Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder might relate with poor resilience and psychological well-being in military personnel

Positive mental health in youth has important implications for overall well-being. This study examined the extent to which different types of social support are associated with positive mental health among individuals, ages 15–24, diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Compared to respondents without a diagnosis of ADHD, those with a diagnosis had significantly lower scores on measures of positive mental health and on four of five types of social support. Among the five types of social support, social integration and reassurance of worth were found to be significant predictors of positive mental health in respondents diagnosed with ADHD.

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Social Class, Diagnoses of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Child Well-Being

Journal of Health and Social Behavior ◽

10.1177/0022146520924810 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 61 (2) ◽

pp. 134-152

Author(s):

Jayanti Owens

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Well Being ◽

Mental Health Disorder ◽

Mental Health Stigma ◽

Testing Time ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Positive Effects

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder among U.S. children. Diagnosis can bring positives, like proper treatment, extra testing time, and social support, but may also trigger negatives, like stigmatization. Although rates of diagnosis are high across socioeconomic status (SES) groups, the balance of positive and negative consequences of diagnosis may differ by SES. In high-SES communities, mental health diagnoses are less stigmatized and parents have greater ability to connect children to support resources, suggesting greater positive effects of diagnosis for high-SES children. Alternatively, the greater academic pressure present in high-SES communities may amplify the negative effects of mental health stigma, suggesting larger negative diagnostic effects. Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Cohort of 1998–1999, I found that diagnosed and medicated high-SES but not low-SES children exhibit significantly poorer future self-competence and teacher-rated school behaviors than undiagnosed matches. Findings suggest that diagnosis may not always be a net positive.

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Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Pupils in Primary Schools in Ghana

Journal of International Special Needs Education ◽

10.9782/18-00011 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 69-78

Author(s):

Daniel Ntiakoh-Ayipah ◽

Joslin Alexei Dogbe ◽

Maxwell Peprah Opoku ◽

Frank Twum ◽

Michael Owusu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Students With Disabilities ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Persons With Disabilities ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Regular Classrooms ◽

Teachers And Parents

Abstract In recent times, international deliberations have centered on inaccessibility of essential services to persons with disabilities. These systematic discriminations have accounted for high rates of poverty and deplorable living standards among persons with disabilities. Deliberate attempts are being made to safeguard the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. In Ghana, one major development is the implementation of inclusive education, to open regular classrooms to children with disabilities. While much is known about the challenges faced by teachers, in terms of lacking skills, facilities and resources to teach students with disabilities in regular classrooms, little attention has been given to their ability to identify students with disabilities. This case study explored the prevalence, common sub-types and distribution of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among pupils in primary schools in Ghana. The school and home version of the ADHD Rating Scale IV were used to rate 374 pupils by their teachers and parents. Cluster sampling was used to select 15 schools from a district to take part in this study. The estimated prevalence of ADHD was 7% and more boys were identified with ADHD than girls. With regards to teachers' ratings, most of the pupils fell under inattentive sub-type while hyperactive was the most common sub-type identified by parents. Both teachers and parents identified twenty-one pupils. The need for stakeholders' engagement on public education on ADHD its symptoms and management, have been discussed extensively.

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Parents’ Experiences of Weighted Blankets’ Impact on Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Sleep Problems—A Qualitative Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182412959 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (24) ◽

pp. 12959

Author(s):

Ingrid Larsson ◽

Katarina Aili ◽

Jens M. Nygren ◽

Håkan Jarbin ◽

Petra Svedberg

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Everyday Life ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Sleep Onset Latency ◽

Children With Adhd ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

The Impact ◽

Parents Experiences

Sleep disturbances are common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While pharmacological treatment has increased dramatically, parents often prefer non-pharmacological interventions. Research on experiences of weighted blankets and their effect in sleep improvement is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ experiences of weighted blankets for children with ADHD and sleep problems, and the impact on their children’s sleep. The explorative design was based on qualitative content analysis. Interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 24 parents of children with ADHD and sleep problems, after completing a sleep intervention with weighted blankets for 16 weeks. Parents reported that children sleeping with weighted blankets: (1) achieved satisfactory sleep, including improved sleep onset latency, sleep continuity, and sleep routines; (2) achieved overall well-being, including improved relaxation and reduced anxiety; and (3) mastered everyday life, including improved balance in life, family function, and participation in school and leisure activities. This study brings forward novel aspects of the effects of improved sleep among children with ADHD. The findings contribute to the understanding of potential positive effects of an intervention with weighted blankets critical for clinical practice to improve sleep, well-being, and everyday life of children with ADHD and their families.

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ADHD in Athletes

Sports & Exercise Medicine Switzerland ◽

10.34045/sems/2020/23 ◽

2020 ◽

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

General Population ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Population Studies ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽

Well Being ◽

Young Athletes ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Sporting Activity

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The estimated prevalence of ADHD in the general population is 7,2% in children, with persistence into adulthood of approximately 35%. [1,2] Although there is a lack of population studies, the postulated prevalence of ADHD in young athletes ranges from 4,2 to 8,1%, suggesting ADHD could be more common in athletes compared to the general population. [3] The reasons for a presumably higher prevalence of ADHD among athletes could be, among other things, that the influence of the sporting activity leads to better well-being of the potential patients and therefore becomes a central part of their lifestyle.

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College Adjustment as a Mediator Between Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Work Self-Efficacy

Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto) ◽

10.1590/1982-43272665201607 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (65) ◽

pp. 283-289 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Clarissa Tochetto de Oliveira ◽

Nelson Hauck-Filho ◽

Ana Cristina Garcia Dias

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

College Adjustment ◽

Well Being ◽

Adhd Symptoms ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Adjustment Problems ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

The University

Abstract Studies have addressed features of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in higher education, but the potential relationships between ADHD symptoms, dimensions of college adjustment and students' work self-efficacy remain scarcely explored. The aim of this study was to test a theoretical model in which the dimensions of college adjustment mediate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and work self-efficacy. Participants were 509 college students from two Brazilian public universities. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using a path analysis model. The ADHD symptoms affected work self-efficacy exclusively through college adjustment problems. Improving students' well-being, social support networks, study habits, and feelings regarding their majors and the university may reduce the potential disadvantages in work self-efficacy caused by ADHD symptoms.

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Correlations between Quality of Life, School Bullying, and Suicide in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17093262 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (9) ◽

pp. 3262

Author(s):

Yi-Lung Chen ◽

Hsing-Ying Ho ◽

Ray C. Hsiao ◽

Wei-Hsin Lu ◽

Cheng-Fang Yen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Well Being ◽

School Bullying ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Adhd Symptoms ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Inattention And Hyperactivity

Although adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a higher risk of suicidality and more problems related to school bullying, and quality of life (QoL) is reportedly associated with school bullying, suicide, and ADHD, no study has examined their correlation. This study examined the complex relationships between QoL, school bullying, suicide, and ADHD symptoms. A total of 203 adolescents with ADHD aged between 12 and 18 years were recruited. School bullying and QoL were examined using the Chinese version of the School Bullying Experience Questionnaire and the Taiwanese Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adolescents. Network model analysis was conducted to graphically present their relationships. We identified triangular correlations between school bullying, QoL, and suicidality, indicating possible pathways from school bullying to suicidality, and the originating or mediating roles of personal competence and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity may differentially regulate these pathways. Longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

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Methylphenidate challenge followed by therapeutic drug monitoring in adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Clinical effects and its predictors

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.02.277 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S332-S333 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

D. Piacentino ◽

G. Giupponi ◽

I. Maniscalco ◽

S. Holzer ◽

M. Pompili ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Well Being ◽

Clinical Impact ◽

Therapeutic Drug ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Drug Plasma ◽

The Mean ◽

Drug Plasma Levels

IntroductionAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 5–6% of adults. Methylphenidate challenge is used to test functions such as concentration. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) identifies optimal drug ranges in plasma.Objectives/AimsWe aimed to: assess the clinical impact of the drug challenge in adults with ADHD; analyze the relationship with the drug plasma levels after the challenge; identify predictors of the challenge's clinical impact.MethodsIn 2015–2016, we recruited 45 consecutive adult DSM-5 ADHD outpatients (mean age ± SD = 35.3 ± 2.1 years; females = 64.4%) at the Bolzano hospital department of psychiatry. Before and after administration of methylphenidate 10 mg, we measured concentration, impulsivity, tension, and general well-being with a VAS and an interview. After two hours, TDM was performed. Deltas were calculated for pre-/post-challenge measures. Correlations were measured with Pearson's r/point-biserial coefficient. A generalized linear mixed model estimated the size of association between tension/general well-being improvement and patient characteristics.ResultsAfter the challenge, the mean improvement ± SD was 24 ± 22 for concentration, 17 ± 23 for impulsivity, 21 ± 28 for tension, 16 ± 24 for general well-being. The mean TDM ± SD was 4.6 ± 0.5 ng/mL. A negative correlation between TDM, tension (P = 0.009), and general well-being (P = 0.028) after the challenge emerged: higher drug plasma levels relate to less tension and greater general well-being. At the GLMM the main predictor for tension/general well-being improvement was psychopharmacological treatment (P = 0.011/P = 0.05, respectively). Older age and difficult tasks prevented improvement.ConclusionsMethylphenidate challenge had a positive effect on all patients’ performance. TDM values were lower than literature ones, although the latter are usually obtained after the administration of methylphenidate 20 mg.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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ADHD in Adults — A Familiar Disease with Unfamiliar Challenges

CNS Spectrums ◽

10.1017/s1092852900003801 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 12 (S23) ◽

pp. 14-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Stephen V. Faraone

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Income Loss ◽

Advanced Degrees ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

The Impact ◽

Important Marker

What exactly is known today about the impact of the adult form of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in society?:In a recent study to examine the societal impact of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 500 patients diagnosed with ADHD and 501 participants with no substantial signs or symptoms of ADHD were studied. Subjects were asked several questions about their quality of life, employment, job satisfaction, and other aspects of their well-being and functionality. Income, which is an important marker for the degree of productivity for an individual in society, was also assessed. ADHD can profoundly affect the performance of individuals in the workplace (Slide 1), and this study found that having ADHD reduced an individual's income by an average of ∼$10,000 per year. If that loss of income is extrapolated to all adults in the United States who have ADHD, it suggests that the economy is losing around $70 billion a year to $115 billion a year in productivity, as measured by loss of income. The range was broad because different models with varying assumptions were applied to project income loss over time. Nevertheless, based on these numbers, it is reasonable to estimate that the population is losing ∼$100 billion annually in productivity due to ADHD.Income loss was found at all levels of education, but it was greatest among patients who had advanced degrees of education; so it seems that the disease may have a more pronounced impact on income among those in the higher income brackets.

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