Responses to methylphenidate in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and normal children: Update 2002

2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 57-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Rapoport ◽  
G. Inoff-Germain

Since the positive effects of stimulants on disruptive behavior were described (Bradley a Bowen, 1941), further pediatric study has been limited almost exclusively to samples of hyperkinetic school-age children. Because these agents normally were viewed as arousing in their effects on the central nervous system, but were calming in their therapeutic effects on these children, stimulant effects on Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) were interpreted as being “paradoxical.” Investigation of effects in normal children and adolescents and in those with disorders unrelated to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as in young adult samples, however, indicate that stimulants appear to have similar behavioral effects in normal and in hyperactive children. This brief report is an update (as of August 2002) on studies of stimulants in ADHD and normal children, with particular focus on MPH.

Author(s):  
Adelse Prima Muya ◽  
Desy Indra Yani ◽  
Helwiyah Ropi

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral characterized by attention deficit disorder, impulsive behavior, accompanied by excessive activity that is not in accordance with its age in childhood. ADHD can impact on decreasing the Quality of Life (QoL) of children. The study aimed to describe the QoL of ADHD children in SLB C Bandung. The research using descriptive study. The subjects were 63 families with ADHD children with an age range of 8-12 years who attended school in 5 types of SLB C in Bandung. Sampling used total sampling technique with inventory questionnaires including a child QoL questionnaire (Peds QL). Data were analyzed using descriptive analyze. The results showed that more than half of the QoL of ADHD children was classified as poor. The QoL of children with ADHD is very important because there are various aspects in their lives, both in terms of health, emotional, social, and school activities. This study explains QoL of ADHD children starting from physical, logistical, social and school functions. From this explanation, it is expected that in the part of QoL for ADHD children to be repaired, also which parts can be repaired and the care and attention needed to be improved.


2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 71-73
Author(s):  
Sahbal Aras ◽  
Semih Semin

Recently, the use of psychostimulant medication in children with symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been subject to extensive debate. The problems faced while assessing and diagnosing ADHD, unnecessary prescribing of psychostimulants, the possible side-effects of psychostimulants on the developing brain, the risk of drug dependency, and the risk of stigmatising children through medicalisation of normal life events are considered among the principal objections to the use of psychostimulant medications. On the other hand, what also need to be taken into account are the increasing evidence on the genetic, biochemical and diagnostic validity of the disorder, the data showing the therapeutic effects of psychostimulants and the rarity of the above-mentioned side-effects, as well as the ethical problems created by insufficient treatment of children because of the concerns of parents. A critical evaluation of these conflicting opinions by mental health professionals might contribute to the application of ethical principles. While making this kind of evaluation, it is important to pay regard to the specific sociocultural features of the country, as well as the prevailing worldwide discussion.


Author(s):  
Neda Ghadamgahi Sani ◽  
◽  
Malahat Akbarfahimi ◽  
Shadi Akbari ◽  
Mehdi Alizadeh Zarei ◽  
...  

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood psychiatric disorders which is characterized by poor attention and subsequently lower learning capacities comparing with normal children. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of neurofeedback and perceptual-motor exercises as two common non-pharmacological treatments on visual attention. Method: 40 combined medicated ADHD children (aged 5-12 years) were allocated randomly in two groups: neurofeedback training and perceptual-motor exercises. Visual attention and motor proficiency were assessed before and after the treatment by Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT), respectively. Results: according to repeated measures ANOVA, both groups showed significant improvement in three attention-related areas of CPT including reaction time, omission and commission errors (p<0.001), while the difference between two groups was not significant (p>0.05). However, in perceptual-motor exercises group, motor proficiency improved significantly (p<0.01). Conclusion: neurofeedback training intervention, as well as perceptual-motor exercises, are effective in improving ADHD symptoms and given the similar effect of both interventions and their lack of side-effects, perceptual-motor exercises appear to be the more appropriate option for reducing symptoms of ADHD, due to its additional effect on motor proficiency, rich content of purposeful activities and social interactions.


1998 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 650-657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alasdair L. A. Vance ◽  
Ernest S. L. Luk

Objective: The co-occurrence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety is a well-established clinical observation. However, its status as a clinical construct is debated. We review the prevalence of ‘ADHD and anxiety’, its definitions, and its clinical correlates and we hypothesise that neurodevelopmental deficits may be increased in ‘ADHD and anxiety’. Method: The authors identified empirical studies in the psychiatric and psychological literature. The search categories included hyperactivity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder and anxiety. Results: ‘ADHD and anxiety’ is considerably more common in clinical than epidemiological samples. There are a range of definitions which address the situational variation in both ADHD and anxiety symptoms and the use of categorical and continuous variables to define them. Yet the nature of the anxiety is still unclear. It is associated with a poor response to psychostimulant medication treatment, and alternative pharmacotherapy approaches have been suggested. There is a controversy about whether neurodevelopmental deficits are associated with hyperactivity alone, or anxiety, or both. Conclusions: ‘ADHD and anxiety’ is important clinically because it is common and less responsive to psychostimulant medication. Important research issues include its heterogeneity which necessitates the collection of parent, teacher, and child self-reports of symptoms' presence or absence and the hypothesis that neurodevelopmental deficits may be increased in this group of children.


1993 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia A. Riccio ◽  
George W. Hynd ◽  
Morris J. Cohen ◽  
Jose J. Gonzalez

Since the turn of the century, researchers have believed that attention deficit disorder (ADD) involves brain dysfunction. Many theories have been researched in an attempt to resolve the nature of brain dysfunction that has resulted in behaviors associated with ADD. In the past two decades, with an expansion of research technology, significant changes have occurred in the conceptualization of ADD—with or without hyperactivity—as well as in the neurological models relating to the etiology of this disorder. This article reviews these models and presents neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neurophysiological perspectives on ADD.


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