ADHD: Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Issues of Comorbidity

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (S6) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy E. Wilens
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Stimulant Medications ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
Core Symptoms ◽  
The Brain

AbstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition that begins in childhood and continues with adult manifestations related to the core symptoms. Approximately 50% to 75% of children with ADHD continue to meet criteria for the disorder as adolescents and adults. Adults with the disorder increasingly present to primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other practitioners for diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires knowledge of age-dependent decline of symptoms over time. Retrospective recall of symptoms and impairment are valid methods of diagnosing the disorder. ADHD is also a brain disorder with a strong neurobiologic basis, complex etiology, and genetic component. Genetic and environmental vulnerabilities give rise to abnormalities in the brain and subsequent behavioral and cognitive deficits, which may produce the symptoms associated with ADHD. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of ADHD have provided evidence that abnormalities in the brain are caused by the disorder itself rather than treatment of the disorder. Psychiatric comorbidity is common among patients with ADHD and tends to complicate treatment. Acute and long-term use of long-acting stimulant formulations (methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds) have shown robust efficacy and tolerability consistent with the treatment response established in children with ADHD. Non-stimulant medications have demonstrated efficacy as well, and may be preferred in patients with tic and substance use disorders.

Pharmacology of Adult ADHD with Stimulants

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (S6) ◽  
pp. 8-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Stimulant Treatment ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Stimulant Medications ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
Core Symptoms ◽  
The Brain

AbstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition that begins in childhood and continues with adult manifestations related to the core symptoms. Approximately 50% to 75% of children with ADHD continue to meet criteria for the disorder as adolescents and adults. Adults with the disorder increasingly present to primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other practitioners for diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires knowledge of age-dependent decline of symptoms over time. Retrospective recall of symptoms and impairment are valid methods of diagnosing the disorder. ADHD is also a brain disorder with a strong neurobiologic basis, complex etiology, and genetic component. Genetic and environmental vulnerabilities give rise to abnormalities in the brain and subsequent behavioral and cognitive deficits, which may produce the symptoms associated with ADHD. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of ADHD have provided evidence that abnormalities in the brain are caused by the disorder itself rather than treatment of the disorder. Psychiatric comorbidity is common among patients with ADHD and tends to complicate treatment. Acute and long-term use of long-acting stimulant formulations (methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds) have shown robust efficacy and tolerability consistent with the treatment response established in children with ADHD. Non-stimulant medications have demonstrated efficacy as well, and may be preferred in patients with tic and substance use disorders.In this expert roundtable supplement, Timothy E. Wilens, MD, reviews the epidemiology and clinical presentation of adult ADHD. Next, Joseph Biederman, MD, provides an overview of recent advances in the neurobiology of ADHD. Thomas J. Spencer, MD, reviews stimulant treatment of adult ADHD, and Lenard A. Adler concludes with a discussion of non-stimulant trials in adult ADHD.

Advances in the Neurobiology of ADHD

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (S6) ◽  
pp. 6-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Biederman
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Stimulant Treatment ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Stimulant Medications ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
Core Symptoms ◽  
The Brain

AbstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition that begins in childhood and continues with adult manifestations related to the core symptoms. Approximately 50% to 75% of children with ADHD continue to meet criteria for the disorder as adolescents and adults. Adults with the disorder increasingly present to primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other practitioners for diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires knowledge of age-dependent decline of symptoms over time. Retrospective recall of symptoms and impairment are valid methods of diagnosing the disorder. ADHD is also a brain disorder with a strong neurobiologic basis, complex etiology, and genetic component. Genetic and environmental vulnerabilities give rise to abnormalities in the brain and subsequent behavioral and cognitive deficits, which may produce the symptoms associated with ADHD. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of ADHD have provided evidence that abnormalities in the brain are caused by the disorder itself rather than treatment of the disorder. Psychiatric comorbidity is common among patients with ADHD and tends to complicate treatment. Acute and long-term use of long-acting stimulant formulations (methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds) have shown robust efficacy and tolerability consistent with the treatment response established in children with ADHD. Non-stimulant medications have demonstrated efficacy as well, and may be preferred in patients with tic and substance use disorders.In this expert roundtable supplement, Timothy E. Wilens, MD, reviews the epidemiology and clinical presentation of adult ADHD. Next, Joseph Biederman, MD, provides an overview of recent advances in the neurobiology of ADHD. Thomas J. Spencer, MD, reviews stimulant treatment of adult ADHD, and Lenard A. Adler concludes with a discussion of non-stimulant trials in adult ADHD.

Non-Stimulant Trials of Adult ADHD

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (S6) ◽  
pp. 11-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenard A. Adler
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Stimulant Treatment ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Stimulant Medications ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
Core Symptoms ◽  
The Brain

AbstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition that begins in childhood and continues with adult manifestations related to the core symptoms. Approximately 50% to 75% of children with ADHD continue to meet criteria for the disorder as adolescents and adults. Adults with the disorder increasingly present to primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other practitioners for diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires knowledge of age-dependent decline of symptoms over time. Retrospective recall of symptoms and impairment are valid methods of diagnosing the disorder. ADHD is also a brain disorder with a strong neurobiologic basis, complex etiology, and genetic component. Genetic and environmental vulnerabilities give rise to abnormalities in the brain and subsequent behavioral and cognitive deficits, which may produce the symptoms associated with ADHD. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of ADHD have provided evidence that abnormalities in the brain are caused by the disorder itself rather than treatment of the disorder. Psychiatric comorbidity is common among patients with ADHD and tends to complicate treatment. Acute and long-term use of long-acting stimulant formulations (methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds) have shown robust efficacy and tolerability consistent with the treatment response established in children with ADHD. Non-stimulant medications have demonstrated efficacy as well, and may be preferred in patients with tic and substance use disorders.In this expert roundtable supplement, Timothy E. Wilens, MD, reviews the epidemiology and clinical presentation of adult ADHD. Next, Joseph Biederman, MD, provides an overview of recent advances in the neurobiology of ADHD. Thomas J. Spencer, MD, reviews stimulant treatment of adult ADHD, and Lenard A. Adler concludes with a discussion of non-stimulant trials in adult ADHD.

Panel Discussion

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (S6) ◽  
pp. 14-14 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Panel Discussion ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Stimulant Treatment ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Stimulant Medications ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
The Brain

AbstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition that begins in childhood and continues with adult manifestations related to the core symptoms. Approximately 50% to 75% of children with ADHD continue to meet criteria for the disorder as adolescents and adults. Adults with the disorder increasingly present to primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other practitioners for diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires knowledge of age-dependent decline of symptoms over time. Retrospective recall of symptoms and impairment are valid methods of diagnosing the disorder. ADHD is also a brain disorder with a strong neurobiologic basis, complex etiology, and genetic component. Genetic and environmental vulnerabilities give rise to abnormalities in the brain and subsequent behavioral and cognitive deficits, which may produce the symptoms associated with ADHD. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of ADHD have provided evidence that abnormalities in the brain are caused by the disorder itself rather than treatment of the disorder. Psychiatric comorbidity is common among patients with ADHD and tends to complicate treatment. Acute and long-term use of long-acting stimulant formulations (methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds) have shown robust efficacy and tolerability consistent with the treatment response established in children with ADHD. Non-stimulant medications have demonstrated efficacy as well, and may be preferred in patients with tic and substance use disorders.In this expert roundtable supplement, Timothy E. Wilens, MD, reviews the epidemiology and clinical presentation of adult ADHD. Next, Joseph Biederman, MD, provides an overview of recent advances in the neurobiology of ADHD. Thomas J. Spencer, MD, reviews stimulant treatment of adult ADHD, and Lenard A. Adler concludes with a discussion of non-stimulant trials in adult ADHD.

scholarly journals PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF MEDICATION IMPACT ON BEHAVIOUR AND LEARNING IN CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION/DEFICIT-HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. e35-e35
Author(s):  
Jean-Francois Lemay ◽  
Julie-Anne Lemay ◽  
Hanna Kubas
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Parental Perceptions ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Stimulant Medications ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BACKGROUND Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that often negatively impacts behaviour, cognition, and learning. Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD, with informant reports (e.g., parent questionnaires, surveys) frequently used to evaluate medication impact on behavioural and academic functioning in affected children. OBJECTIVES To determine parental perceptions of medication impact on behaviour and learning in a long-acting methylphenidate (LA-MPH) trial of their children with ADHD. DESIGN/METHODS A randomized controlled LA-MPH medication trial was conducted with children ages 8–12 with a diagnosis of ADHD. Trial began with one-week of baseline assessment, followed by a randomized three-week standard of care medication trial, and a one-week best dose assessment. Following the conclusion of the study (6 months to 2 years’ range post-treatment), families were asked to participate in a voluntary follow-up phone survey to evaluate parental perceptions on child’s behaviour and learning. RESULTS A total of 34/42 (81%) families participated (male to female ratio: 2.1/1). At the time of the follow-up survey, 53% (18/34) and 68% (23/34) of patients were having “difficulty” or “significant difficulty” with their behaviour and learning, respectively. Twenty-three patients (68%) were still on psycho-stimulant medications. Although parents of those 23 children said LA-MPH had in general “significant” or “very significant” impact on their child’s behaviour (87%) and learning (79%), these parents were still reporting challenges with behaviour (52%) and learning (61%) at follow-up. In addition, parents of children not on medication said that their current child’s behaviour and learning was still having the same or more challenging issues (82% and 73% respectively). CONCLUSION Overall, parents reported that medication significantly impacted their child’s behaviour and learning; however, long-term medication impact appears less effective. Thus, an ongoing relationship with families and paediatricians is recommended to better understand the impact of medication on behaviour and learning. Evaluating the effects of medication on behaviour and learning may ultimately lead to targeted intervention that help foster long-term treatment efficacy for children with ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Anxiety Phenomena in Children Treated with Psychostimulant Medication for 6 Months or More

1999 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alasdair L.A. Vance ◽  
Ernest S.L. Luk ◽  
Jan Costin ◽  
Bruce J. Tonge ◽  
Christos Pantelis
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Medication Treatment ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Core Symptoms ◽  
Psychostimulant Medication

Objective: The intermediate- to long-term use of psychostimulant medication has unclear benefits on the core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and delayed onset affective symptom side effects which can mimic these core ADHD symptoms. ‘ADHD and anxiety’ has also been associated with a poor response to short-term psychostimulant medication treatment. In addition, it is unclear whether ‘ADHD and anxiety’ should be defined from the child's and/or the parent's perspective. We propose that anxiety will be increased in children with ADHD who are treated with psychostimulant medication in the intermediate- to long-term who are identified by clinicians as poor responders. Method: Twenty children with ADHD who were medicated for 6 months or more and who had ongoing core symptoms of ADHD were compared to 20 age- and IQ-matched children with ADHD who were medication-naive. Chi-squared tests were performed on the categorical dependent variables and independent t-tests on the dependent continuous variables. Results: Anxiety is significantly increased in children with ADHD treated with psychostimulant medication in the intermediate- to long-term who are noted by clinicians to have ongoing core symptoms of ADHD. This statistically significant finding is evident with both categorical and dimensional measures of anxiety from the child's perspective. Conclusions: The recognition of anxiety and its management in children with ADHD is generally poorly understood. In this particular group of children with ADHD, anxiety may be a side effect of intermediate- to long-term psychostimulant medication and/or a potential marker for a poor response to intermediate- to long-term psychostimulant medication treatment.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Atomoxetine in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. CMPed.S7868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Kohn ◽  
Tracey W. Tsang ◽  
Simon D. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Stimulant Medications ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Double Blinded

Several non-stimulant medications have been used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine, was introduced in 2002. The safety and efficacy of atomoxetine in the treatment of ADHD for children, adolescents, and adults has been evaluated in over 4000 patients in randomized controlled studies and double blinded studies as well as in recent large longitudinal studies. This paper provides an updated summary of the literature on atomoxetine, particularly in relation to findings on the short- and long-term safety of atomoxetine in children and adolescents arising from recent large longitudinal cohort studies. Information is presented about the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of this medication.

Forty years of methylphenidate treatment in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. K. Conners
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Drug Effects ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Stimulant Treatment ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Subject Selection ◽  
Methodological Rigor ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Core Symptoms

This paper reviews approximately 40 years of stimulant drug treatment of children with behavior and learning problems. These patients generally fall under the rubric of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with core symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention being the most studied and most robust of the targets for stimulant treatment. In addition, the drug effects on other targets, such as cognitive and academic function, are included. The largest selection of studies involves methylphenidate. Both qualitative studies and meta-analytic studies from major reviews are examined. Variations in the methodology of the reviews are described and some of the discrepancies in interpretation examined. Despite wide variations in subject selection, types of trials, degree of methodological rigor, and the decade in which the studies took place, the evidence is remarkably consistent. The overall results suggest significant clinical impact upon the core features of ADHD. More studies of long-term effects and special populations such as older adolescents and adults will be necessary, though existing evidence strongly supports similar findings as for the younger patients with a diagnosis of ADHD.

CNS Stimulant Controversies

1989 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 497-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence Levy
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Central Nervous System Stimulant ◽  
Stimulant Medications ◽  
Cns Stimulant

Controversies in the use of central nervous system stimulant medications in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are discussed. Diagnostic issues, age of optimal use, side effects, effects on learning and ethical considerations are current issues. An animal model for the effects of chronic long-term high dose regimes is proposed.

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