Prevalence of ADHD symptoms and their correlations with mental health-related variables among medical student

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiraphat Boonnag ◽  
Sirinut Siritikun ◽  
Sirikorn Chalanun ◽  
Pimolpun Kuntawong ◽  
Nahathai Wongpakaran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Social Difficulties

Abstract Objectives Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral development disorder contributed to social difficulties and affective problems. ADHD was evidently related to perceived stress, internet addiction and depression, leading to academic problems. However, ADHD symptoms among young medical student remains underreported. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ADHD and explore the association between ADHD symptoms and mental health-related conditions among medical students. Results Among 124 participants of first year medical students in Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 78 (62.9%) were female. The average age was 18.7 (SD 0.7). Thirty-one (25%) were considered as having ADHD symptoms based on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale screener (ASRS). The group with ADHD symptoms showed higher scores on the internet addiction test core (t = 3.27, p = .001), perceived stress scale (t = 2.94, p = .004) and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (t = 3.04, p = .003). No difference was found between groups regarding depression and perceived social support scores. However, the total score of ASRS appeared to significantly correlate with all these mental health- related variables. The relatively high prevalent may have contributed to invalid items of ASRS, for which a new or revised scale is needed.

Incidence of Internet addiction in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S396-S397
Author(s):  
B. Tuzun Mutluer ◽  
T.G. Yener Orum ◽  
S. Sertcelik
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Dsm Iv

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.

scholarly journals Helpful family climate moderates the relationship between perceived family support of ADHD symptoms and depression: a conditional process model

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pichaya Pojanapotha ◽  
Chiraphat Boonnag ◽  
Sirinut Siritikul ◽  
Sirikorn Chalanunt ◽  
Pimolpun Kuntawong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Family Climate ◽  
Mediational Analysis ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are commonly comorbid with depression This study aimed to examine the relationship between ADHD symptoms and depression through perceived family support and to explore whether the magnitude of the relationship depended on the type of family climate of medical students. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 124 first year medical students in Thailand. Participants completed questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, depression, perceived family support, and 9 types of family climate. The questionnaires included the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and revised Thai Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Mediational analysis was adopted to examine the mediating role of perceived family support in the relationship between ADHD symptoms and depression, while moderation analysis was applied to examine the extent of the relationship depending on family climate. Results The relationship between ADHD symptoms and depression was moderate. Perceived family support partially mediated this relationship after controlling for age and sex. Among the types of family climate, only helpful family climate was a significant moderator of perceived family support and depression. The moderated mediation model increased the variance in depression from 17% by the mediation model to 21%. However, follow-up conditional mediational analysis showed that the indirect effect of ADHD symptoms on depression via perceived family support was not significant and that this effect did not vary linearly as a function of helpful family climate. Conclusion The findings of the study revealed that poor family support might be one risk of developing depression in the context of ADHD symptoms. Further study on providing intervention concerning family support among those with ADHD symptoms should be warranted. In addition, a study on helpful family climate in a larger sample size, in other populations, and in a longitudinal fashion for a more robust conclusion is encouraged.

Prescribing stigma in mental disorders: A comparative study of Portuguese psychiatrists and general practitioners

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110025
Author(s):  
Bárbara Almeida ◽  
Ana Samouco ◽  
Filipe Grilo ◽  
Sónia Pimenta ◽  
Ana Maria Moreira
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Speciality ◽  
Diagnostic Overshadowing ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Health Related

Background: Physicians, including psychiatrists and general practitioners (GPs), have been reported as essential sources of stigma towards people diagnosed with a mental disorder (PDMDs), which constitutes an important barrier to recovery and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Therefore, psychiatrists and GPs are key populations where it is crucial to examine stigma, improve attitudes and reduce discrimination towards psychiatric patients. Aims: This study is the first to explore mental health-related stigma among Portuguese psychiatrists and GPs, examining the differences between these two specialities and assessing whether sociodemographic and professional variables are associated with stigma. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed between June 2018 and August 2019. A consecutive sample of 55 Psychiatrists and 67 GPs working in Porto (Portugal) filled a 25-item self-report questionnaire to assess their attitudes towards PDMDs in clinical practice. The instrument was designed by the authors, based on previous mental health-related stigma studies and validated scales. The questionnaire includes 12 stigma dimensions ( Autonomy, Coercion, Incompetence, Dangerousness, Permanence, Pity, Responsibility, Segregation, Labelling, Diagnostic Overshadowing, Shame and Parental Incompetence), and its total score was used to measure Overall Stigma (OS). Sample characteristics were examined using descriptive statistics, and the factors affecting stigma were assessed through regression analysis. Results: GPs exhibit significantly higher OS levels than psychiatrists, and present higher scores in the dimensions of dangerousness, parental incompetence, diagnostic overshadowing and responsibility. Besides medical speciality, several other sociodemographic variables were associated with sigma, including age, gender, having a friend with a mental disorder, professional category, agreement that Psychiatry diverges from core medicine and physician’s interest in mental health topics. Conclusions: Our data suggest that both psychiatrists and GPs hold some degree of stigmatizing attitudes towards PDMDs. Overall, these results bring new light to stigma research, and provide information to tailor anti-stigma interventions to Portuguese psychiatrists and GPs.

Efficacy of ‘Foundations’, a Digital Mental Health App to Improve Mental Well-Being, during COVID-19: A Proof-of-Principle Randomised Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvina Catuara-Solarz ◽  
Bartlomiej Skorulski ◽  
Inaki Estella ◽  
Claudia Avella-Garcia ◽  
Sarah Shepherd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
World Health ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Proof Of Principle

BACKGROUND Against a long-term trend of increasing demand, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global rise in common mental disorders. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need for scalable, evidence-based interventions to support mental well-being. OBJECTIVE The aim of this proof-of-principle study was to evaluate the efficacy of a mobile-based app in adults with self-reported symptoms of anxiety and stress in a randomised control trial that took place during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. METHODS Adults with mild to severe anxiety and moderate to high levels of perceived stress were randomised to either the intervention or control arm. Participants in the intervention arm were given access to the app, Foundations, for the duration of the 4-week study. All participants were required to self-report a range of validated measures of mental well-being (10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience scale [CD-RISC-10]; 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7]; Office of National Statistics Four Subjective Well-being Questions [ONS-4]; World Health Organisation-5 Well-Being Index [WHO-5]) and sleep (Minimal Insomnia Scale [MISS]) at baseline and weeks 2 and 4; and, in addition, on perceived stress weekly (10-item Perceived Stress Score [PSS]). RESULTS 136 participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis. The intervention group (n=62) showed significant improvements compared to the control group (n=74) on measures of anxiety (GAD-7 score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: -1.35 [SD 4.43]; control group: -0.23 [SD 3.24]; t134= 1.71 , P=.04), resilience (CD-RISC score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: 1.79 [± SD 4.08]; control group: -0.31 [± SD 3.16]; t134 -3.37, P<.001), sleep (MISS score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: -1.16 [± SD 2.67]; control group: -0.26 [± SD 2.29]; t134= 2.13, P=.01), and mental well-being (WHO-5 score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: 1.53 [5.30]; control group: -0.23 [± SD 4.20]; t134= -2.16, P=.02) within 2 weeks of using Foundations, with further improvements emerging at week 4. Perceived stress was also reduced within the intervention group, although the results did not reach statistical significance relative to the control group (PSS score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: -2.94 [± SD 6.84]; control group: -2.05 [± SD 5.34]; t134= 0.84, P=.20). CONCLUSIONS This study provides proof-of-principle that the digital mental health app, Foundations, can improve measures of mental well-being, anxiety, resilience, and sleep within 2 weeks of use, with greater effects after 4 weeks. It therefore offers potential as a scalable, cost-effective, and accessible solution to enhance mental well-being, even during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Process of Change of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Adults With ADHD: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 928-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lotte Janssen ◽  
Alicia M. de Vries ◽  
Sevket Hepark ◽  
Anne E. M. Speckens
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Process Of Change ◽  
Mindfulness Skills ◽  
Self Compassion

Objective: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a promising psychosocial intervention for adult ADHD. The feasibility and effectiveness of an adapted MBCT program is explored, together with the possible process of change. Method: Mixed-method study with 31 ADHD patients participating in an adapted MBCT program. Self-report questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, mindfulness skills, self-compassion, patient functioning, and health status were administered before and after MBCT. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 patients. Results: A modest drop-out of n = 5 (16%) was found. MBCT resulted in a significant reduction of ADHD symptoms and improvements of executive functioning, self-compassion, and mental health. Qualitative analysis provided insight in facilitators and barriers participants experienced, and their process of change. Conclusion: The adapted MBCT program seemed to be feasible for adults with ADHD and preliminary evidence for the effectiveness is shown. An adequately powered Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is needed to further examine the effectiveness of MBCT for ADHD.

scholarly journals Weight-related psychological inflexibility as a mediator between weight self-stigma and health-related outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-330
Author(s):  
Julie M. Petersen ◽  
Carrie Durward ◽  
Michael Levin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emotional Eating ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
High Weight ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychological Inflexibility ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Report Data ◽  
Average Body Mass ◽  
Self Report Data

Weight self-stigma, the internalization of negative societal stereotypes, is a problem among populations with high weight. Weight self-stigma is associated with psychological inflexibility and maladaptive health-related behaviors. In this study, the authors explore how weight-related psychological inflexibility may influence weight self-stigma and health-related outcomes in 79 adults with high weight. Participants were primarily White (92.4%) and female (82.3%), with an average age of 39.56 years and average body mass index of 33.78. The study uses baseline, self-report data from a larger trial. Results indicate that weight self-stigma was negatively correlated with maladaptive eating behaviors, weight, and mental health. Weight-related psychological inflexibility was found as a significant mediator for the relationship between weight self-stigma and emotional eating, sedentary behavior, and mental health. Weight-related psychological inflexibility did not mediate the relationships between weight self-stigma and other eating measures and physical activity. These results support targeting weight-related psychological inflexibility and weight self-stigma in interventions.

Genetic and environmental influences on the relationship between adult ADHD symptoms and self-reported problem drinking in 6024 Dutch twins

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 2673-2683 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. Derks ◽  
J. M. Vink ◽  
G. Willemsen ◽  
W. van den Brink ◽  
D. I. Boomsma
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Problem Drinking ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Dutch Twins

BackgroundCross-sectional and longitudinal studies have shown a positive association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and problematic alcohol use in adults. To what extent this association is explained by genetic and environmental factors is largely unknown.MethodData on ADHD and alcohol consumption were collected by self-report in 6024 adult Dutch twins. ADHD symptoms were assessed by three subscales of the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales – Self-Report: Screening Version (CAARS–S:SV): inattentiveness, hyperactivity and the ADHD index (ADHD-I). Problem drinking was defined as at least two self-reported alcohol-related problems on the CAGE questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was applied to the bivariate twin data to estimate genetic and environmental influences.ResultsHeritability of ADHD symptoms ranged between 32% and 40% and heritability of problem drinking was 50%. The positive correlation between ADHD symptoms and problem drinking was confirmed in this general population sample, with phenotypic correlations between 0.20 and 0.28 and genetic correlations between 0.39 and 0.50. Phenotypic correlations are primarily (61–100%) explained by genetic influences with non-shared environmental influences explaining the remaining covariance. No significant quantitative or qualitative gender differences in covariance structure were found.ConclusionsThis study convincingly shows that ADHD symptoms and problem drinking are moderately but significantly correlated in adults and that genetic correlations are primarily underlying this association. This suggests that early interventions are required to prevent adolescents with ADHD from developing problematic levels of alcohol use. Furthermore, clinicians who treat alcohol-dependent patients should be aware that the patient may have a co-morbid condition of ADHD; integrated interventions are required.

Cyberchondria and Medical Student Syndrome

2022 ◽  
pp. 98-113
Author(s):  
Afkar Aulia ◽  
Budi Pratiti
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Medical Doctor ◽  
Patient Counselling ◽  
Online Behaviour ◽  
Diagnosis Therapy

Health anxiety is a disorder that can be very distressful and cause unnecessary examinations. A doctor is expected to handle health anxiety in terms of examination, diagnosis, therapy, and counselling processes. To provide optimal patient counselling, a doctor needs confidence, empathy, and good mental health. However, the process to become a medical doctor requires a student to read through a large amount of medical information, which arguably might induce “medical student's syndrome,” or health anxiety. Contradicting research findings exist about such conditions, however, most of them use traditional measures of health anxiety and do not consider students' online behaviour. The authors hypothesized that a medical student is susceptible to cyberchondria, a form of health anxiety due to excessive internet use. Some studies have shown that there may be higher cyberchondria scores among medical students compared to the general population. Cyberchondria needs to be studied further to improve the mental health condition of medical students and to provide optimal future healthcare for patients.

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