Fifteen-minute consultation: To prescribe or not to prescribe in ADHD, that is the question

2020 ◽  
pp. edpract-2020-318866
Author(s):  
Annie Swanepoel
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Social Construct ◽  
Developmental Trauma ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Evolutionary Science

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is fraught with controversy. Some clinicians believe it is a biological neurodevelopmental disorder which should be treated with medication. Others are adamant that ADHD is a social construct in which children, who have suffered developmental trauma, are medicalised. Evolutionary science may help us find a solution to this dichotomy by seeing ADHD as an example of an evolutionary mismatch in which children with ADHD are caught in a school environment that does not suit their natures. By considering how to improve the ‘goodness of fit’ between the child and their environment, clinicians can be more flexible in finding solutions that are ethically sound.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study of 0.6 Million Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (01) ◽  
pp. e97-e103
Author(s):  
Irene Rethemiotaki
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder

AbstractAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly recognized chronic neurodevelopmental disorder. This work aims at studying the prevalence and clinical characteristics of children with ADHD in the United States in the period between 2009 and 2018. Data from the National Health Interview Survey were analyzed by univariate and multivariate statistics to assess the role of socioeconomic factors in the development of ADHD. It has been studied 615,608 children, 51.2% male and 48.7% female. The prevalence of ADHD was 9.13%, with males predominating over females. The number of children with ADHD increased from 2009 to 2018 by 14.8%. As specified by multiple logistic regression analysis, males (odds ratio [OR] 2.38) who have neither mother nor father (OR 1.76) are twice as likely to have ADHD compared with their peers. In addition, family income (OR 1.40) and parent's education (OR 1.12) were significantly associated with ADHD. It has been highlighted the significance of deprivation of both family and financial comfort as primary indicators for ADHD in children. Moreover, children with ADHD were more likely to be males in the age group of 12 to 17.

C-43 The Relation Between Executive Functioning and Fluid Reasoning Performance in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1072-1072
Author(s):  
N Coultis ◽  
A Brown ◽  
E Heideman
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Word Identification ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Fluid Reasoning

Abstract Objective Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 5% of school-aged children.4 Fluid reasoning (FR) tasks assess one’s ability to detect underlying conceptual relationships and use reasoning to identify and apply rules to problem solve.4 Previous research has demonstrated that children with ADHD perform more poorly in FR, though the mechanism behind this is unclear.3,4 The literature suggests that FR is reliant on executive functioning skills such as inhibitory control, working memory, and planning.1,4 Therefore, this study examines how performance on FR from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) is related to measures of executive functioning (EF) and attention in children with ADHD. Method Participants were children aged 8 to 16-years with ADHD (N = 75) referred for neuropsychological testing. Participant demographics: males (N = 50, 65.8%), females (N = 26, 34.2%); African American (5.3%), Asian (1.3%), Caucasian (52.6%), Other (39.5%). Measures included the WISC-V Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI), Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Color Word Identification (CWI) and Tower subtests, omissions/commissions on the Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) subscales. Results Bivariate correlations showed that the FRI was only significantly positively correlated with CWI Inhibition/Switching Time (r = .246, p = .047). Commission errors on the CPT approached significance (r = .217, p = .145). Conclusion The WISC-V FRI may be vulnerable to weaknesses in EF or behavioral control in children with ADHD and should be interpreted in that context. Findings suggest the FRI may be particularly impacted by weaknesses in inhibitory control.

scholarly journals Foundation Phase teachers’ understanding of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at Johannesburg independent schools

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara H. Jaye ◽  
Cecil Levy ◽  
Jacob Majakwara ◽  
Sheri Hanson
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Independent Schools ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Discussion Group ◽  
Classroom Setting ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder is a common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. The symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention often become evident in a structured classroom setting. Teachers play a key role in identifying these features and referring these pupils for assessments.Aim: This study investigated the understanding and perceptions of ADHD amongst Foundation Phase teachers at independent schools in Johannesburg.Setting: This study was conducted at nine independent schools in the Johannesburg area.Methods: A total of 95 teachers filled out a standardised questionnaire, the Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale (KADDS), which looks at three aspects of ADHD, namely, associated features, symptoms and treatment. The teachers also answered several demographic questions such as their sex, age, level of education, knowledge of a person outside the school with ADHD and confidence to teach a child with ADHD. An informal directed discussion group was conducted, which comprised 32 teachers who had filled in the questionnaire. Open-ended questions were asked during the discussion group.Results: The overall results were the highest obtained compared to similar previous studies. These teachers had a very good knowledge with regard to the symptoms of ADHD, they had a fair understanding about the treatment of ADHD and their knowledge about the associated features of ADHD was limited. Exposure to children with ADHD and higher number of ADHD workshops attended and ADHD articles read were beneficial to the teachers’ overall knowledge about ADHD. Years of experience and the age of the teacher were not associated with a greater knowledge about ADHD.Conclusion: Independent school Foundation Phase teachers displayed a good level of knowledge about ADHD. This knowledge was enhanced by continual ADHD education and exposure to children with ADHD.

scholarly journals An Exercise Program Designed for Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder for Use in School Physical Education: Feasibility and Utility

Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor ◽  
Novo ◽  
Foreman
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Reported Data

Moderate to high intensity exercise can improve cognitive function and behavior in children including those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, exercise with long periods of the same activity, or inactivity can fail to engage or maintain their attention. This study examined the effect of exercise sessions developed to engage children with ADHD. Twelve children (10–11 years), six with a diagnosis of ADHD and six with no diagnosis, undertook 40-minute sessions of short-duration, mixed activities bi-weekly for eleven weeks. ADHD symptoms and exercise enjoyment were recorded before six and eleven weeks of intervention. Teacher-reported data showed ADHD symptoms were significantly decreased in the children with ADHD, with a moderate to large effect size. There were no changes in the control group. All children indicated equal enjoyment of the exercise sessions. Specially designed exercise sessions stimulate and maintain engagement by children with ADHD and may reduce ADHD symptom levels in the school environment. The method that supports inclusive practice in physical education (PE) was successfully transferred to the study school and led by the usual class teacher. Children evaluated the exercises as acceptable and enjoyable for those with and without ADHD. This inclusive exercise method might help children manage ADHD symptoms.

scholarly journals O Transtorno do Défict de Atenção e Hiperatividade na Educação Infantil: Das Dificuldades às Principais Conquistas / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Early Childhood Education: From Difficulties to Major Achievements

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (58) ◽  
pp. 648-659
Author(s):  
Camila Naiara Nogueira ◽  
Aurelania Maria De Carvalho Menezes
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Education ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Childhood Education ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Teaching Learning

O presente estudo traz uma temática que tem sido um grande desafio para a educação, o Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH), pois é um dos transtornos que, no âmbito escolar, tem provocado um olhar diferenciado, onde escola e pais precisam ser parceiros para contribuírem com o desenvolvimento da criança e sua adaptação no ambiente escolar. Teve como objetivo, conhecer as causas e o diagnóstico do TDAH, assim como analisar o processo da construção e efetivação da aprendizagem, identificar as dificuldades e conquistas da criança com TDAH no universo escolar. O trabalho tem caráter bibliográfico e de natureza qualitativa, embasando nas pesquisas de autores como: Afonso (2011), Andrade (1997), Antunes (2001), Giacomini (2006), Pereira (2010), Silva (2003) e outros. Investigou-se os conceitos, as características e diagnósticos, buscando ampliar os conhecimentos a respeito do TDAH no processo de ensino-aprendizagem, tendo como público-alvo a etapa de ensino da Educação Infantil e seus educadores. ---This study brings a theme that has been a great challenge for education, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as it is one of the disorders that, in the school environment, has caused a different look, where school and parents need to be partners to contribute to the child's development and adaptation to the school environment. Its objective was to know the causes and diagnosis of ADHD, as well as to analyze the process of construction and realization of learning, to identify the difficulties and achievements of children with ADHD in the school environment. The work is bibliographical and qualitative in nature, based on the research of authors such as: Afonso (2011), Andrade (1997), Antunes (2001), Giacomini (2006), Pereira (2010), Silva (2003) and others. The concepts, characteristics and diagnoses were investigated, seeking to expand knowledge about ADHD in the teaching-learning process, having as target audience the stage of teaching Early Childhood Education and its educators.

scholarly journals The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Oculomotor Control in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1047
Author(s):  
Alice Cade ◽  
Kelly Jones ◽  
Kelly Holt ◽  
Abdul Moiz Penkar ◽  
Heidi Haavik
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Spinal Manipulation ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Oculomotor Control ◽  
Single Session ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Control Intervention

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent, chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects oculomotor (eye movement) control. Dysfunctional oculomotor control may result in reading or educational difficulties. This randomized controlled crossover study sought to investigate the feasibility of a larger scale trial and effects of a single session of spinal manipulation on oculomotor control in children with ADHD. Thirty children participated in the study and were randomized into either control-first or spinal manipulation first groups. The results indicate that the trial was feasible. Secondary outcomes showed that there was a significant decrease in reading time after the spinal manipulation intervention compared to the control intervention. Future studies of the effects of spinal manipulation on oculomotor control in children with ADHD are suggested.

scholarly journals Cortical Morphometric Abnormality and Its Association with Working Memory in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 679-687
Author(s):  
Fei-Fei Si ◽  
Lu Liu ◽  
Hai-Mei Li ◽  
Li Sun ◽  
Qing-Jiu Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Cortical Volume ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Cortical Morphology

Objective Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents. The present study investigated the cortical morphology features and their relationship with working memory (WM).Methods In the present study, a total of 36 medication naïve children with ADHD (aged from 8 to 15 years) and 36 age- and gendermatched healthy control (HC) children were included. The digit span test was used to evaluate WM. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to examine the characteristics of cortical morphology. Firstly, we compared the cortical morphology features between two groups to identify the potential structural alterations of cortical volume, surface, thickness, and curvature in children with ADHD. Then, the correlation between the brain structural abnormalities and WM was further explored in children with ADHD.Results Compared with the HC children, the children with ADHD showed reduced cortical volumes in the left lateral superior temporal gyrus (STG) (p=6.67×10-6) and left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) (p=3.88×10-4). In addition, the cortical volume of left lateral STG was positively correlated with WM (r=0.36, p=0.029).Conclusion Though preliminary, these findings suggest that the reduced cortical volumes of left lateral STG may contribute to the pathogenesis of ADHD and correlate with WM in children with ADHD.

Physical Fitness and Resting EEG in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching-Wen Huang ◽  
Chung-Ju Huang ◽  
Chiao-Ling Hung ◽  
Chia-Hao Shih ◽  
Tsung-Min Hung
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Higher Power ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
The Relationship

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are characterized by a deviant pattern of brain oscillations during resting state, particularly elevated theta power and increased theta/alpha and theta/beta ratios that are related to cognitive functioning. Physical fitness has been found beneficial to cognitive performance in a wide age population. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and resting-state electroencephalographic (EEG) oscillations in children with ADHD. EEG was recorded during eyes-open resting for 28 children (23 boys and 5 girls, 8.66 ± 1.10 years) with ADHD, and a battery of physical fitness assessments including flexibility, muscular endurance, power, and agility tests were administered. The results indicated that ADHD children with higher power fitness exhibited a smaller theta/alpha ratio than those with lower power fitness. These findings suggest that power fitness may be associated with improved attentional self-control in children with ADHD.

The Impact of Copper in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-283
Author(s):  
Mihail Silviu Tudosie ◽  
Elena Truta ◽  
Ana Maria Davitoiu ◽  
Luminita Stanciulescu ◽  
George Jinescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Copper Concentration ◽  
Graphite Furnace ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
Health State ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
The Impact

During one year (september 2013 � september 2014), 50 children from the residential institution for children SOS Satele Copiilor Bucharest, where included in our research. The children were distributed in two groups: Group A which consisted of 25 children (12 girls, 13 boys) who were not diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Group B which consisted of 25 children (14 boys, 11 girls) who were diagnosed with ADHD. Initially, the two groups were subjected at a psycho-diagnostic battery of tests, one of them being the Evaluating the Health State of children with ADHD questionnaire elaborated by us, particularly for this research, with the purpose of highlighting the direct link between the children health state and their ADHD symptoms. This study sought to determine the concentration of copper in urine samples from a group of children with ADHD and a group of normal children, to highlight the role of copper in the development of ADHD symptoms. Levels of copper concentration in urine samples from the two groups were processed by Student�s t-Test. Statistical analysis showed that the arithmetic averages of copper concentration in urine samples, of the two groups do not differ significantly, so copper may be causing ADHD symptoms occur. The copper content in urine samples has been determined using atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace.

Good Holders, Bad Shufflers: An Examination of Working Memory Processes and Modalities in Children with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley N. Simone ◽  
Anne-Claude V. Bédard ◽  
David J. Marks ◽  
Jeffrey M. Halperin
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Specific Pattern ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Group Condition ◽  
Visual Spatial

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine working memory (WM) modalities (visual-spatial and auditory-verbal) and processes (maintenance and manipulation) in children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The sample consisted of 63 8-year-old children with ADHD and an age- and sex-matched non-ADHD comparison group (N=51). Auditory-verbal and visual-spatial WM were assessed using the Digit Span and Spatial Span subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Integrated - Fourth Edition. WM maintenance and manipulation were assessed via forward and backward span indices, respectively. Data were analyzed using a 3-way Group (ADHD vs. non-ADHD)×Modality (Auditory-Verbal vs. Visual-Spatial)×Condition (Forward vs. Backward) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Secondary analyses examined differences between Combined and Predominantly Inattentive ADHD presentations. Significant Group×Condition (p=.02) and Group×Modality (p=.03) interactions indicated differentially poorer performance by those with ADHD on backward relative to forward and visual-spatial relative to auditory-verbal tasks, respectively. The 3-way interaction was not significant. Analyses targeting ADHD presentations yielded a significant Group×Condition interaction (p=.009) such that children with ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive Presentation performed differentially poorer on backward relative to forward tasks compared to the children with ADHD-Combined Presentation. Findings indicate a specific pattern of WM weaknesses (i.e., WM manipulation and visual-spatial tasks) for children with ADHD. Furthermore, differential patterns of WM performance were found for children with ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive versus Combined Presentations. (JINS, 2016, 22, 1–11)

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