peer play disruption. Conclusion/Implications: The results suggested that children’s temperament, ADHD, and teacher-student relationship may be closely related with peer play behavior among preschool children. The study also presented suggestions for future research.

Mental health disorder as a risk factor for domestic violence experienced by school children

PurposeDomestic violence is a universal social concern, and its implication on children’s mental health is a global health predicament. Although the aftereffect of domestic violence on the mental health of women is well researched, mental health disorders of children in terms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), general anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety disorder (AD) and mood disorder (MD) on account of domestic violence is rarely investigated. Hence, the purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of exposure to domestic violence on children’s mental health.Design/methodology/approachTo examine the correlation between domestic violence and mental health among children, in a survey of public primary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria, the authors employed 664 pupils with simple random techniques. The Multidimensional Domestic Violence Scale assessed the participants’ exposure to domestic violence. The Child & Youth Mental Health General Screening Questionnaire was used to examine respondents’ mental health.FindingsThe results revealed a high incidence of domestic violence among children. It also showed a substantial correlation between domestic violence and the mental health of primary school pupils. Children living with domestic violence experience significantly increased rates of ADHD, ODD, AD, GAD and MD as forms of mental health disorders.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the unpleasantness of this social issue affecting the well-being of children globally, it is imperative to engage in intervention and prevention packages that will assist the victims, perpetrators, parents, teachers, schools and other stakeholders. Introducing counselling services into the primary school curriculum will assist victims and those at risk develop self-confidence that will enable them to report their violators. Although counselors do not diagnose, early detection of victims would assist in early intervention where counselors can use different techniques and approaches to help such victims to resolve all forms of cognitive distortions that can lead to mental health disorders. Counselling services can help in providing referral opportunities to victims or “at risk children,” rehabilitation and follow-up services for victims of domestic violence.Practical implicationsGovernment organizations should also reintroduce health-care services where clinical psychologists will be available in primary schools to provide psychological services to meet the needs of the victims.Originality/valueConclusively, the study presents evidence that children who witness domestic violence face a significant risk of developing mental health disorders. The findings highlight the potential harm that domestic violence can inflict on children’s mental well-being. Mental health conditions such as ADHD, CD, ODD, GAD, AD and MD are commonly observed in these children. It recommends establishing early intervention programs for children witnessing domestic violence in schools and communities and programs to detect and address mental health issues promptly.

Estimating the Risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Parents of Children with ADHD and the Association with Their Children's Disease Severity and Adherence to Medication.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Up to half of the affected children have a parent with ADHD. In this study, the risk of ADHD among parents of ADHD children was estimated. The associations between parental ADHD and child ADHD severity and medication adherence were determined. Parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD attending the University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) were recruited between June to August 2022 and the administered Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) self-report short form, Vanderbilt ADHD Parent Rating Scale (performance section), and Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS). Forty-five children with ADHD were recruited and 15 out of 45 (33%) parents were detected to have ADHD. ADHD severity was worse in children with ADHD parents for total severity (mean of 34.67 vs. 29.13, p = 0.047) and difficult behaviours at home (mean of 7.87 vs. 6.27, p = 0.036). The children's academic performance and behavioural challenges at home and school were positively correlated with the parental ADHD scores for 'inattention' and 'problems with self-care' subscales. A total of 33% of ADHD children had parents with ADHD. ADHD children with ADHD parents were more likely to have behavioural problems at home and more severe ADHD. However, no statistical significance was noted with medication adherence.

Child ViReal Support Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study for Effective Support of Parents Raising Children with Attention Deficits.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) results in various functioning impairments in children's lives and families. Parents of children with ADHD report high levels of parenting stress, low levels of parental self-efficacy, and use of more authoritarian and/or permissive parenting practices than parents of typically developing children. Intervention programs need to address both children's and parents' needs and multimodal intervention programs could cover this demand. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of "Child ViReal Support Program"-a multi-level evidence-based comprehensive program-on parenting stress, parental self-efficacy, parenting practices, and the core symptoms of children's ADHD. Families with a child diagnosed with ADHD (n = 16) were randomly allocated to two groups (PC and CP; P = parent training, C = child training), and a cross-over design was utilized. Participating parents completed, in four different times during the study, the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire-Short Version, and the parent form of the ADHD Rating Scale-IV. Parents from both groups, after their participation in the parent training, demonstrated reduced parenting stress, enhanced parental self-efficacy, and increased the employ of democratic parenting practices. More than that, they reported decreased levels of inattention and impulsivity/hyperactivity for their children. Evidence-based multi-level intervention programs could produce positive effects on parents and children by incorporating effective methods and tools in accordance with the needs and the demands of the family context.

Effect of Chronic Rhinitis Treatment in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of chronic rhinitis treatment on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with ADHD. Children and adolescents with ADHD were screened for chronic rhinitis symptoms. Participants with positive chronic rhinitis screening underwent the skin prick test and received rhinitis treatment for 3 months. All participants were evaluated using the parent's and teacher's Vanderbilt ADHD rating scales, total nasal symptom score, and Quality of Life Questionnaire (OSA-18) for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea at pretreatment and posttreatment. Overall, 140 children and adolescents with ADHD were enrolled and screened for chronic rhinitis. Fifty-four children and adolescents with positive screening results underwent the skin prick test and received rhinitis treatment. After 3 months of treatment, inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and total ADHD symptom scores were significantly decreased as reported by parents ( p = 0.031 to <0.001) and teachers ( p = 0.001 to <0.001) compared with those before treatment. A subgroup analysis also showed improvement in ADHD symptoms as reported by parents and teachers in the allergic and nonallergic rhinitis groups. Pearson's correlation coefficient analyses showed positive correlations between improvement in the ADHD symptom scores reported by parents and improvement in the quality of life related to sleep problems from the OSA-18 questionnaire (r = 0.377-0.387). Treating chronic rhinitis can improve ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Pediatricians should be aware of and treat chronic rhinitis to maximize ADHD symptom control.

The Prevalence of Video Game Addiction and Its Relation to Anxiety, Depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children and Adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objective Video games have become a popular source of entertainment among children and adolescents, not only targeting the young generation but also increasingly popular among older demographics as well. This study aimed to assess the association between video game addiction and depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD) among children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional studyinvolving Saudi adolescents aged 12-16 years. A self-administered online survey was distributed on social media (Twitter, WhatsApp, and Snapchat). The surveyaddressed sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, area of residence city, etc.). Arabic versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (PHQ-GAD7), the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS), and the seven-item GameAddiction Scale(GAS-7) questionnaires were distributed as well, including Arabic terms for depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Results A total of 393 surveys were completed (males: 58.3% vs. females: 41.7%). Of note, 63.1% of the respondents reported playing video games every day with an average of more than five hours of gaming time per day (25.2%). The prevalence of video game addiction was 62.1%. Independent risk factors of video game addiction included being young in age, playing video games every day, playing more than three hours per day, and playing multiplayer games. Furthermore, our findings suggestthat a higher video game addiction score is correlated with higher scores in inattention, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion This study found a high prevalence of video game addiction amongSaudi children and adolescents. Excessivevideo game playing negatively influences mental health and leads to issues including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Also, younger males with an increased rate of regular playtime were more likely to exhibit video game addiction in comparison to the rest of the population. Further research is required to more comprehensively assess the prevalence rate of video game addiction and its effect on the mental health of the younger generation within the region.

Predictors of Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD: Results from the National Survey of Children's Health

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders with comorbidity rates of up to 70%. Population-based studies show differential rates of ADHD and ASD diagnosis based on sociodemographic variables. However, no studies to date have examined the role of sociodemographic factors on the likelihood of receiving an ADHD, ASD, or comorbid ASD + ADHD diagnosis in a large, nationally representative sample. ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the impact of sociodemographic factors on the odds of experiencing ASD-only, ADHD-only, or both diagnoses for children in the United States. MethodsUsing a mixed effects multinomial logistic modeling approach and data from the 2016–2018 National Survey of Children's Health, we estimated the association between sociodemographic variables and the log odds of being in each diagnostic group. ResultsSociodemographic variables were differentially related to the three diagnostic groups: ASD-only, ADHD-only, and ASD + ADHD. Compared to girls, boys experienced higher odds of all three diagnosis categories. White children had higher odds of having an ADHD-only or ASD + ADHD diagnosis compared to non-Hispanic (NH) Black, NH multiple/other race, and Hispanic children. Odds ratios for levels of parent education, household income, and birth characteristics showed varying trends across diagnostic groups. ConclusionsOverall, our findings point to unique sets of risk factors differentially associated ASD and ADHD, with lower income standing out as an important factor associated with receiving a diagnosis of ASD + ADHD.

The Burden of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the Middle East and North Africa Region, 1990 to 2019

Objective: To report the burden of ADHD in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Publicly available data on the burden of ADHD were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019. The counts and age-standardized rates (per 100,000) were presented. Results: In 2019, ADHD had an age-standardized point prevalence of 1245.1 and a years lived with disability (YLD) rate of 15.1 per 100,000 in MENA, which were 7.2% (−11 to −3.3) and 7.2% (−11.2 to −2.7) lower, respectively, than in 1990. The highest YLD rate of ADHD was found in the 10 to 14 age group and there were no remarkable differences between males and females. No clear association was found between the YLD rate and the socio-demographic index. Conclusion: The burden of ADHD in the MENA region decreased over the period 1990 to 2019, and regularly updating the epidemiological information is suggested.

Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Girls With Central Precocious Puberty

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in girls with central precocious puberty. Method: Girls with central precocious puberty were prospectively recruited from the pediatric clinic. Screening was done with ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Those who screened positive on ADHD-RS were referred for the diagnostic evaluation which included a Computerized Performance Test (CPT) and a clinical interview conducted by a child adolescent psychiatrist. Results: Among the 81 girls (mean age = 8.97 ± 0.91) who completed the study, 11 girls (13.58%) were diagnosed with ADHD: 5 of them were inattentive type and 6 of them were combined type. Conclusion: The present exploratory study showed that the prevalence of ADHD in girls with central precocious was higher than the known worldwide prevalence of ADHD in children

A prospective investigation of impacts of comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on clinical features and long-term treatment response in adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

BackgroundA close association between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents has been investigated in previous studies. However, few studies examined the relationship between lifetime comorbidity of ADHD and OCD in adults. Therefore, we sought to investigate the clinical and psychopathological features related to comorbid ADHD in Japanese adult patients with OCD. MethodsWe assessed lifetime comorbidity of ADHD in 93 adult Japanese patients with OCD. Additionally, we used the Japanese version of Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales to assess the characteristics and severity of ADHD in each participant. According to the results, we excluded OCD patients that did not have ADHD but who exhibited elevated levels of ADHD traits. We compared OCD patients with ADHD (ADHD+ group) and those without ADHD or its trait (ADHD− group) in terms of background profiles and clinical features, such as OCD symptomatology and psychometric test results. Additionally, the 6-month treatment outcome was compared prospectively between groups. ResultsOf the 93 OCD participants, the prevalence of lifetime comorbidity of ADHD was estimated as 16.1%. Compared with the ADHD− group, participants in the ADHD+ group had an earlier age of onset of OCD, higher frequencies of hoarding symptoms, higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower quality of life, more elevated levels of impulsivity, and higher rates of substance or behavioral addiction and major depression. Finally, the mean improvement rate on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale after 6 months of standardized OCD treatment in the ADHD+ group (16.1%) was significantly lower than that in the ADHD− group (44.6%). ConclusionThe lifetime comorbidity of ADHD is likely to exert a significant effect on clinical features and treatment outcome in adult patients with OCD. It is important to consider that underlying ADHD pathology may function as a facilitator for increased severity of global clinical features and treatment refractory conditions in OCD patients. Further studies are required to examine treatment strategies for such patients.

Variations in Anxiety and Related Psychiatric Comorbidity Levels Among Youths With Individual Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Those With Both Diagnoses.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) individuallyand those with co-occurring ADHD and ASDexperience higher rates of total anxiety and psychiatric comorbidities such as gender dysphoria and locomotor skillscompared to their typically developing (TD) peers. In this study, it was hypothesized that youth with comorbid ADHD and ASD would experience higher levels of overall anxiety, specifically separation, generalized, and social anxiety. A literature review of relevant studies published from2007 to 2020 was performed, with a search involvingkey terms such as "Anxiety," "ADHD" and "ASD'". It was discovered that individuals with ADHD or ASD had higher levels of anxiety compared to their peers. Furthermore, children who have co-occurring ADHD and ASD had more serve levels of anxiety than children with an individual diagnosis of ADHD or ASD. Children with ASD, ADHD, and co-occurring ADHD and ASD had a higher prevalence of gender dysphoria and impaired locomotor skills, which lead to higher levels of psychiatric comorbidities seen in this population. It can be hypothesized psychiatric comorbidities could also have implications for the high anxiety levels seen in this population but further research is needed to confirm this.

Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Fourth- and Fifth-Year Medical Students at the Universidad Regional Del Sureste, Oaxaca, Mexico

Purpose: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a high pattern of impulsivity, excessive motor activity, and high levels of inattention. Due to the misunderstanding and misinformation inherent on the part of teachers toward the diagnosis and recognition of this disorder, as well as the repercussions of this problem going unnoticed in the academic, emotional, and social life of university students who suffer from it, we present ADHD as the research topic of this work.&#x0D; Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, the target population is constituted by fourth- and fifth-year students of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the Universidad Regional del Sureste, enrolled in the 2021-2022 cycle. The instrument used was the ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV), a questionnaire used to diagnose ADHD in children, but that was later used to diagnose ADHD in adults. Consists of 18 questions, 9 including symptoms of inattention and 9 including symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of ADHD in the target population was 7.4%. The most frequent clinical subtype was inattention with 6%, of which 57% were women. 3.41% were detected with hyperactivity, of which 58% were women. Regarding the combined type, a prevalence of 2% was found, of which 43% are women.&#x0D; Conclusion: A small association was found between educational level and ADHD; this relationship can be explained by the fact that as the educational level advances, higher performance in attentional processes is necessary; therefore, the higher the academic demands, the more likely it is that latent cognitive deficits in students will become evident.

From neurodevelopmental to neurodegenerative disorders: Investigating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in patients with dementia

Dementia is characterized by a progressive cognitive decline that could be caused by several disorders. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders that might overlap with dementia symptoms. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the ASD and ADHD symptoms in dementia patients referred to a memory clinic in Iran. We recruited 65 dementia patients and instructed them to fill out the autism quotient (AQ) and the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) questionnaires. Considering the cutoff points of AQ and CAARS questionnaires, 18.5% of participants were at higher risk of ASD, and 35.4% were at higher risk of ADHD. The results indicated that ADHD and ASD symptoms might be common comorbidities in patients with dementia which can increase the disease burden. Specialized ADHD and ASD screening tools in the elderly population with dementia are needed to prevent misdiagnoses due to symptom overlaps.

Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and inattention/hyperactivity symptoms in mid to late adolescents.

Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has been associated with increased symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in early to middle childhood, as well as early adolescence. However, data are limited for the long-lasting impact of exposure on outcomes assessed across the entire adolescent period and the sex-specificity of such associations. We investigated the association between continuous natural-log-transformed cord plasma PBDE concentrations and ADHD rating scale 4th edition (ADHD-RS-IV) score from mid adolescence (approximately 11 years old) to late adolescence (approximately 17 years old). The study sample includes a subset (n = 219) of the African American and Dominican children enrolled in the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health Mothers and Newborns birth cohort. We used generalized estimating equations to account for the repeated measure of ADHD-RS scores. We examined interactions between exposure to PBDE and sex using cross-product terms and sex-stratified models. In addition, we used linear regression using an age-stratified sample as a sensitivity analysis. Associations between prenatal exposure and parents' reports of ADHD symptoms varied by sex (p-interaction <0.20), with positive relationships observed among girls but not boys from sex-stratified models. Our finding suggests prenatal exposure to PBDE may affect ADHD symptoms assessed during middle to late adolescence and the sex-specificity of such impact. Our results can be confirmed by future studies with larger and more diverse samples.

Investigating ADHD and ASD features in dementia patients referred to a memory clinic in Iran

AbstractBackgroundDementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by a progressive cognitive decline interfering with the function of activity of daily living in patients (1). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders affecting different brain functions manifesting mostly with impaired communication and behavior (3). These disorders initiate in childhood but usually persist into adulthood (3, 4). These disorders might overlap with dementia symptoms, as they might share common genetic and environmental backgrounds (5‐7). ASD and ADHD in dementia patients may complicate the timely diagnosis of each disorder leading to more pronounced dysfunction. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate ASD and ADHD symptoms in dementia patients referred to a memory clinic in Iran.MethodWe recruited 65 dementia patients in this study. Firstly, a cognitive neurologist diagnosed dementia’s subtypes by a precise clinical examination, cognitive assessment by applying the Montreal cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The severity of dementia was determined using the Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST). Consequently, we instructed the participants to fill out the autism quotient (AQ) and the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) questionnaires for investigating their ASD and ADHD symptoms.ResultConsidering the cut‐off points of AQ and CAARS questionnaires, 18.5% of participants were diagnosed with ASD, and 35.4% were diagnosed with ADHD. Besides, we found a significant positive relationship between all subscales of CAARS and the FAST score (P &lt; 0.05). In other words, patients with more severe dementia were more likely to have increased ADHD symptoms.ConclusionThe results indicated that ADHD and ASD symptoms might be common manifestations in patients with dementia. This finding was in line with the previous research findings regarding the high co‐occurrence of ADHD and dementia (8). This comorbidity can further prohibit function and further worsen the prognosis. Given that there is scarce evidence on the association between ADHD and dementia in Iran, the findings of this study can pave the way for future research to elaborate more precisely on the etiological backgrounds of this association.

Predictors of probable attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment visiting a memory clinic.

Characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that persist into old age are often confused with symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and the actual rate of probable ADHD in people with MCI is unknown. This study estimated the proportion of MCI patients with probable ADHD and investigated the factors to identify MCI patients with probable ADHD. We recruited 36 elderly patients (11 males, 25 females, mean age 72.4 ± 7.6 years) who met the MCI criteria. The MCI patients were classified as those with [MCI/ADHD (+)] and without [MCI/ADHD (-)] probable ADHD, according to the Wender Utah Rating Scale scores. The autism features, inattention, and hyperactivity features during childhood and current periods, estimated intelligence quotient, and demographic data were compared between the groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors of MCI/ADHD (+) patients. Nine (25.0%) and 27 patients were added into the MCI/ADHD (+) and MCI/ADHD (-) groups, respectively. The MCI/ADHD (+) group mostly comprised men, those who visited the clinic at a younger age, had more years of schooling, and had strong autism spectrum disorder tendencies. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated male sex and current hyperactivity as significant predictors of probable ADHD in MCI patients. A quarter of the patients with MCI had probable ADHD. Male sex and hyperactivity at the time of MCI diagnosis might help in predicting probable ADHD in MCI patients. However, these results were obtained from a single-center, small-case study and should be confirmed via longitudinal studies with a large number of cases.

Screening of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among preschool children Gharbia Governorate, Egypt

BackgroundChildren who experience mental health issues, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), experience significant distress and impairment at home, at school, and in the community. Without adequate care or prevention, this frequently results in adulthood-long distress and impairment at large societal costs. Determining the prevalence of ADHD cases among preschoolers as well as some associated maternal and child risk factors was the aim of this study.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study including 1048 preschool children aged 3–6 years was carried out in Tanta City, Gharbia Governorate. From March to April 2022, a proportionate stratified cluster random sample of them was picked. Data were gathered using a predesigned instrument that included sociodemographic information, family history, maternal and child risk factors, and the Arabic version of the ADHD Rating Scale IV questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of ADHD among preschoolers was 10.5%. The inattention type was the most common (5.3%), followed by the hyperactivity type (3.4%). There were statistically significant associations regarding positive family history of psychological and neurological symptoms (17.9% positive vs. 9.7% negative), family history of ADHD symptoms (24.5% positive vs. 9.4% negative), active smoking by the mother (21.1% positive vs. 5.3% negative), cesarean section delivery (66.4% positive vs. 53.9% negative), elevated blood pressure during pregnancy (19.1% positive vs. 12.4% negative), and history of taking drugs during pregnancy (43.6% positive vs. 31.7% negative). Significant child risk factors were: exposure to any source containing lead that causes slow poisoning (25.5% positive vs. 12.3% negative), children with cardiac health problems (38.2% positive vs. 16.6% negative), and hours spent by a child in front of the TV or mobile phone (any screens) per day (60.0% of those with positive screening spent more than 2 h/day vs. 45.7% negative).ConclusionIn the Gharbia governorate, 10.5% of preschoolers suffer from ADHD. Significant maternal risk factors for ADHD included a positive family history of psychiatric and neurological symptoms, a family history of ADHD symptoms, active maternal smoking, caesarean section delivery, increased blood pressure during pregnancy, and a history of drug use during pregnancy. Youngsters who had cardiac health issues and who spent more time each day watching TV or using a mobile device (screen use) were at substantial risk.