scholarly journals Prevalence of ADHD symptoms and their association with learning-related skills in Grade 1 children in South Africa

Author(s):  
Monique de Milander ◽  
Robert Schall ◽  
Elizna de Bruin ◽  
Melissa Smuts-Craft

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) are developmental disorders in children with 3 symptom clusters, namely hyperactivity, attention deficit and impulsivity, and a combination. We investigated the prevalence of the 3 symptom clusters and their association with learning-related skills among children aged 6 to 7 years in Bloemfontein, Free State province, South Africa. The Aptitude Test for School Beginners (ASB) was applied to determine learning-related skills, and the Strength and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms Normal Behaviour rating scale (SWAN) was used to determine ADHD symptoms. Data on SWAN scores were available for 390 children, while data on both the SWAN and ASB were available for 345 children (189 girls and 156 boys) with a mean age of 6 years and 8 months. The prevalence of ADHD symptoms was as follows: 74.6% of the children did not fulfil the criteria for ADD/ADHD, 7.7% presented with the combined subtype, 6.7% presented with hyperactivity and impulsiveness, and 11.0% with inattentiveness. The presence of ADHD symptoms had a significant effect p = < 0.05 on reasoning, numerical abilities, gestalt, coordination and memory. We conclude that ADHD symptoms are a significant risk factor for 5 of the 8 learning-related skills in children, namely numerical skills, memory, reasoning, gestalt and coordination.

Author(s):  
Leah Shelef ◽  
Jessica M Rabbany ◽  
Peter M Gutierrez ◽  
Ron Kedem ◽  
Ariel Ben Yehuda ◽  
...  

Past suicide attempts are a significant risk factor for future suicidality. Therefore, the present military-based study examined the past suicidal behavior of soldiers who recently made a severe suicide attempt. Our sample consisted of 65 active-duty soldiers (61.5% males), between the ages of 18 and 28 years old (M = 20.4, SD ± 1.3). The inclusion criterion was a recent severe suicide attempt, requiring at least a 24 h hospitalization. This sample was divided into two groups, according to previous suicidal behavior, namely whether their first suicide attempt was before or after enlistment (n = 25; 38.5% and n = 40; 61.5%, respectively). We then examined the lethality and intent of the recent event in regard to this division. Four measures were used to assess the subjects’ suicidal characteristics: the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, the Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire, the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. No significant difference in the severity of the suicide attempts (either actual or potential severity) were found between those who had suicide attempts before enlistment and those who had their first attempt in the service. As a matter of fact, most of the suicide attempts that occurred for the first time during military service had used a violent method (58.3%, n = 21). Finally, using multivariate analyses, we found that current thoughts and behavior, rather than past suicidality, was the strongest predictor for the lethality of suicide attempts.


Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Peter L. Stavinoha ◽  
Cody Solesbee ◽  
Susan M. Swearer ◽  
Steven Svoboda ◽  
Laura J. Klesse ◽  
...  

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal disorder associated with numerous physical stigmata. Children with NF1 are at known risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), academic struggles, and significant social difficulties and adverse social outcomes, including bullying victimization. The primary aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with bullying victimization in children with NF1 to better inform clinicians regarding targets for prevention and clinical intervention. Children and a parent completed questionnaires assessing the bully victim status, and parents completed a measure of ADHD symptoms. Analyses were completed separately for parent-reported victimization of the child and the child’s self-report of victimization. According to the parent report, results suggest ADHD symptoms are a significant risk factor for these children being a target of bullying. Findings for academic disability were not conclusive, nor were findings related to having a parent with NF1. Findings indicate the need for further research into possible risk factors for social victimization in children with NF1. Results provide preliminary evidence that may guide clinicians working with children with NF1 and their parents in identifying higher-risk profiles that may warrant earlier and more intensive intervention to mitigate later risk for bullying victimization.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 350-359
Author(s):  
Raul Padilla ◽  
Michael H. Parsons

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects up to 7% of children, with consequences lasting into adulthood for an indeterminate number of people. Children with ADHD need special interventions that start with effective parenting. Yet parent-education programs are often inappropriate for low-income or single-parent families who lack transportation, availability, or resources to attend. AIMS: We evaluated a remotely administered, 6-week, Six-step Parenting Program (SsPP) at two community health centers in Trenton, New Jersey. METHODS: Eight low-income, single-parent families were selected for participation. The parent/teacher rating scale of ADHD symptoms (SNAP-IV [Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham–IV questionnaire]) was administered pre- and post-application. RESULTS: Six out of 8 (75%) participating parents/guardians perceived improvements in children’s symptoms. Completion of SsPP resulted in reduced SNAP-IV values by an average of 12.4% ( n = 8), with improvements in 16 of 18 variables. CONCLUSIONS: The remotely administered SsPP may hold promise for parents unable to attend training and deserves further consideration and evaluation.


2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yufeng Wang ◽  
Yi Zheng ◽  
Yasong Du ◽  
Dong H. Song ◽  
Yee-Jin Shin ◽  
...  

Objective: To (i) test whether atomoxetine is non-inferior to methylphenidate in treating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in paediatric patients; and (ii) determine the tolerability of the two drugs. Method: This double-blind study was conducted in 6- to 16-year-old outpatients with ADHD (DSM-IV) in China, Korea and Mexico (January–October 2004). Patients were randomly assigned to once-daily atomoxetine (0.8–1.8 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 164) or twice-daily methylphenidate (0.2–0.6 mg kg−1 day−1; n = 166) for ∼8 weeks. Primary efficacy assessment was the comparison of response rates (≥40% reduction from baseline to end point in total score) on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version: Investigator-Administered and -Scored. Tolerability measures included, but were not limited to, the assessment of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and weight. Results: Atomoxetine was non-inferior to methylphenidate in improving ADHD symptoms based on response rates (atomoxetine, 77.4%; methylphenidate, 81.5%; one-sided 95% lower confidence limit = −11.7%, p = 0.404). Treatment-emergent adverse effects experienced significantly more frequently in the atomoxetine group, compared with the methylphenidate group, included anorexia (37.2% vs. 25.3%; p = 0.024), nausea (20.1% vs. 10.2%; p = 0.014), somnolence (26.2% vs. 3.6%; p <0.001), dizziness (15.2% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.024) and vomiting (11.6% vs. 3.6%; p = 0.007), most of which were of mild or moderate severity. Atomoxetine-treated patients experienced a small but significantly greater mean weight loss from baseline to end point than methylphenidate-treated patients (−1.2 kg vs. −0.4 kg; p <0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests that atomoxetine is non-inferior to methylphenidate in the improvement of ADHD symptoms in paediatric outpatients. Although both of the drugs were well tolerated, atomoxetine was associated with a higher incidence of TEAEs than methylphenidate.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S396-S397
Author(s):  
B. Tuzun Mutluer ◽  
T.G. Yener Orum ◽  
S. Sertcelik

ObjectiveIn this study, it was aimed to determine the internet use properties of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) patients who were followed-up at Haydarpasa Numune Research and Training Hospital, Psychiatry Department; ADHD Outpatient Clinic.MethodThirty participants who were diagnosed with adult ADHD aged between 18–31 years rated their ADHD symptoms in childhood retrospectively, using Wender Utah Rating Scale. Patients rated current adult ADHD symptoms with the Adult ADHD DSM-IV-Based Diagnostic Screening and Rating Scale (DSRS) and severity of symptoms measured by Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Internet addiction (IA) was assessed with Young's Internet Addiction Scale (IAS). It was determined that, none of 30 Adult ADHD patients have been diagnosed with IA.29 of patient have moderate internet use although 1 of patients have risky internet use. The results revealed that total ASRS score (P = 0.020), total Adult ADHD DSM-IV-Based DSRS score (P = 0.036) and the Attention Deficit related properties subscale total score (P = 0.042) were significantly correlated with the IAS total score. Subscale of the self-report scales including; failing to finish schoolworks, chores, or duties at workplace, difficulty of following through on instructions (P = 0.017), restiveness; impaired inhibitory performance (P = 0.017), feeling not confident (P = 0.017), difficulty of managing time (P = 0.047), failing to give close attention to details or making careless mistakes (P = 0.037) are closely relevant to IAS total score.ResultIn conclusion, clinical features, which are characteristic of Adult ADHD could have same shared etiology with IA. Furthermore, ADHD patients are more likely to have an IA diagnosis. However, it was thought that this result had to be supported with studies including larger samples.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-444

Background: Tonsillectomy can cause high intensity of pain and inadequate pain control might lead to eating problems. However, usage of opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for postoperative analgesia is limited due to patients’ comorbidities such as obstructive sleep apnea and risk of postoperative bleeding. Objective: To define the incidence of moderate to severe pain after tonsillectomy and associated factors. Materials and Methods: Electronic medical records of patients age 17 or older undergoing tonsillectomy between March 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The collected data included patient data, surgical data, pain scores in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and perioperative pain management. Results: Three hundred twenty-three patients were included. The mean age was 34.9±12.9 years, mean body mass index was 24.8±5.7 kg/m², and 65% were female. The incidence of moderate (numeric rating scale [NRS], (0 to 10) of 4 to 6) to severe pain (NRS of 7 or more) in the PACU was 63.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that not receiving intraoperative dexamethasone was the only factor associated with moderate to severe pain (adjusted OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.65) in the PACU. Conclusion: Moderate to severe pain after tonsillectomy was found in 63.8% of patients in the PACU and not giving intraoperative dexamethasone was a significant risk factor. Keywords: Risk factor, Post-anesthesia care unit, Tonsillectomy, Dexamethasone, Postoperative pain


2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 449-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasa Kivisaari ◽  
Marja Laasonen ◽  
Sami Leppämäki ◽  
Pekka Tani ◽  
Laura Hokkanen

Objective: To examine the discriminatory validity of the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and its five suggested subscales (Conduct Problems, Impulsivity Problems, Mood Difficulties, Inattention/Anxiety, Academic Concerns) in a Finnish sample. Method: WURS was administered to 114 adults, aged 18 to 55 years. Participants with ADHD ( n = 37) and dyslexia ( n = 36) were compared with healthy controls ( n = 41). Results: The ADHD group scored significantly higher than the control group on all subscales. Compared with the dyslexia group, the ADHD group did not differ in Mood Difficulties or Academic Concerns. Using the total score, the positive predictive value was .53 in this sample and only .21 when the prevalence of ADHD was taken into account. Conclusion: Three out of five domains of WURS are reliable indicators of ADHD. Domains with low discriminatory power, low general prevalence of ADHD, and other developmental disorders within the population decrease the accuracy.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 758-762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silzá Tramontina ◽  
Cristian Patrick Zeni ◽  
Gabriel Ferreira Pheula ◽  
Carla Ketzer de Souza ◽  
Luis Augusto Rohde

ABSTRACTIntroductionJuvenile bipolar disorder (JBD) is a highly impairing chronic mental health condition that affects children and adolescents' overall functioning. Comorbidity with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is extremely prevalent and may determine worse response to treatment. Few investigations have addressed the use of recent atypical antipsychotics in JBD, although several guidelines suggest their use.MethodsWe conducted a 6-week open trial with aripiprazole in 10 children and adolescents with JBD comorbid with ADHD to assess impact on mania and ADHD symptoms, respectively, by means of the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Scale, as well as on global functioning (Clinical Global Impressions–Severity), and adverse events.ResultsSignificant improvement in global functioning scores (F=3.17, P=.01, effect size=0.55), manic symptoms (F=5.63, P<.01; ES=0.93), and ADHD symptoms (t=3.42, P<.01; ES=1.05) were detected. Although an overall positive tolerability was reported, significant weight gain (F=3.07, P=.05) was observed.ConclusionAripiprazole was effective in improving mania and ADHD symptoms, but neither JBD nor ADHD symptom remission was observed in most of the cases. Randomized placebo-controlled trials for JBD and ADHD are needed.


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