ADHD Diagnosis (adhd + diagnosis)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


The epidemiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A public health view

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 3 2002
Andrew S. Rowland
Abstract Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. However, basic information about how the prevalence of ADHD varies by race/ethnicity, sex, age, and socio-economic status remains poorly described. One reason is that difficulties in the diagnosis of ADHD have translated into difficulties developing an adequate case definition for epidemiologic studies. Diagnosis depends heavily on parent and teacher reports; no laboratory tests reliably predict ADHD. Prevalence estimates of ADHD are sensitive to who is asked what, and how information is combined. Consequently, recent systematic reviews report ADHD prevalence estimates as wide as 2%,18%. The diagnosis of ADHD is complicated by the frequent occurrence of comorbid conditions such as learning disability, conduct disorder, and anxiety disorder. Symptoms of these conditions may also mimic ADHD. Nevertheless, we suggest that developing an adequate epidemiologic case definition based on current diagnostic criteria is possible and is a prerequisite for further developing the epidemiology of ADHD. The etiology of ADHD is not known but recent studies suggest both a strong genetic link as well as environmental factors such as history of preterm delivery and perhaps, maternal smoking during pregnancy. Children and teenagers with ADHD use health and mental health services more often than their peers and engage in more health threatening behaviors such as smoking, and alcohol and substance abuse. Better methods are needed for monitoring the prevalence and understanding the public health implications of ADHD. Stimulant medication is the treatment of choice for treating ADHD but psychosocial interventions may also be warranted if comordid disorders are present. The treatment of ADHD is controversial because of the high prevalence of medication treatment. Epidemiologic studies could clarify whether the patterns of ADHD diagnosis and treatment in community settings is appropriate. Population-based epidemiologic studies may shed important new light on how we understand ADHD, its natural history, its treatment and its consequences. MRDD Research Reviews 2002;8:162,170. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Stimulant medication in 47,XYY syndrome: a report of two cases

DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 8 2005
Anne Ruud MD
In two males, 11 and 12 years of age, referred for attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 47,XYY syndrome was diagnosed. A team that included a neuropsychologist, a physiotherapist, and a physician examined them. Stature (patients were above 97.5% height for age), muscle consistency, and tremor indicated chromosome analysis. Psychological tests results did not fully fit the ADHD diagnosis. On the basis of our clinical observation we felt that stimulant medication was indicated. Administration of methylphenidate led to improved motor and cognitive functions as well as social adaptation in both patients. We suggest that this treatment might well be considered in clinically similar patients with XYY sex chromosomes; we further suggest that learning problems in such individuals may be related to ADHD. [source]


Attention-deficit hyperactivity symptoms and disorder in eating disorder inpatients

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS, Issue 4 2009
William R. Yates MD
Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and a DSM-IV ADHD diagnosis in women admitted for treatment of an eating disorder. Method: One hundred eighty-nine inpatient women with an eating disorder were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) and ADHD interview from the Multi-international Psychiatric Interview (MINI). Results: Twenty-one percent of the sample reported at least six current ADHD symptoms, but the estimated prevalence rate for a diagnosis of ADHD in this population was only 5.8% (95% CI: 2.6%,9.5%). Most current ADHD inattentive symptoms appeared after childhood suggesting late-onset non-ADHD origins. Current inattention symptoms in those without a diagnosis of ADHD correlated with higher BMI (p < .0001), symptoms of bulimia nervosa and current level of depression symptoms (p = .025). Discussion: Although current ADHD symptoms were commonly endorsed in this population, clinicians should carefully examine for childhood symptom-onset of ADHD. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009 [source]


Peer victimization in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 2 2009
Judith Wiener
This study explored peer victimization in 9- to 14-year-old children with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The sample comprised 104 children, 52 of whom had a previous ADHD diagnosis. Children with ADHD had higher overall rates of self-reported victimization by peers and parent- and teacher-reported bullying behavior than did children without ADHD. The rates of victimization were especially high for girls with ADHD. Furthermore, children with ADHD reported higher frequencies of verbal, physical, and relational victimization than did children without ADHD. When data were pooled from children, parents, and teachers, children with ADHD were categorized as victims, bullies, and bully/victims significantly more often than were children without ADHD. Parent ratings of ADHD symptoms predicted self-reported victimization by peers. Neither parent-rated anxious-shy behaviors nor parent- and teacher-rated social skills predicted victimization by peers over and above ADHD symptoms. Parent ratings of oppositional behavior mediated the relationship between ADHD symptoms and parent- and teacher-rated bullying. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]