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Introduction: The aim of the study was to describe the neuropsychological profile of patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the impact of the disorder on executive functioning and academic performance. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational and analytical study. The sample consisted of 24 children with a diagnosis of ADHD (aged 6–15 years) without pharmacological treatment and 24 controls without ADHD (aged 7–15 years). A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation was carried out, encompassing major cognitive domains, in addition to assessment of executive functioning and psychopathological symptoms through the administration of questionnaires to parents and teachers. Results: The cognitive profile of the ADHD group was characterized by overall scores (including executive functions and academic abilities) in the normal range (z scores between −1 and 1), although significantly lower compared to the control group. Over half of the patients with ADHD (58%) had associated specific learning disorders. Furthermore, teachers tended to report executive function difficulties more frequently in male students. Conclusions: In the study sample, the group of patients with ADHD exhibited cognitive performance within the normal range, although with lower scores compared to controls. Behavioural rating scales provide valuable information about functioning outside the clinic, but may yield biased results on account of the focus on externalising symptoms. The neuropsychological evaluation is a useful tool that can facilitate the diagnosis of ADHD and an effective response to the needs and characteristics of patients and families. Resumen: Introducción: El objetivo del presente estudio es describir el perfil neuropsicológico de los pacientes con trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH) y su impacto en las funciones ejecutivas y académicas. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico, observacional y retrospectivo. La muestra está compuesta por 24 sujetos con diagnóstico de TDAH (6–15 años) sin tratamiento farmacológico y 24 controles (7–15 años) sin TDAH. Se realizó una evaluación neuropsicológica completa que abarcase los principales dominios cognitivos, así como la evaluación mediante cuestionarios a padres y profesores del funcionamiento ejecutivo y sintomatología psicopatológica. Resultados: El perfil cognitivo del grupo con TDAH se caracteriza por presentar puntuaciones globales (incluidas funciones ejecutivas y habilidades académicas) dentro del rango de la normalidad (puntuaciones z entre −1 y 1), aunque significativamente menores que las del grupo. Más de la mitad de los sujetos (58%) con TDAH presentan trastornos específicos de aprendizaje de manera comórbida. Por otro lado, los profesores tienden a informar de más dificultades de tipo ejecutivo cuando los sujetos son varones. Conclusiones: En nuestro grupo de estudio los pacientes diagnosticados con TDAH se caracterizan por presentar un rendimiento cognitivo dentro de la normalidad, aunque con menores puntuaciones que los controles. Los cuestionarios de conducta proporcionan información muy valiosa sobre el funcionamiento en entornos fuera de la consulta, pero pueden presentar sesgos al predominar los síntomas externalizantes. La evaluación neuropsicológica es una herramienta útil que puede facilitar el diagnóstico del TDAH y dar una respuesta eficaz a las características y necesidades de los pacientes y sus familias.

Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its comorbidities have an impact on the social anxiety of children and adolescents, but there are practically no studies addressing this topic in adolescence. Our objective was to assess the degree of social anxiety and to analyse the presence of psychiatric comorbidities (PSCs) in adolescents with ADHD. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study in patients aged 12–18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD (DSM-5). We collected data on the presence and type of PSCs and assessed social anxiety by means of the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A). Results: Forty-six child and adolescent psychiatrists and paediatric neurologists participated in the study and recruited 234 patients. Of the total patients, 68.8% (159) were male and 31.2% (72) female, with a mean age in the sample of 14.9 years (95% CI, 14.6–15.1). The type of ADHD was combined type (C) in 51.7% (121), predominantly inattentive (PI) in 37.2% (87), and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (PH) in 9% (21). Of all patients, 97.9% (229) received pharmacological therapy: 78.6% (184) methylphenidate, 15% (35) lisdexamfetamine and 4.3% (10) atomoxetine.We found PSCs in 50.4% of the patients (118), of which the most frequent were learning and communication disorders (20.1%, n = 47) and anxiety disorders (19.2%, n = 45). The patients scored significantly higher in the SAS-A compared to reference values in the healthy population. The scores in the SAS-A were less favourable in adolescents with the PI type compared to those with the PH type (P = .015). The presence of a comorbid anxiety disorder was associated with worst scores in SAS-A (P

Introduction: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire is important in order to assess the effects of therapeutic intervention. The aim of this study is to analyse HRQoL, comparing cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated with methylphenidate (ADHD-T), untreated cases (ADHD-N), and controls. Material and methods: The study included a sample of 228 participants between 8 and 14 years old (114 controls, 57 ADHD-T, and 57 ADHD-N). Consecutive sampling was used in ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria (ADHD Rating Scales IV), and random sampling of controls matched by gender and age. The evaluation of HRQoL was made by using KIDSCREEN-52 parent version. Results: The intensity of ADHD symptoms is significantly lower in ADHD-T than in ADHD-N. There is a moderate significant correlation between greater intensity of ADHD symptoms and worse HRQoL. ADHD cases have significantly worse HRQoL than controls on psychic well-being, mood, relationship with parents and friends, school environment, and social acceptance. The cases of ADHD-T have significantly better HRQoL than ADHD-N in the school dimension, but do not differ significantly in other dimensions of KIDSCREEN-52. Conclusions: It would be advisable that the treatment of ADHD integrates multi-dimensional therapeutic models that improve the basic symptoms of the disorder, as well as the HRQoL. Resumen: Introducción: La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) es un marcador relevante para valorar los efectos de una intervención terapéutica. El objetivo del estudio es analizar la CVRS comparando casos con trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH) tratados farmacológicamente con metilfenidato (TDAH-T), casos no tratados (TDAH-N) y controles. Material y métodos: Muestra de 228 participantes entre 8 y 14 años (114 controles, 57 TDAH-T y 57 TDAH-N). Muestreo consecutivo de TDAH según DSM-IV (ADHD Rating Scales IV) y muestreo aleatorio de controles emparejados por sexo y edad. Evaluación de CVRS mediante KIDSCREEN-52 versión padres. Resultados: La intensidad de síntomas de TDAH es significativamente menor en TDAH-T que en TDAH-N y se observa correlación significativa moderada entre mayor intensidad de síntomas de TDAH y peor CVRS. Los casos de TDAH tienen significativamente peor CVRS que los controles en bienestar psíquico, estado de ánimo, relación con padres, relación con amigos, entorno escolar y aceptación social. Los casos de TDAH-T presentan significativamente mejor CVRS que TDAH-N en la dimensión escolar, pero no se diferencian significativamente en otras dimensiones del KIDSCREEN-52. Conclusiones: Sería recomendable que el tratamiento del TDAH integrase modelos terapéuticos multidimensionales que mejoren los síntomas básicos del trastorno y la CVRS.

Introduction: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rates vary between 1% and 20% depending on the type of diagnosis guide used, the test used in the assessment, psychosocial factors, and professional in charge of the assessment. Goal: to describe and compare current clinical ADHD assessment processes in public health system in two cohorts and analyze variables related to final diagnosis. Design: Descriptive, multicenter, longitudinal (retrospective-prospective). Location: primary care (PC) centers in Oviedo, Asturias (Spain). Participants: a Spanish clinical ADHD symptomatic sample (n = 134) from two cohorts (2004 and 2009). Variables: clinical professional in charge of ADHD assessment (PC, mental health professional [MH], neuropediatrician [NP]), type of test used in the assessment, confirmation/disconfirmation of ADHD diagnosis, and final diagnosis. Results: the use of symptoms checklists and the assessments in charge of primary care (PC) and neuropediatrician (NP) professionals show an upward trend from 2004 to 2009. ADHD final diagnosis shows low inter-professional (NP-MH) reliability (kappa = 0.39). Final diagnoses for the same symptoms are different depending on the professional (NP or MH). Discussions: the professional in charge of the assessment appears to be a relevant variable for the final diagnosis. ADHD diagnosis criteria seem not to be clear. This data suggests that ADHD diagnosis must be used with caution to ensure good quality clinical standards when assessing and treating ADHD symptoms. Assessments supported by symptoms checklists and performed by NP or PC could be contributing factors to an ADHD over-diagnosis tendency. Resumen: Introducción: Las ratios del trastorno de déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) varían entre el 1 y el 20%, dependiendo del tipo de guía diagnóstica utilizada, del test usado en la evaluación, de los factores psicosociales y del profesional a cargo de la evaluación. Objetivo: Describir el proceso actual de evaluación del trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) en la práctica clínica en el sistema público de salud y analizar las variables relacionadas con el diagnóstico final. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo y longitudinal (retrospectivo-prospectivo). Localización: Centros de atención primaria en Oviedo, Asturias (España). Participantes: Se analiza una muestra española de 134 casos clínicos en dos cohortes (2004 y 2009). Variables: Profesional a cargo de la evaluación, test empleados en la evaluación y diagnóstico final. Resultados: El empleo de listas de síntomas y las evaluaciones a cargo de profesionales de atención primaria (AP) y de neuropediatría (NP) muestran una tendencia al alza entre 2004 y 2009. El diagnóstico final de TDAH muestra una baja fiabilidad interprofesional (kappa = 0,39). Conclusiones: El profesional a cargo de la evaluación parece ser una variable relevante para establecer un diagnóstico final. Los criterios de diagnóstico de TDAH no parecen claros. Estos datos sugieren que el diagnóstico de TDAH debe usarse con precaución para garantizar una práctica clínica de calidad al evaluar y tratar los síntomas de TDAH. Las evaluaciones apoyadas por listas de síntomas y realizadas por NP o AP podrían ser factores que contribuyen a una tendencia de diagnóstico excesivo de TDAH.

El bajo rendimiento escolar es un problema frecuente y tiene múltiples causas; las alteraciones que lo caracterizan, se expresan fundamentalmente en las áreas de funcionamiento cognitivo, académico y conductual. El bajo rendimiento escolar es una vía final común de diferentes trastornos, etiologías y mecanismos. Es habitual la presencia de múltiples alteraciones, porque la disfunción cerebral en la niñez generalmente afecta a muchas funciones. Consecuente con lo anterior, los programas de manejo deben ser individualizados, comprensivos e incorporar aspectos del niño en particular, la escuela y la familia. La planificación del tratamiento incluye, educación y entrenamiento de los padres, adecuaciones académicas, técnicas para mantener la autoestima y un enfoque psicofarmacológico. Es necesario monitorear en forma continua los programas de manejo especialmente para detectar comorbilidades importantes que puedan emerger, para realizar modificaciones que se adecuen a los cambios en las demandas académicas y sociales a las diferentes edades del niño y para proveer de información actualizada. Las consecuencias que tenga el bajo rendimiento escolar para el niño dependerán en medida importante de las alteraciones subyacentes. El personal de salud tiene múltiples roles en la prevención, detección, diagnóstico y manejo del niño con bajo rendimiento escolar.

Objective: We aim to determine the prevalence of mental disorders in siblings of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to determine how psychosocial adversity factors relate to this psychopathology, in a low-middle income country (Colombia)., Methods: We evaluated subjects with ADHD diagnosed according to the DSM-5 criteria, one of their parents and one of their siblings (ages 8-19). We used the ADHD rating scale and a set of instruments to assess the presence of mental disorders as well as psychosocial adversity., Results: We evaluated 74 trios formed by the index case with ADHD, one sibling and one of the parents. We found that 24.3% of the participating siblings also met the criteria for ADHD and another 24.3% for other psychiatric disorders. The risk of these siblings having ADHD increased further when one of the parents reported a history of ADHD. We also found that 28.3% of the families faced high levels of psychosocial adversity as per their scores in the Rutter Adversity Index., Conclusions: Siblings of subjects with ADHD showed a significant risk for ADHD and other mental disorders. That risk increased if a parent reported a history of ADHD and also when two or more psychosocial adversity factors were present. This study supports the importance of early detection in efforts to decrease the risk for other siblings., (Copyright © 2021 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Sleep problems are frequent in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some authors have tried to characterize paediatric sleep habits in Portugal, but none has focused on preschool-age children nor attempted to establish their association with ADHD. We aimed to assess the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in preschool-age children and to study their association with sleep habits., Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. We distributed questionnaires to a random sample of caregivers of children enrolled in early childhood education centres in Porto. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, television watching and outdoor activities. We assessed ADHD symptoms and sleep habits with the Portuguese versions of the Conners' Parents Rating Scale, Revised and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ-PT), respectively., Results: The study included 381 preschoolers (50.90% male). We found high scores for ADHD symptoms in 13.10%, with a higher prevalence in girls (14.40% vs. 11.85%; P = 0.276). In the CSHQ-PT, 45.70% of participants had a mean total score greater than 48, which is the cut-off point applied in the screening of sleep disturbances in the Portuguese population. There was a significant association between high scores for ADHD symptoms and a lower maternal education level (P < 0.001), a shorter sleep duration (P = 0.049), and higher scores on parasomnias (P = 0.019) and sleep disordered breathing (P = 0.002) in CSHQ-PT subscales., Conclusions: ADHD and sleep disorders are common in preschoolers, in Porto, and this study suggests some clinical correlations between them. Since these interactions are complex and far from being elucidated, further studies are paramount to provide guidance for prevention and managing strategies in younger children at risk for ADHD., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Introduction: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has genetic and environmental aetiological factors. There are few publications on the environmental factors. The objective of this review is to present the role of psychosocial adversity in the aetiology and course of ADHD., Methods: A search was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, ClinicalKey, EMBASE, Lilacs, OVID, APA and PsycNET. English and Spanish were selected without being limited by type of study or year of publication. Finally, a qualitative synthesis was conducted., Results: ADHD development could be related to exposure to adverse factors in the family, school or social environment. It has been proposed as an explanatory mechanism that adversity interacts with genetic variants and leads to neurobiological changes. There may also be a gene-environment correlation whereby individual hereditary characteristics increase the risk of exposure to adversity, and indirectly increase the probability of developing ADHD. Research on psychosocial adversity represents a big challenge, not only due to the complexity of its construct, but also to the effect of subjective perception of a given event., Conclusions: ADHD aetiology is complex and involves the interaction of both genetic and environmental factors, in which these factors correlate and cause the disorder. The study of the role of psychosocial adversity in ADHD is fundamental, but it remains a task that entails great difficulties., (Copyright © 2021 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We aim to determine the prevalence of mental disorders in siblings of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to determine how psychosocial adversity factors relate to this psychopathology, in a low-middle income country (Colombia)., Methods: We evaluated subjects with ADHD diagnosed according to the DSM-5 criteria, one of their parents and one of their siblings (ages 8-19). We used the ADHD rating scale and a set of instruments to assess the presence of mental disorders as well as psychosocial adversity., Results: We evaluated 74 trios formed by the index case with ADHD, one sibling and one of the parents. We found that 24.3% of the participating siblings also met the criteria for ADHD and another 24.3% for other psychiatric disorders. The risk of these siblings having ADHD increased further when one of the parents reported a history of ADHD. We also found that 28.3% of the families faced high levels of psychosocial adversity as per their scores in the Rutter Adversity Index., Conclusions: Siblings of subjects with ADHD showed a significant risk for ADHD and other mental disorders. That risk increased if a parent reported a history of ADHD and also when two or more psychosocial adversity factors were present. This study supports the importance of early detection in efforts to decrease the risk for other siblings., (Copyright © 2021 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has genetic and environmental aetiological factors. There are few publications on the environmental factors. The objective of this review is to present the role of psychosocial adversity in the aetiology and course of ADHD., Methods: A search was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, ClinicalKey, EMBASE, Lilacs, OVID, APA and PsycNET. English and Spanish were selected without being limited by type of study or year of publication. Finally, a qualitative synthesis was conducted., Results: ADHD development could be related to exposure to adverse factors in the family, school or social environment. It has been proposed as an explanatory mechanism that adversity interacts with genetic variants and leads to neurobiological changes. There may also be a gene-environment correlation whereby individual hereditary characteristics increase the risk of exposure to adversity, and indirectly increase the probability of developing ADHD. Research on psychosocial adversity represents a big challenge, not only due to the complexity of its construct, but also to the effect of subjective perception of a given event., Conclusions: ADHD aetiology is complex and involves the interaction of both genetic and environmental factors, in which these factors correlate and cause the disorder. The study of the role of psychosocial adversity in ADHD is fundamental, but it remains a task that entails great difficulties., (Copyright © 2021 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its comorbidities have an impact on the social anxiety of children and adolescents, but there are practically no studies addressing this topic in adolescence. Our objective was to assess the degree of social anxiety and to analyse the presence of psychiatric comorbidities (PSCs) in adolescents with ADHD., Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study in patients aged 12 to 18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD (DSM-5). We collected data on the presence and type of PSCs and assessed social anxiety by means of the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A)., Results: Forty-six child and adolescent psychiatrists and paediatric neurologists participated in the study and recruited 234 patients. Of the total patients, 68.8% (159) were male and 31.2% (72) female, with a mean age in the sample of 14.9 years (95% CI, 14.6-15.1). The type of ADHD was combined type (C) in 51.7% (121), predominantly inattentive (PI) in 37.2% (87), and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (PH) in 9% (21). Of all patients, 97.9% (229) received pharmacological therapy: 78.6% (184) methylphenidate, 15% (35) lisdexamfetamine and 4.3% (10) atomoxetine.We found PSCs in 50.4% of the patients (118), of which the most frequent were learning and communication disorders (20.1%, n=47) and anxiety disorders (19.2%, n=45). The patients scored significantly higher in the SAS-A compared to reference values in the healthy population. The scores in the SAS-A were less favourable in adolescents with the PI type compared to those with the PH type (P=.015). The presence of a comorbid anxiety disorder was associated with worst scores in SAS-A (P<.001) showing an increased social anxiety., Conclusion: Adolescents with ADHD classified as PI and those with comorbid anxiety had a higher degree of social anxiety as measured by the SAS-A. This psychological aspect must be identified and controlled in adolescents with ADHD to promote their social adaptation., (Copyright © 2018 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire is important in order to assess the effects of therapeutic intervention. The aim of this study is to analyse HRQoL, comparing cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated with methylphenidate (ADHD-T), untreated cases (ADHD-N), and controls., Material and Methods: The study included a sample of 228 participants between 8 and 14 years old (114 controls, 57 ADHD-T, and 57 ADHD-N). Consecutive sampling was used in ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria (ADHD Rating Scales IV), and random sampling of controls matched by gender and age. The evaluation of HRQoL was made by using KIDSCREEN-52 parent version., Results: The intensity of ADHD symptoms is significantly lower in ADHD-T than in ADHD-N. There is a moderate significant correlation between greater intensity of ADHD symptoms and worse HRQoL. ADHD cases have significantly worse HRQoL than controls on psychic well-being, mood, relationship with parents and friends, school environment, and social acceptance. The cases of ADHD-T have significantly better HRQoL than ADHD-N in the school dimension, but do not differ significantly in other dimensions of KIDSCREEN-52., Conclusions: It would be advisable that the treatment of ADHD integrates multi-dimensional therapeutic models that improve the basic symptoms of the disorder, as well as the HRQoL., (Copyright © 2018 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)