scholarly journals Considering learning disabilities and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder when assessing for neurodegenerative disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 520-526
Author(s):  
Mary K. Colvin ◽  
Janet C. Sherman
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disease ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Specific Learning

Purpose of reviewWhen evaluating an older adult for a possible neurodegenerative disease, the role of premorbid specific learning disabilities or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be considered. These neurodevelopmental conditions can manifest as lifelong weaknesses and variability in cognitive functions that complicate assessment of cognitive decline. There is also accumulating evidence that certain neurodevelopmental disorders may entail greater risk for specific neurodegenerative disorders.Recent findingsWe describe clinical cases where diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease was influenced by preexisting neurodevelopmental disorders. We also present a questionnaire to assist with screening for premorbid learning disabilities and ADHD in older adults.SummaryThis article offers clinical guidance for practicing neurologists in the identification and assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders in older adult patients, which informs management and treatment. Consideration of lifetime functioning has become increasingly important with research linking neurodevelopmental disabilities to increased risk of specific neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and risk for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in siblings

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Jokiranta-Olkoniemi ◽  
Keely Cheslack-Postava ◽  
Petteri Joelsson ◽  
Auli Suominen ◽  
Alan S. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

AbstractBackgroundProbands with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk for several psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. The risk of these disorders among the siblings of probands has not been thoroughly assessed in a population-based cohort.MethodsEvery child born in Finland in 1991–2005 and diagnosed with ADHD in 1995–2011 were identified from national registers. Each case was matched with four controls on sex, place, and date of birth. The full siblings of the cases and controls were born in 1981–2007 and diagnosed in 1981–2013. In total, 7369 cases with 12 565 siblings and 23 181 controls with 42 753 siblings were included in the analyses conducted using generalized estimating equations.Results44.2% of the cases and 22.2% of the controls had at least one sibling diagnosed with any psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorder (risk ratio, RR = 2.1; 95% CI 2.0–2.2). The strongest associations were demonstrated for childhood-onset disorders including ADHD (RR = 5.7; 95% CI 5.1–6.3), conduct and oppositional disorders (RR = 4.0; 95% CI 3.5–4.5), autism spectrum disorders (RR = 3.9; 95% CI 3.3–4.6), other emotional and social interaction disorders (RR = 2.7; 95% CI 2.4–3.1), learning and coordination disorders (RR = 2.6; 95% CI 2.4–2.8), and intellectual disability (RR = 2.4; 95% CI 2.0–2.8). Also, bipolar disorder, unipolar mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, other neurotic and personality disorders, substance abuse disorders, and anxiety disorders occurred at increased frequency among the siblings of cases.ConclusionsThe results offer potential utility for early identification of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in at-risk siblings of ADHD probands and also argue for more studies on common etiologies.

Evaluations for Testing Accommodations for Adolescents and Adults with Specific Learning Disorders or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

2017 ◽  
pp. 654-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Mapou
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Learning Disorders ◽  
Testing Accommodations ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Specific Learning Disorder ◽  
Disability Law ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Specific Learning

Testing to determine if adolescents or adults have a specific learning disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a niche practice area for psychologists experienced with assessment. Testing may be done to update earlier documentation or to determine whether an individual having difficulty in school or on the job has a learning disability or ADHD that accounts for his or her difficulties. Often, one goal of these evaluations is to determine if an individual qualifies for accommodations on classroom and standardized tests. This chapter describe the author’s training and the information clinicians need to have to complete these evaluations. Clinicians must be familiar with research on learning disabilities and ADHD in adolescents and adults, so that their evaluations will be evidence based, and with disability law. The positive and negative aspects of this practice area and business considerations are discussed. The chapter concludes with advice for how clinicians interested in these evaluations can obtain training.

scholarly journals The role of circadian rhythms in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity: A narrative review

Salud Mental ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-30
Author(s):  
Frinné Galicia ◽  
Patricia Zavaleta Ramírez ◽  
Lino Villavicencio ◽  
Francisco R. de la Peña ◽  
Karla Garza Gallegos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

Background. A relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity has been consistently documented. Obesity and metabolic syndrome have been associated with misalignment between daily activities and circadian rhythm. ADHD patients have a high prevalence of delayed sleep phase syndrome, which is a circadian rhythm disorder. Understanding this relationship is important for the evaluation of obese population at risk. Objective. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the information updated until 2019 about the role of circadian rhythms in obese ADHD individuals. Method. A search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar database. The terms ADHD, obesity, circadian rhythm, sleep disorders, adolescent, adult, Adolesc, circadian, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and child were combined with logical functions. Results. A total of 132 articles were reviewed. Evidence showed that ADHD subjects have an increased risk to present obesity and circadian rhythms disorders. Some possible pathways for this relationship have been hypothesized including obesity as a risk factor, an underpinned common biological dysfunction, and behavioral and cognitive features of individuals with ADHD. As most of the articles are methodologically cross-sectional, it is not possible to establish causative associations. Discussion and conclusion. This review points out the importance of early recognizing and treating circadian rhythms disorders and obesity in ADHD patients. Future studies must be carried out with a longitudinal design to establish the effect of each comorbidity in the treatment of individuals with ADHD.

Hidden impairments

2019 ◽  
pp. 726-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marios Adamou ◽  
John Hobson
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Specific Learning Disabilities ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Chronic Disorders ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Specific Learning

This chapter on hidden impairments considers the neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and their impact on employment and how occupational health (OH) professionals can provide appropriate advice on fitness to work. These chronic disorders have a combined prevalence of up to 6%, are highly co-morbid, and commonly present with specific learning disabilities such as dyspraxia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. As the term implies, they are often missed by clinicians and are costly to society. With equality legislation and increasing diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, OH professionals should be aware of the functional impact of these conditions and the behavioural and cognitive challenges to performance at work so they can best support the individual and advise the employer. The chapter provides guidance on how work can be designed and organized to enable people with neurodevelopmental disorders to obtain and retain suitable employment and to benefit from work.

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