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.

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.

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.

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.

Identification and treatment of individuals with attentiondeficit/ hyperactivity disorder and substance use disorder: An expert consensus statement

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)often co-occurs with substance use(SU)and/or substance use disorder(SUD).Individuals with concurrent ADHD and SU/SUD can have complex presentations that may complicate diagnosis and treatment.This can be further complicated by the context in which services are delivered.Also,when working with young people and adults with co-existing ADHD and SU/SUD,there is uncertainty among healthcare practitioners on how best to meet their needs.In February 2022,the United Kingdom ADHD Partnership hosted a meeting attended by multidisciplinary experts to address these issues.Following presentations providing attendees with an overview of the literature,group discussions were held synthesizing research evidence and clinical experience.Topics included:(1)A review of substances and reasons for use/misuse;(2)identification,assessment and treatment of illicit SU/SUD in young people and adults with ADHD presenting in community services;and(3)identification,assessment and treatment of ADHD in adults presenting in SU/SUD community and inpatient services.Discussions highlighted inter-service barriers and fragmentation of care.It was concluded that a multimodal and multi-agency approach is needed.The consensus group generated a table of practice recommendations providing guidance on:identification and assessment;pharmacological and psychological treatment;and multi-agency interventions.

Multimodal integrated intervention for children with attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is one of the most common disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry,with a prevalence of more than 5%.Despite extensive research on ADHD in the last 10 to 20 years,effective treatments are still lacking.Instead,the concept of ADHD seems to have become broader and more heterogeneous.Therefore,the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD remains challenging for clinicians.AIM To investigate the effects of a multimodal integrated intervention for children with ADHD.METHODS Between March 2019 and September 2020,a total of 100 children with ADHD who were diagnosed and treated at our hospital were assessed for eligibility,two of whom revoked their consent.A case-control study was conducted in which the children were equally assigned,using a randomized number table,to either a medication group(methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets and atomoxetine hydrochloride tablets)or a multimodal integrated intervention group(medication+parent training+behavior modification+sensory integration therapy+sand tray therapy),with 49 patients in each group.The clinical endpoint was the efficacy of the different intervention modalities.RESULTS The two groups of children with ADHD had comparable patient characteristics(P>0.05).Multimodal integrated intervention resulted in a significantly higher treatment efficacy(91.84%)than medication alone(75.51%)(P<0.05).Children who received the multimodal integrated intervention showed lower scores in the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire and the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale than those treated with medication alone(P<0.05).The Sensory Integration Scale scores of children in the multimodal integrated intervention group were higher than those of children in the medication group(P<0.05).Children who received the multimodal integrated intervention had higher compliance and family satisfaction and a lower incidence of adverse events than those treated with medication alone(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Multimodal integrated intervention effectively alleviated symptoms associated with ADHD in children.It enhanced their memory and attention with high safety and parental satisfaction,demonstrating good potential for clinical promotion.

Effect of non-pharmacological treatment on the full recovery of social functioning in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND Long-term treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is associated with adverse events,such as nausea and vomiting,dizziness,and sleep disturbances,and poor maintenance of late ADHD medication compromises treatment outcomes and prolongs the recovery of patients’social functioning.AIM To evaluate the effect of non-pharmacological treatment on the full recovery of social functioning in patients with ADHD.METHODS A total of 90 patients diagnosed with ADHD between May 2019 and August 2020 were included in the study and randomly assigned to either the pharmacological group(methylphenidate hydrochloride and tomoxetine hydrochloride)or the non-pharmacological group(parental training,behavior modification,sensory integration therapy,and sand tray therapy),with 45 cases in each group.Outcome measures included treatment compliance,Swanson,Nolan,and Pelham,Version IV(SNAP-IV)scores,Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire(PSQ)scores,and Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale(WFIRS)scores.RESULTS The non-pharmacological interventions resulted in significantly higher compliance in patients(95.56%)compared with medication(71.11%)(P<0.05).However,no significant differences in SNAP-IV and PSQ scores,in addition to the learning/school,social activities,and adventure activities of the WFIRS scores were observed between the two groups(P>0.05).Patients with non-pharmacological interventions showed higher WFIRS scores for family,daily life skills,and self-concept than those in the pharmacological group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Non-pharmacological interventions,in contrast to the potential risks of adverse events after longterm medication,improve patient treatment compliance,alleviate patients’behavioral symptoms of attention,impulsivity,and hyperactivity,and improve their cognitive ability,thereby improving family relationships and patient self-evaluation.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the General Adult Population in Benin (Parakou 2022)

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a little-studied psychiatric pathology in our countries, and particularly here in Benin. Objectives: To calculate the prevalence and identify the factors associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among adults in the commune of Parakou in 2022. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study including subjects aged 18 and over. ADHD was assessed with the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ARSR-v1.1) and consequences with the Weiss functional impairment rating scale (WFIRS-S). Results: A total of 456 people were included in the study. The mean age of those surveyed was 25.9 ± 11.6 years. The prevalence of ADHD symptoms among the adults surveyed was 6.8%. The clinical form of ADHD with a predominance of inattention had a prevalence of 3.3%. After multivariate analysis, the factor associated with the presence of ADHD symptoms in adults in the commune of Parakou was: a poor relationship with the subject’s partner (p = 0.031, ORa = 6.5 [1.18-35.68]). Conclusion: ADHD is present in the community of Parakou and needs further attention.

A retrospective study on professor Gui-Qi Xuan’s experience in traditional Chinese medicine treatment on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: based on data mining and network pharmacology

Background:To investigate the clinical medication approach of Professor Guiqi Xuan(Prof.Xuan)in treating pediatric patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)and the potential mechanism of the core herbal prescription.Methods:Following medical record information pretreatment,the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)inheritance computing platform system V3.0 was utilized to analyze the standardized data.The associate rules were summarized to identify the core prescription for treating ADHD.The extracted core herbal prescription’s active compounds and potential targets were used to establish a protein-protein interaction network of active ingredient-disease targets.Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was used to analyze the network’s topological parameters to obtain the key active ingredients and their targets.The Bioconductor data package of R4.0.2 was used to analyze the gene ontology biological functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways of key targets.Results:Two hundred and twenty-seven entries derived from TCM record information were selected.Through data mining,it was found that 62.5%of pediatric patients had short-tempered behavior,nearly half had sleep problems,and 30%-40%had picky eating and polyphagia issues.The highest-frequency syndrome type was kidney deficiency and liver hyperactivity.Deficiency,fire,phlegm,and dyspeptic food were the main pathological factors for ADHD.Prof.Xuan’s treatment of ADHD mainly focused on replenishing kidney essence and subduing Yang(active,external,ascending,warm,bright,functional and excited pertain to Yang).The core herbal prescription for ADHD included Yuan-zhi,Yi-zhi,Gui-jia,Bai-shao,Long-chi,Ci-shi,Shi-chang-pu,Yu-jin,Fu-shen,and Huang-jing.The protein-protein interaction network showed that MAOA,ADRB2,FOS,MAOB,and SLC6A3 were the five key targets essential in treating ADHD with core herbal prescriptions.The gene ontology biological function of crucial targets mainly involved G protein-coupled amine receptor activity,catecholamine binding,and neurotransmitter transmembrane transporter activity.Analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways showed that the dopaminergic synapse signaling and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways were significantly enriched and may be the primary routes for the main treatment of ADHD.Conclusion:Prof.Xuan’s treatment of ADHD has achieved satisfactory clinical effects by supplementing the kidney,replenishing the essence,opening the orifices,nourishing the Yin(static,internal,descending,cold,dim,organic,depressed and pertain to Yin),and subduing the Yang.The major prescription predominantly affects catecholamine binding,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,G protein-coupled amine receptor function,and signaling pathways for dopaminergic synapses.Our findings showed that the methodology and software used in this research could explore and analyze the mechanism behind Prof.Xuan’s clinical medication rule for treating ADHD in children.

Effectiveness of Family-Based Behavioral Treatment Based on Medication Behavior Barkley Compared with Drug Therapy in Reducing the Symptoms of Children with Attention Deficit Disorder-Hyperactivity

Children with attention deficit and hyper activity disorder have various problems such as low academic performance, social and communication problems, anxiety, depression, aggression, conduct disorder and delinquency, and also when they become adults, they have problems in social relationships that these problems can increase or decrease in dealing with family. Hence, this study was performed in order to examine the impact of family-based behavioral treatment compared with Barkley behavior therapy in reducing symptoms of children with attention deficit disorder—ADHD. To meet the aim, 20 of children with age range of 7 to 12 years old with attention deficit disorder—hyperactivity were selected in both experimental and control groups, and exposed to the treatment of behavioral family therapy groups and changes in behavior Barkley. Before and after the treatment, they were evaluated according to the scale of the Conner’s Parent Rating Scale-Revised Short Form (CPRS-R: S). Results of multivariate analysis of covariance indicated that there were significant differences between the experimental group who had received family-based behavioral treatments based on changes in behavior Barkley and a control group who had received drug treatment in variables, including conduct problems, learning problems, psychosomatic symptoms, and signs of impulsive hyperactivity, anxiety and hyperactivity (p < 0.01). These results could be guidance for counsel or sand therapists for children with attention deficit disorder—ADHD.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Controlled Study of the Effectiveness of EEG Biofeedback Training on Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In order to study the treatment of the children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA-CPT) was clinically applied to evaluate the effectiveness of electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback training. Of all the 60 children with ADHD aged more than 6 years, the effective rate of EEG biofeedback training was 91.6 % after 40 sessions of EEG biofeedback training. Before and after treatment by EEG biofeedback training, the overall indexes of IVA were significantly improved among predominately inattentive, hyperactive, and combined subtype of children with ADHD (P<0.001). It was suggested that EEG biofeedback training was an effective and vital treatment on children with ADHD.

Mugwort (<i>Artemisia vulgaris</i>, <i>Artemisia douglasiana</i>, <i>Artemisia argyi</i>) in the Treatment of Menopause, Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Mugwort has many traditional uses around the world. The Chumash Indians of California use it to treat imbalances that women may suffer such as premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea and menopausal symptoms. The plant contains a sesquiterpene that appears to work through a serotonergic mechanism and may be beneficial for women. Mugwort therapy is safer for menopausal women than hormone replacement therapy. Children affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder benefit from mugwort therapy. There is no doubt that mugwort therapy is safer for these children than methylphenidate or amphetamine.