Actigraphic Sleep Pattern of Preschoolers With ADHD

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 611-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Grazia Melegari ◽  
Elena Vittori ◽  
Luca Mallia ◽  
Alessandra Devoto ◽  
Fabio Lucidi ◽  
...  

Objective: To assess the features of sleep in preschoolers with ADHD by means of questionnaire and actigraphy. Method: Twenty-five ADHD and 21 age-matched typically developing (TD) preschool children underwent the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for ages 1½ to 5 and Pre-School-Age Psychiatric Assessment interview. Sleep was assessed by means of a modified Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children and wrist actigraphy for at least 5 days. Results: Children with ADHD, compared with TD, showed higher scores in CBCL Withdrawal (58.83 vs. 51.15, p < .0001), Attention Problems (69.88 vs. 51.54, p < .0001), and Aggressive Behavior (59.46 vs. 51.08, p < .0001) dimensions; they also showed increased actigraphic nocturnal activity (activity index 31.57 vs. 25.74, p < .05); and night-to-night variability for sleep minutes (56.44 vs. 32.79, p < .01), mean wake episodes (1.34 vs. 0.98, p < .05), mean activity (2.64 vs. 1.71, p < .05), and activity index (5.15 vs. 3.77, p < .05). Conclusion: This pilot study in preschoolers with ADHD showed increased motor activity during sleep and night-to-night variability for sleep duration and motor activity.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-62
Author(s):  
Miguel Villa ◽  
María Isabel Barriopedro Moro ◽  
Luis Miguel Ruiz Pérez

A high proportion of children with Attention problems (ADHD) experience motor competence problems. The present study sought to compare the motor competence between a group of ADHD students and a normative sample before and after controlling for motor coordination problems, and check if there are differences between the group with ADHD and the group with DT, depending on the presence or not of the DCD concurrent with the ADHD.  A total of 22 children with ADHD combined type (ADHD-CT; 12–13 years, SD 0.7, 16 males, 6 females) and 23 age-matched typically developing children with no movement difficulties (12-13 years, SD 0.7 16 males, 7 females) participated in this study. Motor coordination was measured using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd Edition (MABC-2). ADHD symptoms were assessed by the school’s Department of Psychology.The ADHD diagnosis is based on  diagnostic criteria established by the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and the application of the following behavioral scales and evaluation of executive functions have been followed: Child Behavior Checklist for ages; Behavior Ratting Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF); Scales for the Evaluation of ADHD (EDAH). Based on the MABC-2 score (percentile score ≤ 5th), ADHD children were classified into two groups: co-occurring DCD/ADHD and ADHD group. Results showed that children with ADHD and typically developing (TD) children showed big individual differences on all motor skill areas and on overall percentile scores. Thirteen children with ADHD were delayed, and three were at risk for motor delays. Only four TD children were at risk for motor delays. DCD/ADHD group scored significantly lower than the TD group across all motor skill areas, while ADHD group scored lower than the TD group only on manual dexterity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 535-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Grazia Melegari ◽  
Stefania Sette ◽  
Elena Vittori ◽  
Luca Mallia ◽  
Alessandra Devoto ◽  
...  

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the links between temperament and sleep in a group of preschoolers with ADHD. Method: Twenty-five ADHD ( M = 5.37 years, SD = 1.09) and 22 typically developing (TD; M = 5.10, SD = 1.18) preschoolers participated in the study. Sleep was assessed with the Sleep Disturbance Scale and wrist actigraphy. The Preschool Temperament and Character Inventory (PsTCI) was used to evaluate the child temperament. Results: ADHD children showed a temperamental profile characterized by higher novelty seeking, lower persistence, self-directness, and cooperativeness and marginally lower harm avoidance (HA) compared with controls. HA was associated negatively to wakefulness after sleep onset and sleep fragmentation and positively with sleep efficiency and sleep time. Reward dependence was negatively associated with wake episode length. Conclusion: Sleep and temperament are correlated in preschoolers with ADHD and temperament might represent an intermediate endophenotype underlying the relation between ADHD and sleep disorders.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 887-899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Grazia Melegari ◽  
Roberto Sacco ◽  
Barbara Manzi ◽  
Elena Vittori ◽  
Antonio M. Persico

Objective: This study aims to develop an age-adjusted Child Behavior Checklist- (CBCL) and Teacher Report Form (TRF)-based method for the detection of deficient emotional self-regulation (DESR) in preschoolers with ADHD and to assess its incidence, comorbidities, and consequences on interpersonal functioning. Method: Eighty-six ADHD preschoolers and 104 controls were assessed using CBCL, TRF/1½ to 5, Psychiatric Interview With Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment, Leiter-R, and ADHD rating scales. Results: Greatest sensitivity and specificity were obtained applying slightly lower threshold scores compared with school-age children (CBCL: Anxiety/Depression [A/D] ≥ 59, Attention Problems [AP] ≥ 60, Aggression Behaviors [AB] ≥ 58; TRF: A/D ≥ 59, AP ≥ 60, AB ≥ 60). DESR was detected in 33/86 (38.4%) and in 16/54 (29.6%) ADHD preschoolers versus 2/104 (1.9%) controls using CBCL and TRF, respectively. DESR is associated with significantly greater comorbidity and impairment in interpersonal functioning. Conclusion: Among ADHD preschoolers, DESR (a) requires lower CBCL and TRF threshold scores for detection, compared with school-age children, (b) displays similar incidence rates, and (c) is associated with enhanced psychiatric comorbidity and interpersonal difficulties.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Lange ◽  
Kevin Shield ◽  
Jürgen Rehm ◽  
Evdokia Anagnostou ◽  
Svetlana Popova

Abstract Background The lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria and the high rate of psychiatric comorbidity make it difficult to diagnose Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). In an effort to improve the diagnosis of FASD, the current study aimed to identify a neurodevelopmental profile that is both sensitive and specific to FASD. Methods A secondary analysis was conducted on data obtained from the Canadian component of the World Health Organization International Study on the Prevalence of FASD. Data on neurodevelopmental status and behavior were derived from a battery of standardized tests and the Child Behavior Checklist for 21 children with FASD, 28 children with other neurodevelopmental disorders, and 37 typically developing control children, aged 7 to 11 years. Two latent profile analyses were performed to derive discriminative profiles: i) children with FASD compared with typically developing control children, and ii) children with FASD compared with typically developing control children and children with other neurodevelopmental disorders. The classification function of the resulting profiles was evaluated using the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Confidence intervals (CIs) were approximated using 10,000 bootstrapped samples. Results The neurodevelopmental profile of FASD tested consisted of impairments in perceptual reasoning, verbal comprehension, visual-motor speed and motor coordination, processing speed (nonverbal information), attention and executive function, visuospatial processing, and language, in combination with rule-breaking behavior and attention problems. When children with FASD were compared with typically developing control children, a 2-class model fit the data best and resulted in a sensitivity of 95.2% (95% CI: 84.2–100.0%), specificity of 89.2% (95% CI: 78.4–97.5%), PPV of 83.3% (95% CI: 66.7–96.2%), and NPV of 97.1% (95% CI: 90.3–100.0%). When children with FASD were compared with typically developing control children and children with other neurodevelopmental disorders, the neurodevelopmental profile correctly identified only 56.9% (95% CI: 45.1–69.2%) of typically developing children and children with other neurodevelopmental disorders as not having FASD, and thus the profile was found not to be specific to children with FASD. Conclusion The findings question the uniqueness of children with FASD with respect to their neurodevelopmental impairments and behavioral manifestations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alissa Papadopoulos ◽  
Diane Seguin ◽  
Susana Correa ◽  
Emma G. Duerden

AbstractThe symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention displayed by children with ADHD put them at risk of experiencing peer victimization. Hippocampal maturation, may reduce a child’s vulnerability to the experience of peer victimization, as it has been associated with decreased ADHD symptomatology. Working memory is an important executive function in the formation and maintenance of social relationships, which is often impaired in ADHD. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between problem behaviours, peer victimization, hippocampal morphology, and working memory in children with and without ADHD. 218 typically-developing participants (50.5% male) and 232 participants diagnosed with ADHD (77.6% male) were recruited. The ADHD group was subdivided into inattentive (ADHD-I) or combined (ADHD-C) types. The Child Behavior Checklist measured problem behaviours and peer victimization. Children underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Hippocampal subfield volumes were obtained using FreeSurfer. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-fifth edition measured working memory (WM). The ADHD-C group displayed significantly higher levels of problem behaviours and peer victimization (all, p < 0.001), compared to the other groups. Left Cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) volume was a positive predictor of peer victimization (all, p < 0.013). Left CA3 volume was a positive predictor of WM and left Cornu Ammonis 4 (CA4) volume negatively predicted WM (all, p < 0.025). A cluster analysis revealed that children displaying symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are the most at risk for peer victimization. Interventions focusing on minimizing peer victimization may aid in mitigating adverse downstream effects, and assist in promoting brain health and cognitive function.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1045-1056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shereen Elmaghrabi ◽  
Maria Julia Nahmias ◽  
Nicoletta Adamo ◽  
Adriana Di Martino ◽  
Krishna Somandepalli ◽  
...  

Objective: Elevated response time intrasubject variability (RT-ISV) characterizes ADHD. Deficient emotional self-regulation (DESR), defined by summating Child Behavior Checklist Anxious/Depressed, Aggressive, and Attention subscale scores, has been associated with worse outcome in ADHD. To determine if DESR is differentially associated with elevated RT-ISV, we examined RT-ISV in children with ADHD with and without DESR and in typically developing children (TDC). Method: We contrasted RT-ISV during a 6-min Eriksen Flanker Task in 31 children with ADHD without DESR, 34 with ADHD with DESR, and 65 TDC. Results: Regardless of DESR, children with ADHD showed significantly greater RT-ISV than TDC ( p < .001). The ADHD subgroups, defined by presence or absence of DESR, did not differ from each other. Conclusion: Increased RT-ISV characterizes ADHD regardless of comorbid DESR. Alongside similar findings in children and adults with ADHD, these results suggest that RT-ISV is related to cognitive rather than emotional dysregulation in ADHD.


Author(s):  
Floriana Costanzo ◽  
Elisa Fucà ◽  
Deny Menghini ◽  
Antonella Rita Circelli ◽  
Giovanni Augusto Carlesimo ◽  
...  

Event-based prospective memory (PM) was investigated in children with Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), using a novel experimental procedure to evaluate the role of working memory (WM) load, attentional focus, and reward sensitivity. The study included 24 children with ADHD and 23 typically-developing controls. The experimental paradigm comprised one baseline condition (BC), only including an ongoing task, and four PM conditions, varying for targets: 1 Target (1T), 4 Targets (4T), Unfocal (UN), and Reward (RE). Children with ADHD were slower than controls on all PM tasks and less accurate on both ongoing and PM tasks on the 4T and UN conditions. Within the ADHD group, the accuracy in the RE condition did not differ from BC. A significant relationship between ADHD-related symptoms and reduced accuracy/higher speed in PM conditions (PM and ongoing trials), but not in BC, was detected. Our data provide insight on the adverse role of WM load and attentional focus and the positive influence of reward in the PM performance of children with ADHD. Moreover, the relation between PM and ADHD symptoms paves the road for PM as a promising neuropsychological marker for ADHD diagnosis and intervention.


1989 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael W. Churton

The review of literature focuses upon a disorder that affects between 2 and 25% of school-age children. Commonly referred to as hyperkinesis, the disorder lacks definitive consensus on nomenclature, etiology, treatment, and symptomatology. The divergence in identifying hyperkinesis as a homogeneous disorder has prevented the development of data based educational strategies. The disorder is often associated with learning disabilities, and research in hyperkinesis or attentional deficit disorder relative to psychomotor skills and learning has been limited. Subsequently, motor activity programs have not had the resources to address the motor needs of these children. This paper reviews the divergency in the literature on hyperkinesis and offers research considerations in the area of motor learning and development for these children.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keri S. Rosch ◽  
Stewart H. Mostofsky

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine delay discounting in girls and boys with ADHD-Combined type (ADHD-C) relative to typically developing (TD) children on two tasks that differ in the extent to which the rewards and delays were experienced by participants. Children ages 8–12 years with ADHD-C (n=65; 19 girls) and TD controls (n=55; 15 girls) completed two delay discounting tasks involving a series of choices between smaller, immediate and larger, delayed rewards. The classic delay discounting task involved choices about money at delays of 1–90 days and only some of the outcomes were actually experienced by the participants. The novel real-time discounting task involved choices about an immediately consumable reward (playing a preferred game) at delays of 25–100 s, all of which were actually experienced by participants. Participants also provided subjective ratings of how much they liked playing the game and waiting to play. Girls with ADHD-C displayed greater delay discounting compared to boys with ADHD-C and TD girls and boys on the real-time discounting task. Diagnostic group differences were not evident on the classic discounting task. In addition, children with ADHD-C reported wanting to play the game more and liking waiting to play the game less than TD children. This novel demonstration of greater delay discounting among girls with ADHD-C on a discounting task in which the rewards are immediately consumable and the delays are experienced in real-time informs our understanding of sex differences and motivational processes in children with ADHD. (JINS, 2016, 22, 12–23)


2005 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 802-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-Won Kim ◽  
Ki-Hong Park ◽  
Keun-Ah Cheon ◽  
Boong-Nyun Kim ◽  
Soo-Churl Cho ◽  
...  

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical validities and efficiencies of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ARS) in identifying children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Korean community-based samples. Method: A large sample of elementary school students ( n = 1668) participated in this study. We used the CBCL and the ARS as the screening instruments. Diagnoses were determined by clinical psychiatric interviews and confirmed by DSM-IV–based structured interviews. Results: Of the 46 subjects who underwent clinical psychiatric interviews, 33 were diagnosed as having ADHD. A T score of 60 with regard to the Attention Problems profile of the CBCL resulted in a reasonable level of sensitivity or positive predictive value in the diagnosis of ADHD. In both the parent and teacher reports of the ARS, 90th percentile cut-off points resulted in a high level of predictive value. The highest levels of specificity and positive predictive value were obtained when we combined the CBCL ( T ≥ 60 in Attention Problems) and the ARS (parent–teacher total ≥ 90th percentile) reports. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the combined use of the CBCL and the ARS could serve as a rapid and useful clinical method of predicting or even diagnosing children with ADHD in epidemiologic case definitions.


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