Search

Background: The attention and cognitive problems seen in individuals with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure often resemble those associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but few studies have directly assessed the unique influence of each on neurobehavioral outcomes. Methods: We recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) during a Go/No-go response inhibition task in young adults with prospectively obtained histories of prenatal alcohol exposure and childhood ADHD. Results: Regardless of prenatal alcohol exposure, participants with childhood ADHD were less accurate at inhibiting responses. However, only the ADHD group without prenatal alcohol exposure showed a markedly diminished P3 difference between No-go and Go, which may reflect a more effortful strategy related to inhibitory control at the neural processing level. Conclusion: This finding supports a growing body of evidence suggesting that the manifestation of idiopathic ADHD symptoms may stem from a neurophysiologic process that is different from the ADHD symptomatology associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Individuals who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol and present with ADHD symptomatology may represent a unique endophenotype of the disorder, which may require different treatment approaches from those found to be effective with idiopathic ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT At a time when males abused in childhood are coming increasingly to attention of clinical services, we review the literature, describe the process and report on clinical outcomes of a slow open long-term dynamically orientated group for abused adult males. Twenty-nine men referred to the local psychotherapy service for consideration for inclusion in the group are discussed along with some of the most prevailing themes, namely identification with the aggressor, self-esteem, guilt and sexuality. Symptoms were measured using the SCL 90-R and demonstrate relatively high levels of psychological distress in this group at initial assessment. There is significant improvement in global scores, interpersonal sensitivity, depression and psychoticism in the group of 13 men who engaged in therapy for at least six months compared with those who did not. The authors conclude that symptom measurement provides evidence that group psychotherapy is a useful therapeutic approach in a group of men who might otherwise be considered unsuitable for psychotherapeutic interventions due to symptom severity and personality difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]