Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation and nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1 mutation in the Sotos syndrome with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Sotos syndrome is characterized by overgrowth features and is caused by alterations in the nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1 gene.Attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is considered a neurodevelopment and psychiatric disorder in childhood.Genetic characteristics and clinical presentation could play an important role in the diagnosis of Sotos syndrome and ADHD.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)has been used to assess medical images in Sotos syndrome and ADHD.The images process is considered to display in MRI while wavelet fusion has been used to integrate distinct images for achieving more complete information in single image in this editorial.In the future,genetic mechanisms and artificial intelligence related to medical images could be used in the clinical diagnosis of Sotos syndrome and ADHD.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of a child with Sotos syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder:A case report

BACKGROUND Sotos syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder,whereas attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a neurodevelopmental condition.This report aimed to summarize the clinical and genetic features of a pediatric case of Soros syndrome and ADHD in a child exhibiting precocious puberty.CASE SUMMARY The patient presented with accelerated growth and advanced skeletal maturation;however,she lacked any distinct facial characteristics related to specific genetic disorders.Genetic analyses revealed a paternally inherited heterozygous synonymous mutation[c.4605C>T(p.Arg1535Arg)].Functional analyses suggested that this mutation may disrupt splicing,and bioinformatics analyses predicted that this mutation was likely pathogenic.After an initial diagnosis of Sotos syndrome,the patient was diagnosed with ADHD during the follow-up period at the age of 8 years and 7 months.CONCLUSION The potential for comorbid ADHD in Sotos syndrome patients should be considered to avoid the risk of a missed diagnosis.

Food intolerance and the few-foods(or oligoantigenic)diet in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

The hypothesis that some children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)may show sensitivity or allergic reactions to various food items has led to the development of the the few-foods(or oligoantigenic)diet.The rationale of the diet is to eliminate certain foods from the diet in order to exclude potential allergens contained either naturally in food or in artificial ingredients with allergenic properties.The oligoantigenic diet attempts to identify individual foods to which a person might be sensitive.First,ADHD symptoms are monitored while multiple foods are excluded from the diet.Subsequently,if symptoms remit,foods are re-introduced,while observing the individual for the return of symptoms.An advantage of the oligoantigenic diet is that it can be tailored to the individual.A growing body of evidence suggests that behavioral symptoms of subgroups of children with ADHD may benefit from the elimination of certain foods.The effect sizes of an oligoantigenic diet regarding improvement of ADHD symptoms have been found to be medium to large.Available evidence suggests that the investigation of the role of food hypersensitivities in ADHD is a promising avenue worthy of further exploration.Further large-scale,randomized controlled studies including assessment of long-term outcome are therefore warranted.

Main focus of parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the effectiveness of early clinical screening

BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a common mental and behavioral disorder among children.AIM To explore the focus of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder parents and the effectiveness of early clinical screening METHODS This study found that the main directions of parents seeking medical help were short attention time for children under 7 years old(16.6%)and poor academic performance for children over 7 years old(12.1%).We employed a two-stage experiment to diagnose ADHD.Among the 5683 children evaluated from 2018 to 2021,360 met the DSM-5 criteria.Those diagnosed with ADHD underwent assessments for letter,number,and figure attention.Following the exclusion of ADHD-H diagnoses,the detection rate rose to 96.0%,with 310 out of 323 cases identified.RESULTS This study yielded insights into the primary concerns of parents regarding their children's symptoms and validated the efficacy of a straightforward diagnostic test,offering valuable guidance for directing ADHD treatment,facilitating early detection,and enabling timely intervention.Our research delved into the predominant worries of parents across various age groups.Furthermore,we showcased the precision of the simple exclusion experiment in discerning between ADHD-I and ADHD-C in children.CONCLUSION Our study will help diagnose and guide future treatment directions for ADHD.

MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Inappropriate levels of hyperactivity,impulsivity,and inattention characterize attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,a common childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorder.The cognitive function and learning ability of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are affected,and these symptoms may persist to adulthood if they are not treated.The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is only based on symptoms and objective tests for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are missing.Treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children include medications,behavior therapy,counseling,and education services which can relieve many of the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but cannot cure it.There is a need for a molecular biomarker to distinguish attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from healthy subjects and other neurological conditions,which would allow for an earlier and more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to be initiated.Abnormal expression of microRNAs is connected to brain development and disease and could provide novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.The recent studies reviewed had performed microRNA profiling in whole blood,white blood cells,blood plasma,and blood serum of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.A large number of microRNAs were dysregulated when compared to healthy controls and with some overlap between individual studies.From the studies that had included a validation set of patients and controls,potential candidate biomarkers for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children could be miR-140-3p,let-7g-5p,-30e-5p,-223-3p,-142-5p,-486-5p,-151a-3p,-151a-5p,and-126-5p in total white blood cells,and miR-4516,-6090,-4763-3p,-4281,-4466,-101-3p,-130a-3p,-138-5p,-195-5p,and-106b-5p in blood serum.Further studies are warranted with children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,and consideration should be given to utilizing rat models of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Animal studies could be used to confirm microRNA findings in human patients and to test the effects of targeting specific microRNAs on disease progression and behavior.

Impact of educational interventions on mothers’ awareness and communication with their attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder children

Objective:The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effects of the educational intervention on mothers’knowledge,awareness,and communication difficulties experienced with their children and mothers’capacity to successfully interact with their affected child before and after the intervention.Materials and Methods:A quasi-experimental research design was used.A total of 30 mothers and their children complaining of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder from four Dawadmi primary schools were included.Data were collected through a self-developed questionnaire from September 2023 to January 2024 after study acceptance by Shaqra University’s scientific deanship.Intervention prepared according to subjects’needs and current scientific base and demonstrated in 10 sessions in schools.Results:Regarding mothers’age,more than one-fourth of them(26.7%)ranged from 31 to 35 year old,and about a third(36.7%)had secondary education.Regarding mother’s job,about 76.7%do not work,and the majority of affected children(66.6%)were male,there were significant improvements in mothers’knowledge pre-and postintervention also a significant improvement in mothers’awareness about symptoms of poor attention,hyperactivity,and impulsivity pre-and postintervention was found.Significant differences were found before and after the intervention regarding the impact of the intervention in decreasing mothers’challenges.Conclusion:The study hypothesis was accepted,and the intervention improved mothers;knowledge,awareness,and communication challenges.The intervention should be conducted and followed up for a long period of time to manage all mother’s and children’s daily challenges,improve children’s daily activities,and stabilize effective communication patterns between children and their family members.

Positive Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Visual Verbal Working Memory in Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Working memory is an executive function that plays an important role in many aspects of daily life, and its impairment in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects quality of life. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been a good target site for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) due to its intense involvement in working memory. In our 2018 study, tDCS improved visual-verbal working memory in healthy subjects. Objective: This study examines the effects of tDCS on ADHD patients, particularly on verbal working memory. Methods: We conducted an experiment involving verbal working memory of two modalities, visual and auditory, and a sustained attention task that could affect working memory in 9 ADHD patients. Active or sham tDCS was applied to the left DLPFC in a single-blind crossover design. Results: tDCS significantly improved the accuracy of visual-verbal working memory. In contrast, tDCS did not affect auditory-verbal working memory and sustained attention. Conclusion: tDCS to the left DLPFC improved visual-verbal working memory in ADHD patients, with important implications for potential ADHD treatments.

Clarifying the relationship and analyzing the influential factors of bronchial asthma in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND Bronchial asthma is closely related to the occurrence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)in children,which can easily have adverse effects on children’s learning and social interactions.Studies have shown that childhood asthma can increase the risk of ADHD and the core symptoms of ADHD.Compared with children with ADHD alone,children with asthma and ADHD are more likely to show high levels of hyperactivity,hyperactive-impulsive and other externalizing behaviors and anxiety in clinical practice and have more symptoms of somatization and emotional internalization.AIM To explore the relationship between ADHD in children and bronchial asthma and to analyze its influencing factors.METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Dongying People's Hospital from September 2018 to August 2023.Children diagnosed with ADHD at this hospital were selected as the ADHD group,while healthy children without ADHD who underwent physical examinations during the same period served as the control group.Clinical and parental data were collected for all participating children,and multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for comorbid asthma in children with ADHD.RESULTSSignificant differences were detected between the ADHD group and the control group in terms of family history ofasthma and allergic diseases, maternal complications during pregnancy, maternal use of asthma and allergymedications during pregnancy, maternal anxiety and depression during pregnancy, and parental relationshipstatus (P < 0.05). Out of the 183 children in the ADHD group, 25 had comorbid asthma, resulting in a comorbidityrate of 13.66% (25/183), compared to the comorbidity rate of 2.91% (16/549) among the 549 children in the controlgroup. The difference in the asthma comorbidity rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P <0.05). The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that family history of asthma and allergicdiseases, maternal complications during pregnancy, maternal use of asthma and allergy medications duringpregnancy, maternal anxiety and depression during pregnancy, and parental relationship status are independentrisk factors increasing the risk of comorbid asthma in children with ADHD (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONChildren with ADHD were more likely to have comorbid asthma than healthy control children were. A familyhistory of asthma, adverse maternal factors during pregnancy, and parental relationship status were identified asrisk factors influencing the comorbidity of asthma in children with ADHD. Clinically, targeted interventions basedon these factors can be implemented to reduce the risk of comorbid asthma. This information is relevant for resultssections of abstracts in scientific articles.

Nutritional epigenetics education improves diet and attitude of parents of children with autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND Unhealthy maternal diet leads to heavy metal exposures from the consumption of ultra-processed foods that may impact gene behavior across generations,creating conditions for the neurodevelopmental disorders known as autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).Children with these disorders have difficulty metabolizing and excreting heavy metals from their bloodstream,and the severity of their symptoms correlates with the heavy metal levels measured in their blood.Psychiatrists may play a key role in helping parents reduce their ultra-processed food and dietary heavy metal intake by providing access to effective nutritional epigenetics education.AIM To test the efficacy of nutritional epigenetics instruction in reducing parental ultra-processed food intake.METHODS The study utilized a semi-randomized test and control group pretest-posttest pilot study design with participants recruited from parents having a learning-disabled child with autism or ADHD.Twenty-two parents who met the inclusion criteria were randomly selected to serve in the test(n=11)or control(n=11)group.The test group participated in the six-week online nutritional epigenetics tutorial,while the control group did not.The efficacy of the nutritional epigenetics instruction was determined by measuring changes in parent diet and attitude using data derived from an online diet survey administered to the participants during the pre and post intervention periods.Diet intake scores were derived for both ultra-processed and whole/organic foods.Paired sample t-tests were conducted to determine any differences in mean diet scores within each group.RESULTS There was a significant difference in the diet scores of the test group between the pre-and post-intervention periods.The parents in the test group significantly reduced their intake of ultra-processed foods with a preintervention diet score of 70(mean=5.385,SD=2.534)and a post-intervention diet score of 113(mean=8.692,SD=1.750)and the paired t-test analysis showing a significance of P<0.001.The test group also significantly increased their consumption of whole and/or organic foods with a pre-intervention diet score of 100(mean=5.882,SD=2.472)and post-intervention diet score of 121(mean=7.118,SD=2.390)and the paired t-test analysis showing a significance of P<0.05.CONCLUSION Here we show nutritional epigenetics education can be used to reduce ultra-processed food intake and improve attitude among parents having learning-disabled children with autism or ADHD.

Association of premature birth and maternal education level on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood.There is growing evidence that both preterm birth and maternal education levels substantially affect the likelihood of ADHD in children.However,there are limited systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining these associations.AIM To systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis on the association of preterm birth and maternal education level on the risk of ADHD in children.METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature search across MEDLINE(PubMed),Web of Science,Embase,and the Cochrane Library,including studies published up to June 17,2024.Data synthesis was performed using random-effect models,and the quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.RESULTS This study included twelve studies,which revealed a significant association between premature delivery and an increased risk of ADHD in children[odds ratio(OR)=2.76,95%confidence interval(CI):2.52-3.04,P<0.001,I^(2)=1.9%).Conversely,higher maternal education levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of ADHD in children(OR=0.59,95%CI:0.48-0.73,P<0.001,I^(2)=47.1%).Subgroup analysis further indicated that maternal education levels significantly influenced ADHD risk,particularly in studies conducted in China(OR=0.59,95%CI:0.46-0.75,P<0.001,I^(2)=81.2%),while no significant association was observed in studies from other regions(OR=1.25,95%CI:0.66-2.40,P=0.495,I^(2)=92.3%).The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of our findings,showing no significant publication bias.CONCLUSION This study found that preterm birth significantly increases the risk of ADHD in children,while a higher maternal education level serves as a protective factor against ADHD.To reduce the incidence of ADHD in children,public health policies should focus on early intervention for preterm infants and improving maternal education levels.

Early Intervention Facilitates Neuropsychological Development in Children with Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective:This study aims to investigate the impact of early intervention on neuropsychological development in children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),providing effective intervention strategies for clinical practice.Methods:A total of 130 children with autism and ADHD who visited the hospital between June 2023 and June 2024 were selected as study subjects and randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group,with 65 children in each group.The intervention group received a one-year early comprehensive intervention,including behavioral therapy,cognitive training,and family guidance,while the control group only received routine medical care.The neuropsychological development assessment scale was used to evaluate both groups before and after the intervention to compare changes in their neuropsychological development levels.Results:Children in the intervention group showed significant improvements in cognitive function,social skills,language ability,and attention concentration,with an average improvement score of 23.5 points.Children in the control group did not show significant improvements in these areas,with an average improvement score of only 5.8 points.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Early comprehensive intervention has a significant promoting effect on the neuropsychological development of children with autism and ADHD.Targeted behavioral therapy,cognitive training,and family guidance can effectively enhance children’s cognitive,social,language,and attention abilities,laying a solid foundation for their future overall development.Therefore,it is recommended to actively promote and apply early intervention strategies in clinical practice.

Explore the direct and/or the synergistic antihypertensive effects of wind-dispelling herbs involving Fangfeng and Baizhi on hypertensive rats with liver-yang hyperactivity based on vasoactive substances

Objective： To explore the direct and/or the enhancing antihypertensive effects of wind-dispelling herbs involvingFangfeng （Saposhnikoviae Radix） and Baizhi （Angelicae dahuricae Radix） using liver-yang hyperactivity renalhypertension rat. Methods： Model rats with hyperactivity of liver-yang hyperactivity were prepared using male SD rats.Once successful, the rats were randomly divided into groups and given medicine by gavage for 4 weeks. Blood wascollected from the abdominal aorta to prepare serum. Serum nitric oxide （NO） concentration was determined bychemical colorimetry. The contents of ET, TXB2 and 6-K-PGF1a were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbentassay （ELISA）. Results： Compared with the control model group, the blood pressure, serum ET and TXB2 of rats in thewind dispelling medicine group was not significantly reduced, while those of rats in captopril group, Tianma GoutengDecoction I group （TGD group） decreased significantly （P 〈0.05 for both）. Interestingly, the blood pressure, serum ETand TXB2 of rats in the combination group （wind dispelling medicine ＆ TGD） decreased significantly compared withboth wind dispelling medicine group and TGD group. Meanwhile, the levels of serum NO and 6- K-PGF1a in thecombination group was much higher than those in the wind dispelling medicine group or TGD group （P 〈0.05 for both）.However, the levels of serum NO and 6- K-PGF1a in the wind dispelling medicine group was not significantly increasedcompared with the model group. Conclusion： There is no direct pressure lowering effects of wind dispelling medicinealone, while wind dispelling medicine could potentiates the antihypertensive effects of Tianma Gouteng Decoction I.Besides, the synergistic effects may be related to decreased ET and TXB2 levels and the increased NO and 6- K-PGF1alevels.

Tourette syndrome associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: The impact of tics and psychopharmacological treatment options

Tourette syndrome(TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple chronic motor and vocal tics beginning in childhood. Several studies describe the association between TS and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). Fifty percent of children diagnosed with ADHD have comorbid tic disorder. ADHD related symptoms have been reported in 35% to 90% of children with TS. Since ADHD is the most prevalent comorbid condition with TS and those with concomitant TS and ADHD present with considerable psychosocial and behavioral impairments, it is essential for clinicians to be familiar with these diagnoses and their management. This paper highlights the association between treating ADHD with stimulants and the development of tic disorders. The two cases discussed underscore the fact that children with TS may present with ADHD symptomatology prior to the appearance of any TS related symptoms. Appropriate management of TS in a patient diagnosed with ADHD can lead to quality of life improvements and a reduction in psychosocial impairments.

Association of Serotonin Receptors with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder： A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder （ADHD） is one of the most common mental disorders in childhood, with a high heritability about 60% to 90%. Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Numerous studies have reported the association between the serotonin receptor family （5-HTR） gene polymorphisms and ADHD, but the results are still controversial. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of the association between 5-HTRIB, 5-HTR2A, and 5-HTR2C genetic variants and ADHD. The results showed that the 861G allele of 5-HTRIB SNP rs6296 could significantly increase the risk of ADHD （OR= 1.09, 95% CI： 1.01-1.18）; the 5-HTR2C gene rs518147 （OR=1.69, 95% CI： 1.38-2.07） and rs3813929 （OR = 1.57, 95% CI： 1.25-1.97） were all associated with the risk of ADHD. In addition, we also carried on a case- control study to explore the relevance between potential candidate genes 5-HTR1A, 5-HTRIE, 5-HTR3A and ADHD. The results indicated that 5-HTRIA rs6295 genotype （CC＋CG vs. GG OR=Z00, 95% CI： 1.23-3.27） and allele （OR=1.77, 95% CI： 1.16-2.72） models were statistically significantly different between case group and control group. This study is the first comprehensive exploration and summary of the association between serotonin receptor family genetic variations and ADHD, and it also provides more evidence for the etiology of ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity: A review of literature

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with onset in early childhood.It is a clinically heterogenous condition with comorbidity posing a distinct challenge to diagnosing and managing these children and adolescents.This review aims to provide an overview of comorbidity with ADHD including other neurodevelopmental disorders,learning disorders,externalising and internalising disorders.Challenges in screening for,diagnosing and managing comorbidity with ADHD are summarised.Also,methodological challenges and future directions in research in this interesting field are highlighted.

Does mindfulness meditation improve attention in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) manifests by high levels of inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. ADHD starts in childhood and results in impairments that continue into adulthood. While hyperactivity declines over time, inattention and executive function difficulties persist, leading to functional deficits. Adolescents and adults with ADHD have pervasive impairment in interpersonal and family relationships. They may develop addiction, delinquent behavior and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, persistent residual symptoms are common, highlighting the need for novel treatment strategies. Mindfulness training, derived from Eastern meditation practices, may improve self-regulation of attention. It may also be a useful strategy to augment standard ADHD treatments and may be used as a potential tool to reduce impairments in patients with residual symptoms of ADHD. Clinically, this would manifest by an increased ability to suppress task-unrelated thoughts and distractions resulting in improved attention, completion of tasks and potential improvement in occupational and social function.

Who says this is a modern disorder? The early history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is a complex, heterogeneous and multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Although the first clinical description of a constellation of symptoms highly resembling to what currently could be diagnosed as ADHD is generally attributed to George F Still in 1902, there are scattered but significant published historical medical, scientific and non-scientific reports, much prior to Still's lectures, of what is currently conceptualized as ADHD. The present report aimed at exploring the early history of ADHD, prior to the 20^(th) century in the medical literature and in other historical sources, to provide clinicians, researchers and other professionals with a better understanding of the roots and current conceptualization of this disorder. It is possible to find clues and highly suggestive descriptions of individuals presenting symptoms resembling what is currently defined as ADHD in the literature, in paintings or in the Bible. However, the earliest medical reports of individuals with abnormal degrees of inattention, distractibility and overactivity date from the last quarter of the 18^(th) century, included in two of the first textbooks specifically on the subject of mental diseases, published by the German Melchior Adam Weikard and the Scottish Sir Alexander Crichton. During the 19^(th) century some eminent physicians from Germany, France or Great Britain, such as Charles West, Thomas C Albutt, Thomas S Clouston, William W, Ireland, John Haslam, Heinrich Neumann, or Désiré-Magloire Bourneville, among others provided clinical depictions of patients that most likely presently would be diagnosed as having ADHD. Whilst some of the children described by Still and his predecessors may have suffered from a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, many of these patients showed clear symptoms of ADHD and may present with comorbid disorders, as it is commonly the case in clinical practice.

Risk for emerging bipolar disorder, variants, and symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, now grown up

AIM: To determine the prevalence of bipolar disorder(BD) and sub-threshold symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) through 14 years' follow-up, when participants were between 21-24 years old.METHODS: First, we examined rates of BD type Ⅰ?and Ⅱ diagnoses in youth participating in the NIMH-funded Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD(MTA). We used the diagnostic interview schedule for children(DISC), administered to both parents(DISC-P) and youth(DISCY). We compared the MTA study subjects with ADHD(n = 579) to a local normative comparison group(LNCG, n = 289) at 4 different assessment points: 6, 8, 12, and 14 years of follow-ups. To evaluate the bipolar variants, we compared total symptom counts(TSC) of DSM manic and hypomanic symptoms that were generated by DISC in ADHD and LNCG subjects. Then we sub-divided the TSC into pathognomonic manic(PM) and non-specific manic(NSM) symptoms. We compared the PM and NSM in ADHD and LNCG at each assessment point and over time. We also evaluated the irritability as category A2 manic symptom in both groups and over time. Finally, we studied the irritability symptom in correlation with PM and NSM in ADHD and LNCG subjects.RESULTS: DISC-generated BD diagnosis did not differ significantly in rates between ADHD(1.89%) and LNCG 1.38%). Interestingly, no participant met BD diagnosis more than once in the 4 assessment points in 14 years. However, on the symptom level, ADHD subjects reported significantly higher mean TSC scores: ADHD 3.0; LNCG 1.7; P < 0.001. ADHD status was associated with higher mean NSM: ADHD 2.0 vs LNCG 1.1; P < 0.0001. Also, ADHD subjects had higher PM symptoms than LNCG, with PM means over all time points of 1.3 ADHD; 0.9 LNCG; P = 0.0001. Examining both NSM and PM, ADHD status associated with greater NSM than PM. However, Over 14 years, the NSM symptoms declined and changed to PM over time(df 3, 2523; F = 20.1; P < 0.0001). Finally, Irritability(BD DSM criterion-A2) rates were significantly higher in ADHD than LNCG(χ2 = 122.2, P < 0.0001), but irritability was associated more strongly with NSM than PM(df 3, 2538; F = 43.2; P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Individuals with ADHD do not appear to be at significantly greater risk for developing BD, but do show higher rates of BD symptoms, especially NSM. The greater linkage of irritability to NSM than to PM suggests caution when making BD diagnoses based on irritability alone as one of 2(A-level) symptoms for BD diagnosis, particularly in view of its frequent presentation with other psychopathologies.

How does a real-world child psychiatric clinic diagnose and treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

AIM: To investigate child and adolescent psychiatrists'(CAPs) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder(ODD) diagnoses and treatments in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: The medical records of 69 ADHD children(mean age = 9.5 years), newly referred to the ADHD clinic, were reviewed for their scores of parent- and teacher-reported Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scales(VADRSs), CAPs' diagnoses of ADHD and ODD, and CAPs' treatment recommendations. Among 63 ADHD subjects who completed both parent and teacher VADRSs, we examined the agreement of the parent and teacher VADRSs. We also examined the concurrent validity of CAPs' ODD diagnoses against the results from the VADRSs. In addition, we compared CAPs' treatment recommendations against established ADHD and ODD guidelines.RESULTS: Among 63 ADHD subjects, the majority of the subjects(92%) met full ADHD diagnostic criteria at least in one setting(parent or teacher) on the VADRSs. Nearly half of the patients met full ADHD diagnostic criteria in two settings(parent and teacher). Relatively low agreement between the parent and teacher VADRSs were found(95%CI:-0.33 to 0.14). For 29 children who scored positive for ODD on the rating scales, CAPs confirmed the ODD diagnosis in only 12 of these casepositives, which is considered as a fair agreement between CAPs and VADRSs(95%CI: 0.10-0.53). For 27 children with no ODD diagnosis made by either CAP or VADRS, more than half of them were recommended for medication only. In contrast, where CAPs made the diagnosis of ODD, or where the parent or teacher VADRS was positive for ODD, almost all of the patients received recommendations for medication and behavior therapy.CONCLUSION: CAPs' ADHD diagnoses have strong concurrent validity against valid rating scales, but ADHD's most common comorbid condition- ODD- may be underrecognized.

Review of the evidence for the management of co-morbid Tic disorders in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents, with prevalence ranging between 5% and 12% in the developed countries. Tic disorders(TD) are common co-morbidities in paediatric ADHD patients with or without pharmacotherapy treatment. There has been conflicting evidence of the role of psychostimulants in either precipitating or exacerbating TDs in ADHD patients. We carried out a literature review relating to the management of TDs in children and adolescents with ADHD through a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases. No quantitative synthesis(meta-analysis) was deemed appropriate. Metaanalysis of controlled trials does not support an association between new onset or worsening of tics and normal doses of psychostimulant use. Supratherapeutic doses of dextroamphetamine have been shown to exacerbate TD. Most tics are mild or moderate and respond to psychoeducation and behavioural management. Level A evidence support the use of alpha adrenergic agonists, including Clonidine and Guanfacine, reuptake noradrenenaline inhibitors(Atomoxetine) and stimulants(Methylphenidate and Dexamphetamines) for the treatment of Tics and comorbid ADHD. Priority should be given to the management of co-morbid Tourette's syndrome(TS) or severely disabling tics in children and adolescents with ADHD. Severe TDs may require antipsychotic treatment. Antipsychotics, especially Aripiprazole, are safe and effective treatment for TS or severe Tics, but they only moderately control the co-occurring ADHD symptomatology. Short vignettes of different common clinical scenarios are presented to help clinicians determine the most appropriate treatment to consider in each patient presenting with ADHD and co-morbid TDs.