Attention Deficits and ADHD Symptoms in Adults with Fabry Disease—A Pilot Investigation

The present pilot study examines subjective reported symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity (AD/H) in adults with Fabry disease (FD) in comparison with existing normative control data. Existing data from 69 adults with FD via the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment Adult Self-Report questionnaire were analyzed. The results demonstrated a higher prevalence of AD/H symptoms in adults with FD than in the general United States population, with a roughly equal endorsement of Inattention/Attention Deficit symptoms (AD), Hyperactivity-Impulsivity (H-I) symptoms, and Combined Inattention/hyperactivity-impulsivity (C) symptoms. No gender differences were observed. While all subjects endorsing H-I symptoms fell into the symptomatic range on the AD/H scale, only two-thirds of subjects endorsing AD did so. This suggests that attention difficulties with FD are not solely explained by ADHD. Adults with FD who endorsed the AD, H-I, and C symptoms were also more likely to report mean adaptive functioning difficulties. These findings support the growing literature regarding attention difficulties in adults with FD, as well as suggesting a previously unrecognized risk of AD/H symptoms. Future research involving the objective assessment of ADHD in adults with FD is recommended. When serving adults with FD clinically, healthcare professionals should address multiple areas of care, including physical, psychological, and cognitive arenas.

Distinct Profiles of Attention in Children Born Moderate-to-Late Preterm at 6 Years

Objective Attention difficulties are commonly reported by caregivers in school-aged children born moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT; 32–36 weeks’ gestation). We aimed to assess distinct aspects of attentional functioning (i.e. orienting, alerting and executive attention, processing speed and behavioral components) in children born MLPT and full term (FT), profiles of attentional functioning, and associated risk factors such as preterm birth. Methods Participants were 170 (87 MLPT and 83 FT) children, evaluated on cognitive and behavioral attention aspects at 6 years of age. We used a variable-centered approach to compare attentional functioning of children born MLPT and FT at group level, and a person-centered approach to identify profiles of attentional functioning. Neonatal and demographic characteristics of these profiles were compared. Results The variable-centered approach showed that at group level children born MLPT had poorer orienting attention and processing speed, and behavioral attention than children born FT. The person-centered approach revealed four profiles: (a) normal attentional functioning, (b) overall poorer attention, (c) poorer cognitive attention, and (d) behavioral attention problems. Children born MLPT were overrepresented in each of the suboptimal attention profiles, and were more dispersed across profiles than children born FT. Conclusions Children born MLPT are at increased risk of difficulties in some attention aspects, but at group level differences with children born FT are small. However, children born MLPT show considerable variation in the nature of attention difficulties and are twice as likely to show a suboptimal attention profile, indicating a cumulation of poorer attention scores.

Self-perceived attention difficulties are associated with sensory hypersensitivity in migraine

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate potential interactions between sensory hypersensitivity and attentional difficulties in migraineurs. Methods: Forty-six episodic migraineurs without aura and 46 healthy controls filled out questionnaires on self-perceived attention difficulties and self-reported sensitivity to visual, auditory and olfactory stimulations.Results: Compared to controls, migraineurs reported significantly higher levels of attention difficulty and sensory sensitivity. Sensory hypersensitivity correlated significantly with attentional difficulties in migraineurs (p=0.002), but not with migraine disability or levels of anxiety or depression. Ictal and interictal sensory sensitivity were significantly correlated in migraineurs within visual (p<.001), auditory (p<.001) and olfactory (p=.001) modalities. Conclusion: Self-reported attentional difficulties, multimodal sensory hypersensitivity and the association between both may reflect the fact that external stimuli engage attention in an exacerbated manner in migraineurs, yielding distraction.

Associations Among Attention Problems, Learning Strategies, and Hazardous Drinking Behavior in a College Student Sample: A Pilot Study

Despite research linking substance use/abuse to pejorative academic outcomes, the underlying behavior and cognitive mechanisms responsible for this association are largely unknown. This study addresses a specific call for understanding learning strategies and skills associated with substance alcohol use/abuse. Four hundred fifty undergraduates (59.6% female) completed measures of hazardous drinking behavior and student learning strategies. Approximately 35.3% of the sample reported hazardous drinking scores in the clinical range. Bivariate correlations and a regression framework were utilized to understand the associations among hazardous drinking behavior, academic skills/strategies, and student liabilities. In the present study, hazardous drinking behavior was associated with 4 learning strategies: note-taking/listening skills, test-taking strategies, organizational techniques, and time management. Moreover, hazardous drinking behavior was associated with 2 student liabilities: low academic motivation and concentration/attention difficulties. Results from follow-up analyses suggest that only organizational techniques and concentration/attention difficulties predicted hazardous drinking behavior. Promising areas for future research and potential intervention targets are discussed.