Attributions and perceptions of childhood in women with ADHD symptomatology. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Examining the Use of VR as a Study Aid for University Students with ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by patterns of inattention and impulsivity, which lead to difficulties maintaining concentration and motivation while completing academic tasks. University settings, characterized by a high student-to-staff ratio, make treatments relying on human monitoring challenging. One potential replacement is Virtual Reality (VR) technology, which has shown potential to enhance learning outcomes and promote flow experience. In this study, we investigate the usage of VR with 27 university students with ADHD in an effort to improve their performance in ctableompleting homework, including an exploration of automated feedback via a technology probe. Quantitative results show significant increases in concentration, motivation, and effort levels during these VR sessions and qualitative data offers insight into considerations like comfort and deployment. Together, the results suggest that VR can be a valuable tool in leveling the playing field for university students with ADHD.

ADHD Symptoms in Females of Childhood, Adolescent, Reproductive and Menopause Period

Background:

The attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was initially considered a male disorder. As it has recently been shown, however, its presentation in girls is a topic of increasing scientific interest and research. There have been quite a few studies so far showing the differences in the symptoms between genders and the progression of the condition depending on the individual’s profile. However, there are some special characteristics in the female gender, including neuropathology and hormonal factors, that play a decisive role in understating ADHD in women. Although it is known that the symptoms in ADHD girls are overshadowed by those of the impulsive and hyperactive boys, an effort was made in this study to highlight ADHD symptoms in women from childhood to menopause.

Objective:

Taking into account the small but significant differences in the development of ADHD in women, this literature review aims at identifying the special characteristics of ADHD symptoms in all stages of a woman’s life from childhood to menopause. Being aware of these signs is important to provide the best quality of health care in ADHD women.

Methods:

A review of the literature was conducted through the databases on the occurrence of ADHD symptoms in girls, adolescents, women of childbearing age and women in menopause.

Results:

ADHD and its comorbid disorders affect the female sex throughout its life. The hormonal fluctuations and transitional periods of life seem to influence the symptoms of ADHD more.

Conclusion:

Higher awareness is thus required by health professionals about ADHD behavioural characteristics in girls, adolescent girls and women in their productive period or in menopause to identify the special signs defining the disease, to treat them early and protect the women’s mental health.

Impact of Sex and ADHD Status on Psychiatric Comorbidity in Treatment-Seeking Alcoholics

Objective: To assess for intrasex and intersex differences in psychiatric comorbidity according to ADHD status in treatment-seeking adults with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Method: This study was a secondary analysis of data utilizing descriptive statistics from 472 treatment-seeking alcoholics who completed the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM). Results: The prevalence of ADHD in males and females was 6.0% and 6.4%, respectively. Males with ADHD and AUDs had higher rates of current and lifetime drug use disorders, current depressive disorders, and current and lifetime anxiety disorders than male alcoholics without ADHD. No intrasex differences in psychiatric comorbidities were identified in female alcoholics with respect to ADHD status. Males with ADHD and AUDs were more likely to have had opioid dependence than ADHD-positive females. No other intersex differences were found. Conclusion: Positive ADHD status was associated with increased psychiatric comorbidity among treatment-seeking alcoholic men.

Prevalence and Psychosocial Correlates of ADHD Symptoms in Young Adulthood: A French Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

The scientific literature suggests that ADHD in adulthood is associated with a considerable psychosocial burden. However, most knowledge in this area relies on studies conducted in the United States or in North European nations, thereby limiting generalization to other countries.

METHOD

We assessed the psychosocial correlates of ADHD symptoms in a French community-based sample. Data came from 1,214 community-based young adults (18-35 years) and their parents (Trajectoires Epidémiologiques en Population and GAZEL studies). ADHD symptoms and socioeconomic and psychosocial correlates were assessed in a telephone interview. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations.

RESULTS

A total of 7.1% of the sample presented high levels of ADHD symptoms. Parental history of anxiety, dissatisfaction with love life, and consumption of tobacco were associated with the highest odds ratios.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the high functional impairment associated with adult ADHD symptoms in a French community sample. It extends the existing literature to family risk correlates and individual well-being correlates.

Current Mood Symptoms Do Not Affect the Accuracy of Retrospective Self-Ratings of Childhood ADHD Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

Given that the diagnosis of adulthood ADHD depends on the retrospective self-report of childhood ADHD symptoms, this study aimed to establish whether current mood affects the accuracy of retrospective self-ratings of childhood ADHD.

METHOD

Barkley's Adult ADHD Rating Scale (BAARS) was used to assess the retrospective self- and parent-reports of childhood ADHD symptoms of 160 adults with ADHD and 92 adults without ADHD. Self-rated current mood was also measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

RESULTS

Higher BAARS self-ratings correlated with higher HADS self-ratings. Strongest correlations were evident between hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. There was no relationship between current mood and accuracy of self-report.

CONCLUSION

Current mood does not affect the accuracy of retrospective self-ratings of ADHD. Future research should aim to provide new measures of anxiety in ADHD to avoid the double counting of hyperactive/impulsive and anxiety symptoms.

Experienced consequences of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult - a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Despite increasing knowledge of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the life span, there is still little research on adults' own experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe patients' experiences and perceptions of being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The study can be seen as an attempt to validate the diagnosis from a patient perspective.

METHODS

Twenty-one adults diagnosed with ADHD were individually interviewed. The interviews were open-ended and exploratory, analysed with a qualitative phenomenographical approach, and the results were described in categories.

RESULTS

Positive experiences were dominant, but there was a complex intra- and inter-individual variation of experiences. Descriptions focused on the diagnosis, on identity, and on life. The diagnosis was described as explaining a previously inexplicable life history, but was also questioned, both as a phenomenon and in relation to the individual (the diagnosis in focus). It was experienced as providing self-knowledge and increased value, but could also cause devaluation and concern about identity (identity in focus). It meant help to achieve a better life, but was also perceived to restrict possibilities and cause disappointment over lack of professional help. It could lead to a wish for an earlier diagnosis that could have spared suffering, as well as to a changed view of the participants' relatives (life in focus). All but one of the interviewees expressed important positive consequences of being diagnosed with ADHD. About half of them acknowledged negative aspects of being diagnosed, but none regretted going through the neuropsychiatric evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

From a patient perspective, there are major positive consequences of being diagnosed with ADHD, compared to the undiagnosed situation. Knowledge of the individual's combination of experiences is important for professionals, as these experiences can affect well-being and interfere with treatment. Negative experiences in particular might need to be addressed in the treatment work.

Severity of symptoms and quality of life in medical students with ADHD

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the authors examined the severity of ADHD symptoms and related quality of life in 1st and 2nd year medical students diagnosed with ADHD.

METHOD

The sample consists of 33 preclinical medical students previously diagnosed with ADHD. The Adult ADHD Quality of Life Scale (AAQoL) and Adult ADHD Self-Reported Checklist were administered.

RESULTS

Participants' ADHD-related quality of life and life productivity were negatively correlated with the severity of their ADHD symptoms. Students receiving academic accommodations reported significantly higher ADHD symptoms. The presence of a comorbid condition contributed to significantly lower psychological health scores. Unexpectedly, women had significantly lower quality of life (AAQoL total score) and significantly lower psychological health scores than men.

CONCLUSION

Since the majority of the sample reported severe ADHD symptoms while receiving medication treatment, the authors have concluded that it is important to develop psychosocial treatments to manage the associated distress from residual symptoms in medical students with ADHD.

Women with ADHD: it is an explanation, not the excuse du jour

PURPOSE

To call attention to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a psychiatric disorder that can limit women's potential and overall well-being.

CONCLUSION

ADHD, a legitimate neurobiological disorder that is often hidden, ignored, or misdiagnosed among women, causes them to struggle in silence. Proper interventions for women with ADHD that provide significant attention to context mitigate challenges across psychological, academic, occupational, and social domains. This should amend the diagnosis du jour concept, thereby supporting mechanisms to improve early intervention and positive outcomes.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Primary care practitioners play a central role in recognition, intervention, and recovery of women with ADHD.

Cultural proficiency: a Hispanic woman with ADHD--a case example

BACKGROUND

Guidelines for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD have been drawn from research focused primarily on Caucasian males generating, in part, the need to redress health disparities. Diagnostic criteria may therefore be limited, especially regarding gender differences and other associated cultural, familial, socio-environmental, and individual influences.

OBJECTIVE

To examine how one woman with ADHD managed social, academic, interpersonal, and familial roles and to discuss the need for culturally proficient practice and treatment frameworks that are gender-sensitive to diagnosis and treatment.

METHOD

A case example of a 29-year-old Hispanic woman.

FINDINGS

There is a gap in early diagnosis and treatment for some woman and individuals from ethnic minority and diverse groups.

CONCLUSION

Cultural competence in practice and research are critical to mitigate the disparities in accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD among the American population.

Women and attention deficit disorders: a great burden overlooked

PURPOSE

To describe adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in relation to gender-based differences in symptom expression with particular emphasis on disparities concerning women, psychiatric comorbidities that affect assessment and detection, and evidenced-based treatment approaches for nurse practitioners (NPs).

DATA SOURCES

Health sciences literature was reviewed using the following data-bases: Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Proquest, Psych Info, Wiley Interscience, Cambridge Press, Science Direct, and Thomson Gale.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognizing adult ADHD may be challenging; however, with increased understanding regarding the subtle variations in symptoms, use of screening instruments, and careful assessment techniques, NPs will be better able to recognize the characteristics of ADHD that are important to early detection, proper diagnosis, and effective treatment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Additional research and improved clinician education may facilitate early detection and treatment of ADHD among adults of all ages and ethnic/racial backgrounds.

Attributional styles and psychosocial functioning of adults with ADHD: practice issues and gender differences

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates attributional styles and psychosocial functioning of men and women with ADHD identified in adulthood to inform practice issues.

METHOD

One hundred and eighty adults participate: 52 females with ADHD, 37 males with ADHD, 51 female controls, and 40 male controls are administered questionnaires broadly assessing attributional style and psychosocial functioning.

RESULTS

The ADHD groups report more depression and anxiety, greater childhood dissatisfaction, a more external locus of control and lower self-esteem, and being more likely to be classified with a maladaptive attributional style than controls. No specific gender differences are noted in the ADHD groups, although a few overall gender differences emerge, with males reporting lower self-esteem, a more external locus of control, and more dissatisfaction in childhood than females.

CONCLUSION

Consistent with other research, ADHD participants, regardless of gender, are struggling significantly with psychosocial functioning.

Retrospective reports of childhood trauma in adults with ADHD

OBJECTIVE

Although studies have documented higher prevalence of abuse in children with ADHD, no studies have investigated childhood reports of abuse in individuals identified with ADHD in adulthood.

METHOD

Forty ADHD women, 17 ADHD males, 17 female controls, and 40 male controls complete the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and other measures of psychosocial functioning.

RESULTS

Emotional abuse and neglect are more common among men and women with ADHD as compared to controls. Sexual abuse and physical neglect are more commonly reported by females with ADHD. Although childhood abuse is significantly correlated with depression and anxiety in adulthood, having ADHD is a better predictor of poorer psychosocial functioning in adulthood.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians are alerted that patients with ADHD symptoms have a high probability of childhood abuse.

Quality of life of men and women with borderline intelligence and attention deficit disorders living in community residences: a comparative study

The research studies the quality of life (QOL) of 127 men and women diagnosed as having a borderline IQ and ADHD living in two major residential programs of the Sharon region in central Israel in respect to their personal, disability, and social ecological variables. Core findings indicate that men and women differ significantly according to their educational background. Among those who studied in a regular educational environment, the main predictor of men's QOL is their monthly income, whereas the main predictor for women is their level of attention deficit symptoms. The only predictor of QOL among men who studied in a special education program is the quality of contact with their mothers, whereas no significant predictor is observed among women.

The term comorbidity is of questionable value in reference to developmental disorders: data and theory

Over the last decade, there has been an enormous increase in the number of studies evaluating the overlap of developmental syndromes or disorders in both children and adults. This overlap of symptoms is often referred to as comorbidity, a term we criticize in this article because of its unsubstantiated presumption of independent etiologies. The premise of this article is that discrete categories do not exist in real life, and that it is misleading to refer to overlapping categories or symptoms as "comorbidities." We illustrate our point by presenting data from 179 school-age children evaluated with rigorous research criteria for seven disorders: reading disability (RD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental coordination disorder (DCD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), depression, and anxiety. Fully 50% of this sample met the criteria for at least two diagnoses. The children with ADHD were at higher risk of having at least a second disorder compared to the children with RD. Overall, the high rates of overlap of these behavioral, emotional, and educational deficits in this broadly ascertained sample support the idea that the concept of comorbidity is inadequate. We discuss the concept of atypical brain development as an explanatory idea to interpret the high rate of overlap of developmental disorders.

Psychiatric, psychosocial, and cognitive functioning of female adolescents with ADHD

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the psychiatric, psychosocial, and cognitive functioning of female adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in comparison with female controls and males with ADHD. Female controls were also compared with male controls to verify gender differences in a nonclinical sample.

METHOD

One hundred seven adolescents from Southern Ontario aged 13 to 16 were included: 24 females with ADHD, 35 males with ADHD, 28 control females, and 20 control males. All were assessed with semistructured interviews, questionnaires, and tests of achievement and intellectual functioning.

RESULTS

After controlling for parental education and estimated Full Scale IQ, females with ADHD were more impaired than control females in depression, anxiety, distress, teacher relationships, stress, attributional styles, and locus of control and on all cognitive and achievement measures. Females with ADHD were more impaired than males with ADHD in self-reported anxiety, distress, depression, locus of control, and vocabulary scores. These group differences were confirmed by higher ratings by parents and teachers in symptoms of psychopathology. Males with ADHD were more impaired in processing speed. Some gender differences (locus of control and vocabulary scores) were eliminated when controlling for ADHD severity. The absence of any differences between male and female controls indicates gender differences were specific to the clinical groups.

CONCLUSION

Females with ADHD are at high risk for more psychological impairment than both males with ADHD and control females. The identified psychosocial problems point to areas for intervention.