scholarly journals Managing Sleep in Adults with ADHD: From Science to Pragmatic Approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1361
Author(s):  
Craig B. H. Surman ◽  
Daniel M. Walsh

Background: Sleep disorders and sleep problems commonly occur in adults with ADHD and add to functional impairment. Evidence-based treatments for sleep could improve function in the adult ADHD population. Methods: A literature review was conducted to present the clinical science informing treatment of sleep in adults with ADHD. Results: Six systematic prospective studies of sleep intervention in adults with ADHD were identified. Three of these, all including well-characterized ADHD patients, offered evidence for a significant effect of morning light therapy. Across the studies, preliminary evidence for melatonin, behavioral therapy, and weighted blankets were also found. Implication: Low-risk interventions such as light therapy may improve sleep in adults with ADHD, but many sleep interventions currently in use remain unstudied in the ADHD population. Considerations for evidence-informed practice and future research directions are discussed.

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-181
Author(s):  
Andrew G. Guzick ◽  
Sophie C. Schneider ◽  
Eric A. Storch

Abstract Despite a rapidly growing understanding of hoarding disorder (HD), there has been relatively limited systematic research into the impact of hoarding on children and adolescents. The goal of this paper is to suggest future research directions, both for children with hoarding behaviours and children living in a cluttered home. Key areas reviewed in this paper include (1) the need for prospective studies of children with hoarding behaviours and those who grow up with a parent with HD; (2) downward extensions of cognitive-behavioural models of adult HD that emphasise different information processing and behavioural biases in youth HD; (3) developmental research into the presentation of emerging HD in childhood compared with adulthood presentations of the disorder, with consideration of typical childhood development and unique motivators for childhood saving behaviours; (4) developmentally sensitive screening and assessment; and (5) the development of evidence-based treatments for this population. The paper concludes with a discussion of methodological suggestions to meet these aims.


Author(s):  
Bryce D. McLeod ◽  
Julia R. Cox ◽  
Ruben G. Martinez ◽  
Lillian M. Christon

Evidence-based assessment and case conceptualization are two important components of evidence-based practice. Using assessment data gathered over the course of treatment to inform case conceptualization helps clinicians tailor evidence-based treatments to meet the needs of individual children and adolescents. The main goal of this chapter is to describe and illustrate the roles evidence-based assessment and case conceptualization play in informing the process of psychosocial treatment for children and adolescents from the initial intake through termination. a framework guided by six principles for using assessment to inform the treatment process is presented. Then, how this framework can be used to develop and refine a science-informed case conceptualization through a series of five sequential stages is discussed. This process is illustrated with a case example. The chapter concludes with future research directions for assessment and case conceptualization to better inform evidence-based practice.


Depression ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 399-417
Author(s):  
Andrew Diederich ◽  
Jessica M. Jones ◽  
Graham J. Emslie

Early onset depression is prevalent and causes significant morbidity, mortality, and psychosocial impairment. Evidence-based psychosocial and psychopharmacological treatments are available for depressed youth, but many children and adolescents do not receive sufficient treatment. Pediatric and adult depressive disorders involve essentially the same symptoms, with the exception of irritability, as depressed youth may present with irritable mood in the absence of explicit sadness. This chapter examines aspects of depression that are unique to children and adolescents. It focuses on diagnosis and symptomatology, epidemiology, and pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and other treatments. The chapter also addresses barriers to treatment of early onset depression and future research directions.


Author(s):  
R. Kathryn McHugh ◽  
David H. Barlow

This chapter provides an overview of the current status of clinician training including a description of training procedures, a brief review of the extant literature on the efficacy/effectiveness of training, and a discussion of novel approaches and future research directions in the area of evidence-based psychological interventions.


Author(s):  
Elisabeth Pollio ◽  
Felicia Neubauer ◽  
Esther Deblinger

The significant impact of trauma on children is well documented. This chapter focuses on trauma-specific treatments for children and adolescents that have at least two randomized controlled trials in which one or more standardized outcome measures were used. These treatments address varying traumas, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, exposure to violence or loss, and disasters. The efficacy of one such treatment, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), has been documented in over 50 scientific studies, including 22 randomized trials. A more detailed description of TF-CBT is presented in the chapter. Also discussed are future research directions, including specific scientific questions, to advance our knowledge about trauma treatment for children and adolescents.


2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 367-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindley Bassarath

Objective: To review studies of psychopharmacological management of aggression in common childhood psychiatric disorders. Method: Using OVID software, we searched Medline for studies that were undertaken in the last 30 years. Controlled and uncontrolled data are summarized for each condition. Results: A paucity of evidence-based information currently exists. Even so, specific indications from the existing literature can be suggested for several classes of psychotropics, particularly in conduct disorder (CD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, and other conditions. Conclusions: Clinicians can use findings from reviewed controlled and, where necessary, uncontrolled studies to inform pharmacologic practice. This review offers suggestions for future research directions that will aid clinical practice.


2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Russell Ramsay ◽  
Anthony L. Rostain

Medications are considered the primary treatment for symptoms of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although medications alone may not produce sufficient functional improvements for many patients. Moreover, some adults with ADHD decline pharmacotherapy due to lack of response, side effects, medical contraindication, or personal choice. This article reports on the clinical outcomes of five adults with ADHD who completed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) without concurrent medication treatment. Nonparametric analysis of pretreatment and posttreatment clinical data indicated significant improvements on various measures of ADHD symptoms, overall functioning, depression, and anxiety. Although limited by the small sample size, the current pilot study provides preliminary evidence that CBT may be helpful for adults with ADHD who decline or are unable to take medications in cases in which their symptoms and impairments are relatively mild and uncomplicated. The limitations of this open pilot study and directions for future research also are discussed.


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