Study design, baseline patient characteristics and intervention in a cross-cultural framework: results from the ADORE study

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, self-esteem and the impact of treatments

OBJECTIVES

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience repetitive failures in their school and social life and often receive negative feedback from their environment, endangering the development of their self-esteem. Self-esteem is a forecasting factor for social, psychological, professional and familial well-being. Poor self-esteem is a risk factor for the development of depression, anxiety disorder, and personality disorder. The aim of this article is to evaluate the child's self-esteem at the initial time of ADHD diagnosis, describe self-esteem evolution after diagnosis and identify clinical and therapeutic factors associated with improved self-esteem.

METHODS

In a longitudinal descriptive study, 6-12-year-old patients with ADHD underwent a multidisciplinary evaluation including a diagnostic interview (Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present/Lifetime version: K-SADS), a symptoms severity assessment with parent questionnaires (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale: ADHD-RS), a neurocognitive testing of attention and IQ, and a self-esteem interview (Self-Esteem Inventory of Coopersmith: SEI). The follow-up assessment included a K-SADS-PL, ADHD-RS and SEI assessments and recorded treatment history. We compared the score of self-esteem between these two assessments.

RESULTS

Among the 108 screened patients, we obtained complete data from 55 patients at the second assessment. At first evaluation, two-thirds of children with ADHD had low self-esteem scores. At the second evaluation, our results indicate a significant improvement of global, personal, and social self-esteem score (SEI) and symptoms severity score (K-SADS-PL and ADHD-RS).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-esteem improved in patients with ADHD after specific treatments.

Association of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis With Adolescent Quality of Life

IMPORTANCE

Appropriate diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can improve some short-term outcomes in children and adolescents, but little is known about the association of a diagnosis with their quality of life (QOL).

OBJECTIVE

To compare QOL in adolescents with and without an ADHD diagnosis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study followed an emulated target trial design using prospective, observational data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, a representative, population-based prospective cohort study with biennial data collection from 2006 to 2018 with 8 years of follow-up (ages 6-7 to 14-15 years). Propensity score matching was used to ensure children with and without ADHD diagnosis were well matched on a wide range of variables, including hyperactive/inattentive (H/I) behaviors. Eligible children were born in 1999 to 2000 or 2003 to 2004 and did not have a previous ADHD diagnosis. All incident ADHD cases were matched with controls. Data were analyzed from July 2021 to January 2022.

EXPOSURES

Incident parent-reported ADHD diagnosis at age 6 to 7, 8 to 9, 10 to 11, 12 to 13, or 14 to 15.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Quality of life at age 14 to 15 was measured with Child Health Utility 9D (CHU9D) and 8 other prespecified, self-reported measures mapped to the World Health Organization's QOL domains. Pooled regression models were fitted for each outcome, with 95% CIs and P values calculated using bootstrapping to account for matching and repeat observations.

RESULTS

Of 8643 eligible children, a total of 393 adolescents had an ADHD diagnosis (284 [72.2%] boys; mean [SD] age, 10.03 [0.30] years; mean [SD] H/I Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire score, 5.05 [2.29]) and were age-, sex-, and H/I score-matched with 393 adolescents without ADHD diagnosis at time zero. Compared with adolescents without diagnosis, those with an ADHD diagnosis reported similar QOL on CHU9D (mean difference, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.07 to 0.01; P = .10), general health (mean difference, 0.11; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.27; P = .15), happiness (mean difference, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.37 to 0.00; P = .05), and peer trust (mean difference, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.00 to 1.30; P = .05). Diagnosed adolescents had worse psychological sense of school membership (mean difference, -2.58; 95% CI, -1.13 to -4.06; P < .001), academic self-concept (mean difference, -0.14; 95% CI, -0.02 to -0.26; P = .02), and self-efficacy (mean difference, -0.20; 95% CI, -0.05 to -0.33; P = .007); displayed more negative social behaviors (mean difference, 1.56; 95% CI, 0.55 to 2.66; P = .002); and were more likely to harm themselves (odds ratio, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.49 to 4.37; P < .001) than adolescents without diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, ADHD diagnosis was not associated with any self-reported improvements in adolescents' QOL compared with adolescents with similar levels of H/I behaviors but no ADHD diagnosis. ADHD diagnosis was associated with worse scores in some outcomes, including significantly increased risk of self-harm. A large, randomized clinical trial with long-term follow-up is needed.

Correlations Between Clinical Trial Outcomes Based on Symptoms, Functional Impairments, and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With ADHD

OBJECTIVE

To assess relationships between treatment-associated changes in measures of ADHD symptoms, functional impairments, and health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with ADHD.

METHOD

Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated post hoc for changes from baseline to endpoint in outcomes of one randomized, placebo- and active-controlled trial of lisdexamfetamine (osmotic-release methylphenidate reference) and one of guanfacine extended-release (atomoxetine reference).

RESULTS

Changes in ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV) total score generally correlated moderately with changes in Child Health and Illness Profile-Child Edition: Parent Report Form (CHIP-CE:PRF) Achievement and Risk Avoidance ( r ≈ .4), but weakly with Resilience, Satisfaction, and Comfort ( r ≈ .2); and moderately with Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Parent (WFIRS-P) total score ( r ≈ .5).

CHIP-CE

PRF Achievement and Risk Avoidance correlated moderately to strongly with WFIRS-P total score ( r ≈ .6).

CONCLUSION

The ADHD-RS-IV, CHIP-CE:PRF, and WFIRS-P capture distinct but interconnected aspects of treatment response in individuals with ADHD.

Variation in Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management of Children and Adolescents With ADHD Across European Countries

OBJECTIVE

To characterize differences in presentation, diagnosis, and management of children/adolescents with ADHD in six European countries.

METHOD

Physicians abstracted clinical records for patients aged 6 to 17 years, diagnosed from 2004 to 2007 and treated for ≥2 years. Documentation included impairment due to core ADHD symptoms and additional ADHD symptoms/behaviors at diagnosis, diagnostic approach, and treatment modality.

RESULTS

Study included 779 patients treated by 340 physicians. Prevalence of ADHD subtypes (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or combined) was similar across countries. Mean scores for core and noncore symptom impairment varied and were highest in Italy and the United Kingdom. Variability was noted in diagnostic approach; 95% of physicians in the Netherlands used Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition) criteria versus 10% in Germany. Differences were reported for initial treatment modality, treatment switching, and physician-reported treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

European countries varied in diagnostic approaches and practice management of children/adolescents with ADHD.

Clinical factors associated with decision to recommend methylphenidate treatment for children with ADHD in France

European guidelines advise on best practices for the diagnosis and non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to (1) assess whether clinician's decisions to initiate methylphenidate treatment in children diagnosed with ADHD are in accordance with European guidelines and (2) identify clinical factors associated with the decision to recommend methylphenidate prescription. 5 to 13-year-old patients with an ADHD diagnosis were consecutively evaluated in an outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry clinic in France. Patients underwent a multidisciplinary evaluation including a diagnostic interview, symptom severity assessments with parent questionnaires, and IQ testing. We compared children with (n = 105) and without (n = 55) recommended methylphenidate treatment using Student's t test or Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square or Fisher's test. Multivariate logistic regression was implemented to determine the respective influence of each variable on treatment recommendation. Recommendation to initiate methylphenidate treatment was associated with (1) ADHD combined presentation, (2) co-occurring Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder (ODD/CD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Learning Disorder (LD), (3) clinical severity and impairment indicated on parent questionnaires, and (4) reduced perceptual reasoning. Using a multivariate regression model, ADHD combined presentation [combined versus predominantly hyperactive/impulsive and unspecified OR 4.52 (1.23-16.55), p = 0.023], age [OR 1.46 (1.14-1.88), p = 0.003], ODD/CD [OR 5.53 (2.19-14.01), p < 0.001], DCD [OR 4.22 (1.70-10.48), p = 0.002], PRI [OR 0.97 (0.94-0.99), p = 0.01] were significantly associated with recommendation of methylphenidate treatment. Our results indicate that clinicians' treatment decision-making complies with European guidelines and is furthermore associated with the type and severity of ADHD symptoms but also with co-occurring disorders.

Prevalence, Patient Characteristics, and Pharmacological Treatment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults Diagnosed With ADHD in Sweden

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of diagnosed ADHD and the pharmacological treatment of patients with ADHD in Sweden. Specifically, this study estimates the prevalence of patients with a newly registered diagnosis of ADHD over a 5-year period, and the prevalence of all patients with a registered ADHD diagnoses over a 6-year period in Sweden.

METHOD

Two population-based registries were used as data sources for this study; the National Patient Register (NPR) and the Prescribed Drug Register (PDR). The international Classification of Diseases 10th Revison (ICD-10) was used to identify patients with ADHD.

RESULTS

The annual prevalence of ADHD in the general population of Sweden was found to be 1.1 per 1,000 persons in the year 2006 increasing to 4.8 per 1,000 persons in 2011. The corresponding prevalence for newly diagnosed patients increased from 0.6 per 1,000 persons in 2007 to 1.3 per 1,000 persons in 2011. The majority of diagnosed patients received pharmacological treatment, with methylphenidate being the most common dispensed drug. Comorbidities in the autism spectrum were most common for younger patients, while substance abuse, anxiety, and personality disorder were the most common comorbidities in older patients.

CONCLUSION

From 2006 to 2011, the number of patients diagnosed with ADHD has increased in Sweden over all ages. The majority of patients diagnosed with ADHD in Sweden received a pharmacological treatment regardless of age. An ADHD diagnosis was often accompanied with psychiatric comorbidity.

Annual Research Review: Quality of life and childhood mental and behavioural disorders - a critical review of the research

BACKGROUND

An individual's subjective perception of well-being is increasingly recognized as an essential complement to clinical symptomatology and functional impairment in children's mental health. Measurement of quality of life (QoL) has the potential to give due weight to the child's perspective.

SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY

Our aim was to critically review the current evidence on how childhood mental disorders affect QoL. First, the major challenges in this research field are outlined. Then we present a systematic review of QoL in children and adolescents aged 0-18 years formally diagnosed with a mental and behavioural disorder, as compared to healthy or typically developing children or children with other health conditions. Finally, we discuss limitations of the current evidence base and future directions based on the results of the systematic review and other relevant literature.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

The systematic review identified 41 eligible studies. All were published after the year 2000 and 21 originated in Europe. The majority examined QoL in neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (k = 17), autism spectrum disorder (k = 6), motor disorders (k = 5) and intellectual disability (k = 4). Despite substantial heterogeneity, studies demonstrate that self-reported global QoL is significantly reduced compared to typical/healthy controls across several disorders and QoL dimensions. Parents' ratings were on average substantially lower, casting doubt on the validity of proxy-report. Studies for large diagnostic groups such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, (early onset) schizophrenia and eating disorders are largely lacking. We conclude that representative, well-characterized normative and clinical samples as well as longitudinal and qualitative designs are needed to further clarify the construct of QoL, to derive measures of high ecological validity, and to examine how QoL fluctuates over time and is attributable to specific conditions or contextual factors.

Estimating minimal important differences for several scales assessing function and quality of life in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

OBJECTIVE

Defining minimal important difference (MID) is critical to interpreting patient-reported outcomes data and treatment efficacy in clinical trials. This study estimates the MID for the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Parent Report (WFIRS-P) and the Child Health and Illness Profile-Parent Report (CHIP-CE-PRF76) among parents of young people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the UK.

METHODS

Parents of children (6-12 years; n=100) and adolescents (13-17 years; n=117) with ADHD completed a socio-demographic form, the CHIP-CE-PRF76, the WFIRS-P, and the Pediatric Quality of Life scale at baseline and 4 weeks later. At follow-up, a subset of parents completed anchor questions measuring change in the child/adolescent from baseline. MIDs were estimated using anchor-based and distribution-based methods, and separately for children and adolescents.

RESULTS

The MID estimates for overall change in the WFIRS-P total score ranged from 11.31 (standard error of measurement) to 13.47 (anchor) for the total sample. The range of MID estimates for the CHIP-CE-PRF76 varied by domain: 6.80-7.41 (satisfaction), 6.18-7.34 (comfort), 5.60-6.72 (resilience), 6.06-7.57 (risk avoidance), and 4.00-5.63 (achievement) for the total sample. Overall, MID estimates for WFIRS-P MID and CHIP-CE-PRF76 were slightly higher for adolescents than for children.

CONCLUSION

This study estimated MIDs for these instruments using several methods. The observed convergence of the MID estimates increases confidence in their reliability and could assist clinicians and decision makers in deriving meaningful interpretations of observed changes in the WFIRS-P and CHIP-CE in clinical trials and practice.

Factors associated with caregiver burden among pharmacotherapy-treated children/adolescents with ADHD in the Caregiver Perspective on Pediatric ADHD survey in Europe

BACKGROUND

Burden on caregivers of children/adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is multidimensional, but incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze caregiver burden across the concepts of work, social/family life, and parental worry/stress, in relation to selected contributing factors.

METHODS

The online Caregiver Perspective on Pediatric ADHD survey was fielded in ten European countries. Analysis included children/adolescents (6-17 years) who were receiving/had received ADHD pharmacotherapy in the previous 6 months. Caregivers recorded their child's/adolescent's symptoms "on"/"off" medication (ie, when the caregiver reported that the child/adolescent forgot/chose not to take medication, before the onset of medication effect, or medication worn off). Effects of ADHD severity, comorbidities, and medication adherence on each burden outcome were assessed (multiple regression models).

RESULTS

In total, 2,326 caregivers were included (children/adolescents' mean age: 11.5 years, 80% male). Caregivers reported missed/altered work, avoiding social activity, increased parental worry/stress, and strain on family life, despite using ADHD pharmacotherapy. Child/adolescent comorbidities and ADHD severity were significantly related to all burden concepts measured; the strongest comorbidity associations were with altered work (odds ratios [ORs] =1.68 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.33, 2.12], 1.87 [1.37, 2.54], 3.47 [2.51, 4.78] for 1, 2, 3+ comorbidities, respectively) and planning the day around the child/adolescent (OR =1.42 [95% CI 1.17, 1.72], 1.73 [1.33, 2.15], 2.65 [1.99, 3.53]); the strongest severity associations were: quitting a job (OR =1.41 [95% CI 1.26, 1.59]) and planning a day around the child/adolescent (OR =1.26 [95% CI 1.20, 1.32]). Increased medication adherence was most associated with reducing the caregiver burden for altered work (OR =0.57 [95% CI 0.45, 0.72]), worrying about how they are being perceived as a parent (OR =0.68 [0.56, 0.83]), and avoiding social activity (OR =0.56 [0.45, 0.68]), but not family or stress burden.

CONCLUSION

Burdens related to work, social activity, family life, and parental worry/stress were experienced by the caregivers of children/adolescents with ADHD, despite using ADHD pharmacotherapy. Better understanding of clinical/treatment characteristics most associated with the components of caregiver burden may help improve ADHD management and may ease caregiver burden.

Prospective observational study protocol to investigate long-term adverse effects of methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD: the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Drugs Use Chronic Effects (ADDUCE) study

INTRODUCTION

Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Europe. Following concerns about its safety, the European Commission called for research into the long-term effects of methylphenidate on children and adolescents with ADHD. The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Drugs Use Chronic Effects (ADDUCE) research programme was designed to address this call. At the heart of this programme is a 2-year longitudinal naturalistic pharmacovigilance study being conducted in 27 European sites.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

3 cohorts of children and adolescents (aged 6-17) living in the UK, Germany, Italy and Hungary are being recruited:Group 1 (Medicated ADHD): 800 ADHD medication-naive children and adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD about to start methylphenidate treatment for the first time.Group 2 (Unmedicated ADHD): 400 children and adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD who have never been treated with ADHD medication and have no intention of beginning medication.Group 3 (Non-ADHD): 400 children and adolescents without ADHD who are siblings of individuals in either group 1 or 2.All participants will be assessed 5 times during their 2-year follow-up period for growth and development, psychiatric, neurological and cardiovascular health. The primary outcome measure will be the height velocity SD score.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for the study has been granted by the East of Scotland Research Ethics Service. Following this approval, patient information leaflets and consent forms were translated as necessary and submissions made by lead sites in each of the other 3 countries to their own ethics committees. Following ethical approval in each country, local ethical permissions at each site were sought and obtained as needed. The study's website (http://www.adhd-adduce.org/page/view/2/Home) provides information for researchers, participants and the general public.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01470261.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Under Treatment Outcomes Research (AUTOR): a European observational study in pediatric subjects

The ADHD Under Treatment Observational Research (AUTOR) study was a European prospective, observational study that assessed factors associated with changes in ADHD severity, estimated change from baseline in quality of life (QoL), and characterized changes in ADHD symptoms over a 2-year period as a function of baseline treatment. The primary objective was to identify factors associated with worsening in ADHD severity during a 2-year follow-up period for subjects aged 6–17 years, who were receiving the same pharmacotherapy for 3–8 months before enrollment and had a Clinical Global Impression (CGI)-ADHD-Severity score of mild/lower and a CGI-ADHD-Improvement score of improved/very much improved. Multivariate logistic regression examined the association of factors with worsening in ADHD. Mixed-model repeated measures regression analyzed QoL in terms of change from baseline in CHIP-CE PRF scores. There were 704 subjects analyzed. Variables associated with worsening ADHD severity were parental occupation, poorer school outcomes, and use of psychoeducation; baseline treatment was not significant. Among the secondary objectives, initial use of atomoxetine (vs. stimulants) was associated with a significant improvement on the CHIP-CE PRF total score, with an adjusted treatment difference of −6.0 (95 % CI −7.9, −4.1) at 24 months. Additionally, the odds of stability (CGI-ADHD-S ≤ 3 over the 2-year period) were significantly lower for subjects initially responding to stimulants compared with atomoxetine (OR 0.5; 95 % CI 0.3, 0.8). ADHD symptom worsening was associated with initial use of psychoeducation, parental occupation, and poorer school outcomes. Response to initial treatment with atomoxetine was associated with improved QoL over 2 years.

Unmet needs associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in eight European countries as reported by caregivers and adolescents: results from qualitative research

INTRODUCTION

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, the levels of which are inappropriately high for an individual's developmental age.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the unmet needs of children/adolescents with ADHD and their caregivers in eight European countries.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with 38 caregivers of children/adolescents (aged 6-17 years) with ADHD and no or less serious comorbidities and 28 adolescents (aged 13-17 years) with ADHD and no or less serious comorbidities were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed into English, and coded for analysis.

RESULTS

Caregivers reported their own ADHD-related issues, including making personal accommodations, such as limiting activities and spending extra time/effort caring for their child/adolescent, social impacts, and strained relationships. Medication was generally considered helpful; however, most children experience core ADHD symptoms while on medication (reported by 88 % of caregivers and 100 % of adolescents). Adolescents often reported schoolwork difficulties (96 %) and peer issues (75 %), while caregivers reported school issues (84 %) and peer difficulties (79 %). Caregivers reported minimal ADHD education and community support. Caregivers (29 %) and adolescents (54 %) desired medication that better controlled symptoms but had concerns about being oversubdued. Caregivers reported concerns about adverse effects (21 %).

CONCLUSIONS

European caregivers of children/adolescents with ADHD identified multiple unmet needs, which persist despite treatment. Adolescents noted impacts on school and social interactions consistent with caregivers. Future research is needed to quantify the study findings, and, ultimately, ease the impact of ADHD on patients and their caregivers.

Parent preferences regarding stimulant therapies for ADHD: a comparison across six European countries

The objective is to identify attributes of ADHD stimulant medications that influence treatment preferences of parents of children and adolescents with ADHD across six European countries, using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Different attributes (and associated levels) of stimulant therapies were identified through literature review and clinician input. Attributes included duration and degree of symptom control after each dose, frequency of medication dosing, potential for treatment to be abused, the side effects of vomiting, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbance. Attributes and levels were combined using an orthogonal design to produce a number of discrete hypothetical treatments. Parents were recruited via patient panels in different countries and asked to complete a survey. DCE data were analyzed using conditional logit models to explore the impact of each attribute on participants' choices. Six hundred individuals (220 parents of adolescents and 380 parents of children) participated. All attributes were significant predictors of choice (p < 0.01). 'Degree of symptom control' was the most important attribute whereby the odds of choosing 'very much improved symptoms' compared with 'minimally improved' was 4.85 [95 % confidence interval (CI) = 4.28-5.49] for the adolescent group and 6.37 (95 % CI = 5.79-7.01) for the child group. Some inter-country differences emerged, e.g., achieving the best degree of symptom control was more important to parents in some countries than others. In conclusion, the study showed that duration and degree of symptom control were the most important aspects of treatment for parents in all countries. The findings revealed cultural differences in the relative importance of attributes.

Attitudes and practices in the management of ADHD among healthcare professionals who responded to a European survey

Objectives

To examine attitudes and practices in the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among health professionals across seven European countries.

Methods

The web-based survey was developed by an international steering committee of ADHD experts and consisted of 64 multiple-choice questions relating to ADHD, covering the following topics: attitudes, diagnosis, referral, treatment and improving care. Health professionals working with ADHD were identified using a medical marketing database (Medical Marketing Service Inc., IL, USA) and invited via email to participate in the survey. No incentive was offered for participation and the survey was only available in English.

Results

Over 22 000 emails and postal invitations were sent. One hundred and thirty-four (0.6%) health professionals completed the survey. Results highlighted significant differences by profession and country. In general, ADHD is considered a clinically important and valid disorder (n = 111, 84%), with biological underpinnings (n = 82, 62%), continuing into adulthood (n = 123, 93%) and responsive to treatment. Respondents from France were less likely to be convinced about biological validity (n = 4, 27%) and those from Italy and France were more likely to be concerned about the risk of underdiagnosis (n = 9, 64% and n = 9, 60%, respectively). Psychologists were the specialty who most frequently reported not believing in the diagnostic validity of ADHD (n = 4, 19%). One-third (n = 25, 35%) of respondents recommended medical tests before prescribing medication, with differences emerging by country despite the lack of support for such routine assessments in the guidelines.

Conclusions

Despite the very low response rate, intriguing country- and profession-specific differences emerged in this study and warrant further exploration.

Outcomes of child psychiatric treatment

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes of child psychiatric outpatient treatment as usual and to identify outcome predictors, with special regard to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and conduct disorder.

METHOD

Routinely collected data from 12 613 outpatients between July 2006 and January 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden were analysed. The outcome measure was change in Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) ratings between first visit and case closure (∆CGAS).

RESULTS

CGAS improved during the course of treatment across all diagnostic groups, ranging from a mean change of 4 (mental retardation) to 16 (suicide attempts). ∆CGAS was two times higher in the mood disorder group compared with the ADHD group. In the mood disorder group, several psychotherapies were associated with better outcome but not medication. In the ADHD group, psychotherapeutic interventions were also associated with better outcome, but those who received treatment with central stimulants received less non-medical interventions.

CONCLUSION

Whereas the functional impairment and the level of improvement in mood disorder corresponded to previous efficacy studies, the ADHD patients were more impaired and improved less after treatment. This should prompt a critical discussion as to whether ADHD patients receive the best available treatment in CAMHS in Stockholm and elsewhere.

Baseline characteristics of European and non-European adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder participating in a placebo-controlled, randomized treatment study with atomoxetine

BACKGROUND

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often presents as an impairing lifelong condition in adults; yet it is currently underdiagnosed and undertreated in many European countries. This analysis examines the characteristics of adult patients with ADHD in a European (EUR) and non-European (NE) patient population.

METHODS

Baseline data from the open-label treatment period of a randomized trial of atomoxetine in adult patients with ADHD (N=2017; EUR, n=1217; NE, n=800) were examined. All patients who were enrolled were included in the baseline analyses.

RESULTS

The demographics for patients in the EUR and NE groups were comparable. Patients in the EUR group had a somewhat lower percentage of prior exposure to psychostimulants compared with the NE group (32.7% vs. 38.9%, p=.0049). Scores on the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale-Investigator Rated: Screening Version with adult ADHD prompts (18-item total, inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive subscales, and index) were comparable. The adult ADHD Quality of Life-Life Outlook and Life Productivity domain scores were significantly different between groups (p≤.0004). The EuroQol-5 Dimension United Kingdom and United States population-based index scores and Health State score were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with ADHD in Europe present similar demographics and baseline characteristics to those outside Europe and hence, study results outside Europe may be generalizable to patients in Europe.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00700427.

Health-related quality of life among children with mental disorders: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To systematically review studies about the quality of life (QOL) of children with various mental disorders relative to healthy controls and to describe limitations in these studies.

METHODS

Relevant articles were searched using different databases, by checking reference lists and contacting experts. We included articles that either compared children with mental disorders to healthy controls/norm values or made such a comparison possible.

RESULTS

Sixteen out of 4,560 articles met the pre-defined inclusion criteria. These studies revealed that the QOL of children with various mental disorders is compromised across multiple domains. The largest effect sizes were found for psychosocial and family-related domains and for the total QOL score, whereas physical domains generally were less affected. The most important limitations in the existing literature include the lack of study samples drawn from the general population, the failure to use self-ratings, not considering item overlap between measuring QOL and assessing for the presence of a particular mental disorder, and not determining whether the children were receiving medication for their mental disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with mental disorders experience a considerable reduction in QOL across various domains. Research studies that avoid previous limitations are crucial to fill existing knowledge gaps.

Comorbidities in ADHD children treated with methylphenidate: a database study

BACKGROUND

Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most common drug treatment of attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Treatment with MPH is contraindicated in the presence of certain psychiatric, cerebro- and cardiovascular conditions. We assessed MPH treatment prevalence and incidence and the frequency of comorbid conditions related to these contraindications in new MPH users compared to a control group without ADHD and ADHD medication.

METHODS

We used health care data for the years 2004 to 2006 from the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD) which includes about 18% of the German population. MPH treatment prevalence and incidence was assessed based on at least one MPH prescription in the given year. In MPH users, the prevalence of psychiatric and other comorbidities was assessed in the quarter of the first MPH prescription and the three preceding quarters, whereas in controls it was assessed in the earliest four quarters of continuous insurance time starting at 01.01.2004 or the start of insurance if this was later. Differences in the presence of comorbid diagnoses between MPH users and controls were tested by logistic regression.

RESULTS

In 2005, 1.5% of all children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years (2.3% of males and 0.6% of females) received MPH in Germany. The proportion of children with a record of a psychiatric comorbidity in any of the nine ICD categories of diagnoses was substantially higher in new MPH users (83%) compared to controls (20%). Cerebro- and cardiovascular comorbidities were rare in general. Still, among new MPH users, 2% of males and females had a diagnosis of a pre-existing cardiovascular disorder but only 1.2% of controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides MPH treatment prevalence we first publish age-specific incidence rates for Germany. A high proportion of children who were started on MPH had a record of a psychiatric comorbidity preceding the first prescription. Cerebro- and cardiovascular conditions were rare in the studied age range, but still higher among children who received MPH than in the control group. Results show that in a substantial subgroup of patients, comorbidities require a thorough weighting of possible risks of MPH medication against the risks of untreated ADHD.

Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate: a new therapeutic option for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with substantial functional, clinical and economic burdens. It is among the most common psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents, and often persists into adulthood. Both medication and psychosocial interventions are recommended for the treatment of ADHD. However, ADHD treatment practices vary considerably, depending on medication availability, reimbursement and the evolution of clinical practice in each country. In Europe, stimulants and atomoxetine are widely available medications for the treatment of ADHD, whereas in the US approved treatment options also include extended-release formulations of clonidine and guanfacine. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (lisdexamfetamine) is a long-acting, prodrug formulation of dexamfetamine. It is currently licensed in the US, Canada and Brazil, and is undergoing phase III studies in Europe. We performed a PubMed/MEDLINE search looking for recent (2005-2012) scientific papers regarding the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy and safety of lisdexamfetamine. The lisdexamfetamine molecule is therapeutically inactive and is enzymatically hydrolysed, primarily in the blood, to the active dexamfetamine. This conversion is unaffected by gastrointestinal pH and variations in normal transit times. Lisdexamfetamine was developed with the goal of providing an extended duration of effect that is consistent throughout the day. Clinical trials have demonstrated robust clinical efficacy of lisdexamfetamine in the treatment of children, adolescents and adults with ADHD with dose-dependent improvements in the core symptoms of ADHD. Studies have further shown that the duration of action of lisdexamfetamine continues for 13 hours post-dosing in children and for 14 hours in adults. The tolerability profile of lisdexamfetamine is consistent with those of other stimulant medications, with decreased appetite, insomnia, abdominal pain and irritability among the more frequent treatment-emergent adverse events, most of which are mild to moderate in intensity and transient in nature. There are currently no parallel-group, head-to-head trial data comparing the efficacy and safety of lisdexamfetamine with other medications for ADHD. However, the available data, including a large effect size and consistent plasma concentrations throughout the day, suggest that lisdexamfetamine is a useful treatment option for patients with ADHD.

A systematic review of global publication trends regarding long-term outcomes of ADHD

There is increased global recognition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a serious medical condition with long-term consequences. Although originally conceived of as a childhood disorder, ADHD is being increasingly recognized in adults. Individual geographic regions may have specific interests and objectives for the study of ADHD. A systematic review of long-term outcomes (LTOs) in ADHD was conducted to evaluate research on ADHD LTOs on a global scale. Studies that were at least 2 years in duration were examined. A total of 351 studies were identified in the final analysis. We identified nine outcomes of interest and classified studies by specific geographical regions, age groups studied and study design by region and over time. Published studies of LTOs in ADHD have increased in all geographical regions over the past three decades, with a peak number of 42 publications in 2008. This rise in publications on ADHD LTOs may reflect a rise in global interest and recognition of consequences and impairment associated with ADHD. Although many world regions have published on ADHD LTOs, the majority of studies have emerged from the US and Canada, followed by Europe. While investigators in the US and Canada were predominantly interested in drug addiction as a LTO, European researchers were more interested in antisocial behavior, and Eastern Asian investigators focused on both of these LTOs as well as self-esteem. Geographical differences in the focus of ADHD LTO studies may reflect regional variations in cultural values. Proportionally fewer prospective longitudinal studies and proportionally more retrospective and cross-sectional studies have been published in more recent decades. Finally, more studies focusing on ADHD in adolescents and adults have been conducted in recent years, and particularly adolescents in Eastern Asia. These changes in basic study design may reflect an increase in the recognition that ADHD is a lifetime chronic disorder. This systematic review analysis of publication trends in ADHD LTOs reflects geographically based interests that change over time.

Methylphenidate delivery mechanisms for the treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Heterogeneity in parent preferences

Objectives: Extended-release therapies avoid the need for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to take medication at school. Recently a transdermal delivery system has been developed which can allow symptom control all day long but with greater dosing flexibility. This study explored the parents' preferences regarding oral and transdermal therapy.

Methods: A nonsystematic and qualitative literature review and in-depth interviews with parents and physicians helped identify salient treatment attributes for a discrete choice experiment. Treatment attributes included mode of administration (tablet or transdermal), speed of onset (30–90 min); duration (lasts until 3–9 pm) and ability to tailor the drug to different needs (no flexibility, limited flexibility, easy to adjust to different days). A convenience sample of parents of children treated for ADHD (n = 200) were recruited using a recruitment agency. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results: Parents' preferred once-a-day oral therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76 [95 percent confidence interval {CI}, 1.43 – 2.18]); rapid speed of onset (OR = 1.22 [95 percent CI, 1.07 – 1.39]), and symptom control until 9 pm (OR = 3.79 [95 percent CI, 2.98 – 4.82]). Analyses identified that 30 percent of parents preferred transdermal treatment and this subgroup preferred treatments with a fast onset of action.

Conclusions: This survey demonstrates that parents of ADHD children have different preferences for the ADHD treatments prescribed for their children. A distinct subgroup of parents prefer the transdermal therapy. These parents were less likely to be working and so monitoring compliance and doing after school activities may have been easier.

The quality of life of young children and infants with chronic medical problems: review of the literature

The question "what makes a good quality of life?" is a philosophical one which could be thought immune to scientific investigations. However, over the last few decades there has been great progress in developing tools to quantify quality of life (QoL) to make comparisons between different health states, evaluate the effectiveness of medical interventions, and describe the life trajectories of individuals or groups. Using a series of vignettes, we explore and review the biomedical literature to demonstrate how QoL is affected by chronic health conditions in childhood, and how it evolves as individuals pass into adulthood. Individuals experiencing serious chronic illnesses generally have reduced health-related QoL: their health status has significant repercussions of their everyday life, but scores are usually much better than healthy individuals expect, and better than physicians predict. Global QoL is more than a health status concept. QoL is a complex relationship between objectivity and subjectivity; it requires substantial and valid facts, and it defines itself by an interpretation of health within different schemes of values: societal, medical, and those of the subject themselves. QoL is dynamic; purely physical influences diminish as individuals age, and psychosocial factors become much more important. Resilience frequently allows adaptation to adverse health states, leading to acceptable QoL for most children with disabilities.

Treatment outcomes with methylphenidate formulations among patients with ADHD: retrospective claims analysis of a managed care population

OBJECTIVE

Describe treatment patterns, resource use, and predictors of methylphenidate (MPH) switch among children (6-12 years), adolescents (13-17 years), and adults (≥ 18 years) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODS

This retrospective U.S. managed care database study used medical, pharmacy, and enrollment data to examine treatment patterns among patients with ≥ 1 ADHD diagnosis code (ICD-9 314.00-314.9), MPH pharmacy claims during 01/01/2004-09/30/2006, and no ADHD pharmacy claims in prior 6 months. Patients were followed for 1 year for dosage change, switch (change to non-MPH treatment), augmentation, persistence (number days on index medication) and adherence (days supplied/days persistent). End points were assessed by age group and MPH formulation. Cox proportional hazards modeling was conducted to determine predictors of MPH switch.

RESULTS

Among 23,860 MPH users, 51.4% had a dosing change, 14% switched to a non-MPH agent, and 4% augmented MPH therapy. Among those prescribed long-acting (LA) MPH (N = 14,681), switching rates were 14% for children, 13% for adolescents, and 16% for adults. Augmentation rates for LA MPH were <5%. Overall, 53% of patients were adherent with mean persistence of 219 days. For the subgroup of patients prescribed LA MPH (n = 14,681), adherence ranged from 49% (adolescents) to 59% (children); persistence varied between 183 days (adults) to 256 days (children). During the 1-year follow-up, office/clinic visits were the major driver of health care resource use in MPH patients (mean 9.7 visits/patient). Patients with psychiatric comorbidity utilized significantly greater services. Predictors of MPH switch included psychiatric comorbidity (hazards ratio [HR] 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26-1.48; p < 0.0001) and specialty prescribers (HR 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04-1.35; p = 0.011). Potential limitations of this study include use of claims data for definition of drug usage; inclusion of medications approved for use in ADHD; assessment of switching that may not have captured short-term augmentation; absence of economic, clinical and other variables from the claims dataset that may have influenced treatment selection, and outcomes. The 6-month baseline period to determine newly treated patients may not guarantee exclusion of all previously treated patients who restart therapy after an extended period.

CONCLUSIONS

Children exhibited the highest persistence of MPH users. ADHD patients on MPH therapy with a psychiatric comorbidity may require additional follow-up to help improve adherence and reduce health care resource use.

Treatment stabilization in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: data from the Netherlands

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the number of patients reaching stable treatment with a stimulant (methylphenidate or dexamphetamine) or non-stimulant (atomoxetine) attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication approved for use in the Netherlands, and the time to treatment stabilization among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Prescription data from the PHARMO medical record linkage system from 48 geo-demographic areas in the Netherlands (2003-2006) were analyzed from newly treated patients with ADHD aged 6-17 years. Only patients with ≥ 5 dispensings for any ADHD drug during follow-up (at least 12 months) and no missing information on type of drug, strength, and number of pills per day were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Attainment of a stable dosing regimen was defined as no change in type of drug (including a switch from an immediate release (IR) to a long-acting (LA) formulation), strength, and number of pills per day for five consecutive dispensings. Time to stable dosing regimen was defined as the number of days between the first dispensing for an ADHD drug and the first of five unchanged dispensings.

RESULTS

Of 4909 children or adolescents initiating treatment, 3099 met selection criteria. More patients starting therapy with LA methylphenidate (82.4%) achieved treatment stabilization during follow-up than with IR methylphenidate (74.8%; p < 0.01) or atomoxetine (69.8%; p < 0.05). More patients initiated on LA methylphenidate patients (43.9%) achieved treatment stabilization without changing their index medication or dose compared to those initiated on IR methylphenidate (25.3%) or atomoxetine (8.1%; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Among patients achieving treatment stabilization, those initiating treatment with LA methylphenidate had a significantly shorter time to treatment stabilization (14 days) than patients initially treated with IR methylphenidate (56 days; p < 0.001) or atomoxetine (31 days; p < 0.05). Mean number of pills per day varied between 1.0 and 1.8 at initial treatment and 1.1 and 1.9 at treatment stabilization. Potential limitations of the study include the use of ADHD-medication dispensing as a proxy for an ADHD diagnosis and the impact of different titration schedules for the various ADHD medications.

CONCLUSION

Overall, 2316 of the 3066 eligible patients (75.5%) achieved treatment stabilization during follow-up. Among children and adolescents with ADHD in the Netherlands, the time to treatment stabilization varied according to choice of initial treatment and was shortest for LA methylphenidate.

The impact of medications on quality of life in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review

Quality of life (QOL) describes an individual's subjective perception of their position in life as evidenced by their physical, psychological and social functioning. Although an established outcome measure in physical health, QOL has more recently become an increasingly important measure in mental health clinical work and research. This article reviews the evidence describing the impact of medications on QOL in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Databases were searched for research studies describing the effects of medication on QOL in ADHD: 25 relevant studies were identified. Most (n = 20) of these studies have focused on children and adolescents, and most have investigated a single molecule, atomoxetine (n = 15), with relatively few studies investigating methylphenidate (n = 5), amfetamines (n = 4) and manifaxine (n = 1). These studies support a positive short-term effect of medication on QOL in ADHD for children, adolescents and adults that mirrors, to some extent, the effects of these medications on ADHD symptoms, although with smaller effect sizes. Notwithstanding measurement issues, it will continue to be important that those designing and conducting clinical trials in ADHD, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, continue to include measures of QOL as secondary outcome measures. In particular, information about QOL effects in adults and in subjects of all ages taking methylphenidate and amfetamine treatments is urgently needed. The lack of systematic studies of the impact on QOL of psychological therapies, either on their own or in multimodal combinations with medication, is a serious omission that should be urgently addressed.

Short-term effectiveness of medication and psychosocial intervention in a cohort of newly diagnosed patients with inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity problems

OBJECTIVE

The article discusses the ADHD Observational Research in Europe (ADORE) study that examined the impact of early treatment choices on outcome within the first few months, in previously untreated children with impairing inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

METHODS

Data are collected from a longitudinal, observational study conducted in 10 European countries that involve 1,478 children (aged 6 to 18 years) with symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattentiveness. Linear model with a propensity score adjustment compares the decrease in ADHD-RS scores between baseline and last recorded visit across treatment groups (2 to 5 months).

RESULTS

At baseline, 49.9% of participants are prescribed pharmacotherapy and 44.3% a psychosocial intervention. Analysis of the effect of treatment on the evolution of ADHD-RS scores shows a positive effect of medications and either an insignificant or negative effect of psychosocial intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Early use of medication effectively reduces ADHD symptoms in routine clinical practice in Europe. The effect of psychosocial intervention has to be interpreted cautiously because the number, length, and level of standard of the sessions are not taken into account in the analyses.

The quality of life of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review

Quality of life (QoL) describes an individual's subjective perception of their position in life as evidenced by their physical, psychological, and social functioning. QoL has become an increasingly important measure of outcome in child mental health clinical work and research. Here we provide a systematic review of QoL studies in children and young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and address three main questions. (1) What is the impact of ADHD on QoL? (2) What are the relationships between ADHD symptoms, functional impairment and the mediators and moderators of QoL in ADHD? (3) Does the treatment of ADHD impact on QoL? Databases were systematically searched to identify research studies describing QoL in ADHD. Thirty six relevant articles were identified. Robust negative effects on QoL are reported by the parents of children with ADHD across a broad range of psycho-social, achievement and self evaluation domains. Children with ADHD rate their own QoL less negatively than their parents and do not always seeing themselves as functioning less well than healthy controls. ADHD has a comparable overall impact on QoL compared to other mental health conditions and severe physical disorders. Increased symptom level and impairment predicts poorer QoL. The presence of comorbid conditions or psychosocial stressors helps explain these effects. There is emerging evidence that QoL improves with effective treatment. In conclusion, ADHD seriously compromises QoL especially when seen from a parents' perspective. QoL outcomes should be included as a matter of course in future treatment studies.

No increase in long-term risk for nicotine use disorders after treatment with methylphenidate in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): evidence from a non-randomised retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate long-term effects of methylphenidate (MPH) treatment in ADHD children on the development of nicotine use disorders (SUD-N).

METHODS

Multisite retrospective non-randomised longitudinal study with 215 ADHD children (diagnosis at 9.2 years of age; reassessment for SUD-N at 21.9 years of age) strictly parallel allocated to MPH treated (n = 106) and drug naive (n = 109) children.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the groups with respect to frequency (84% MPH; 89% non-MPH; chi(2) = 1.6; p = 0.21) and age of onset for first cigarette smoking (log rank 1.68; p = 0.19). Continuous smoking was reached by 51% (MPH) and 61% (non-MPH) of the patients. Survival analyses revealed a small and nominally significant delay in age of onset for continuous smoking in the MPH-group (log rank = 3.85; p = 0.049). Nicotine dependency was reached by 20% (MPH) and 27% (non-MPH). Age of onset does not differ between groups (log rank = 2.24; p = 0.13).

DISCUSSION

Limited evidence due to the non-randomised nature of the study is given that MPH does not induce SUD-N. The data suggests there may be a beneficial effect of MPH on delay of onset for continuous nicotine consumption in ADHD patients.

Which factors impact on clinician-rated impairment in children with ADHD?

OBJECTIVES

To describe the associations between a range of demographic, family and clinical factors and clinician-rated measures of global impairment in children with ADHD symptoms obtained at the baseline assessment in the ADHD Observational Research in Europe (ADORE) study.

METHODS

Global impairment was measured by clinicians using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale and the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). Associations with independent variables were investigated using forward-stepwise regression models.

RESULTS

For the CGI-S and CGAS analyses, complete data sets were available for 1,265 and 985 children, respectively. The baseline mean CGI-S score in this population was 4.4 (SD 0.9) and the mean CGAS score was 55.0 (SD 10.6). Factors significantly associated with increased impairment on both outcome measures were: increased severity of ADHD symptoms, increased peer relationship problems and presence of oppositional defiant disorder and/or conduct disorder. Also, the presence of anxiety and/or depression and the presence of somatic symptoms were associated with increased impairment on CGI-S,while family health problems and premature birth were associated with increased impairment on CGAS.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of clinician-rated impairment in the ADORE sample is increased by the presence of disruptive behaviour problems and emotional problems, somatic symptoms, peer relationship difficulties, family health problems and premature birth.

Validity of the health-related quality of life assessment in the ADORE study: Parent Report Form of the CHIP-Child Edition

OBJECTIVES

To examine the cross-sectional reliability and validity of the Parent Report Form of the Child Health and Illness Profile-Child Edition (CHIP-CE), a generic measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), in children with ADHD in the pan-European ADHD Observational Research in Europe (ADORE) study.

METHODS

Parents of children with ADHD (aged 6-18 years) in 10 European countries completed the CHIP-CE at the baseline visit (n=1,477; data missing for one patient). Analyses included determination of internal consistency reliability, ceiling and floor effects, factor analysis, and Pearson's correlations between CHIP-CE and other scales used to measure ADHD severity, problems and family strain.

RESULTS

Internal consistency reliability was good-to-excellent (Chronbach's alpha>0.70) for all CHIP-CE domains and subdomains, and almost no ceiling and floor effects were observed. Factor analysis of the subdomains yielded a 12-factor solution. The domainlevel factor analysis identified six factors, the four domains of Satisfaction, Comfort, Resilience and Risk Avoidance. The two subdomains of Achievement domain, Peer Relations and Academic Performance, were separate factors in this sample. There were moderate-to-high correlations between the CHIP-CE scales and measures of ADHD and family factors. The HRQoL of children in ADORE was dramatically lower than that of community youth,with mean CHIP-CE scores almost 2 standard deviations below community norms.

CONCLUSIONS

The validity and reliability of CHIP-CE to measure HRQoL in children with ADHD across Europe was confirmed.

Factors related to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children with ADHD in Europe at entry into treatment

OBJECTIVE

To describe the associations between a range of baseline factors (demographic, family and clinical) and parent-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with ADHD taking part in the ADORE study.

METHODS

HRQoL was rated using the Parent Report Form of the Child Health and Illness Profile-Child Edition (CHIP-CE). Forward-stepwise linear regression models were used to investigate associations with 26 independent variables. Separate models were fitted for each of the five CHIP-CE domains (Satisfaction, Comfort, Resilience, Risk Avoidance and Achievement) and two subdomains of Achievement (Academic Performance and Peer Relations).

RESULTS

CHIP-CE domain mean scores were lower than community norms, especially for Risk Avoidance and Achievement, indicating a low level of HRQoL. Clinical factors significantly associated with a poorer HRQoL included ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity), conduct problems, peer relationship problems, having asthma, multiple other somatic symptoms and co-ordination problems. Family factors, such as having a parent with a health or mental health problem possibly caused by the child's illness, child not living with both parents and maternal smoking during pregnancy were also associated with a worse HRQoL in some CHIP-CE domains/subdomains.

CONCLUSIONS

Numerous factors independently impact on the HRQoL of children with ADHD.

Influence of gender on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Europe--ADORE

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in girls in Europe is poorly understood; it is not known whether they exhibit similar symptom patterns or co-existing problems and receive the same type of treatment as boys.

OBJECTIVE

To examine gender differences for referral patterns, social demographic factors, ADHD core symptomatology, co-existing health problems, psychosocial functioning and treatment.

METHODS

Baseline data from the ADHD Observational Research in Europe (ADORE) study, a 24-month, naturalistic, longitudinal observational study in 10 European countries of children (aged 6-18 years) with hyperactive/inattentive/impulsive symptoms but no previous diagnosis of ADHD, were analysed by gender.

RESULTS

Data from 1,478 children were analysed: 231 girls (15.7%) and 1,222 boys (84.3%) (gender data missing for 25 patients). Gender ratios (girl:boy) varied by country, ranging from 1:3 to 1:16. Comparisons showed few gender effects in core ADHD symptomatology and clinical correlates of ADHD. Compared with boys, girls had significantly more parent-rated emotional symptoms and prosocial behaviour and were more likely to be the victim of bullying and less likely to be the bully. Girls and boys had similar levels of co-existing psychiatric and physical health problems, and received the same type of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Fewer girls than boys are referred for ADHD treatment, but they have a similar pattern of impairment and receive similar treatment.

Cross-cultural reliability and validity of ADHD assessed by the ADHD Rating Scale in a pan-European study

OBJECTIVES

To provide psychometric information on the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) in a large population of children with ADHD.

METHODS

Patients aged 6-18 years (n=1,478 in baseline analysis) were rated by 244 physicians on the ADHD-RS-IV based on a semi-structured interview with the patient's parent. Physicians additionally rated functional impairment (CGAS) and health status (CGI-S), and parents rated their child's behavioural and emotional problems (SDQ) and quality of life (CHIP-CE).

RESULTS

Inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity as dimensions of ADHD were replicated. 3-factor solutions reflecting the ICD-10 definition, with hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention as separate dimensions were extracted in some national sub-samples and in separate analyses for boys and younger children.Good internal consistencies, strong country effects and small effects of age were found. Based on ADHD-RS-IV, 88.5% of patients met the criteria for any ADHD diagnosis. Correlations between ADHD-RS-IV and measures of functional impairment were low but statistically significant. The correlations with SDQ and CHIP-CE scales confirm the convergent and divergent validity of ADHD-RS-IV.

CONCLUSIONS

Impressive evidence for the cross-cultural factorial validity, internal consistency as well as convergent and divergent validity of ADHD-RS-IV was found. ADHD can be assessed reliably and validly in routine care across Europe. The ICD-10 3-factor model seems to be less robust than the DSM-IV 2-factor model, but may be a good description for special populations (boys, younger children).

Co-existing psychiatric problems in ADHD in the ADORE cohort

OBJECTIVE

To study the impact of co-existing psychiatric problems with ADHD on behavioural features, psychosocial functioning and quality of life in subjects of the ADORE cohort (N=1,478).

METHODS

The following six groups of associated psychiatric problems with ADHD were compared: oppositional-defiant disorder or conduct disorder only (ODD/CD); anxiety or depressive disorder only (ANX/DEP); tic/Tourette's disorder only (TIC/Tourette's); developmental co-ordination disorder only (DCD); two or more associated conditions; and none. Dependent variables included the ADHD Rating Scale-IV, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale, the Children's Global Assessment Scale and the Child Health Illness Profile-Child Edition.

RESULTS

Having multiple co-existing psychiatric problems increased the severity of ADHD in all domains, be it behavioural features, psychosocial impairment or deterioration of quality of life. A similar though less consistent pattern applied to subjects with co-existing ODD/CD.

CONCLUSIONS

The ADORE study provides impressive evidence for the far-reaching consequences of co-existing psychiatric problems in children with ADHD that warrant intensive consideration in clinical assessment and treatment.

Psychopathological screening of children with ADHD: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in a pan-European study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) parent version and to determine the effects of age, gender, country and investigator type (paediatrician, child psychiatrist, other physician) on the SDQ scores in the prospective, non-interventional ADORE study.

METHODS

The SDQ was completed for 1,459 children with ADHD (aged 6-18 years) in 10 European countries.

RESULTS

Factor analysis provided an exact replication of the original 5-factor SDQ subscale structure. All subscales were sufficiently homogeneous. The mean total difficulties and SDQ subscale scores of the ADORE sample clearly differed from UK normative data. Younger children were more impaired on different SDQ scales than older children, and girls were more emotionally affected than boys. Differences between countries were found for each SDQ scale, but the investigator type had no significant effect. Correlation coefficients between SDQ scales and other scales used in ADORE ranged from low (r<0.30) to high (r>0.50).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirmed the validity and reliability of the parent-reported SDQ scale structure and showed that the scale scores are dependent on age and gender. In contrast to investigator type, different cultures had a significant effect on SDQ scores. Correlations with other scales used in the ADORE study underline both separate domains and meaningful associations.

The Family Strain Index (FSI). Reliability, validity, and factor structure of a brief questionnaire for families of children with ADHD

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children affects every member of the family. Practical tools are needed to assess the effects of ADHD on families to better understand and address the level of stress, strain and burden that families experience.

OBJECTIVE

To provide the preliminary reliability, validity and factor structure of the Family Strain Index (FSI), a 6-item parent-report questionnaire.

METHODS

The FSI was completed by 1,477 parents of children with ADHD (aged 6-18 years) at the baseline visit of the ADORE study in 10 European countries (data missing for one patient).

RESULTS

The FSI taps into an overall experience of worry and interruptions of activities in families of children with ADHD, as a single factor was identified with excellent internal consistency (alpha=0.87). Despite its brevity, almost no ceiling (worst score) or floor (best score) effects were observed for families of these highly symptomatic children. This score distribution and the 5-point response options suggest that the FSI will be responsive to changes in the experience of family strain associated with children's ADHD treatment.

CONCLUSION

The ease of completion and coherence of the underlying construct indicates that the FSI may be a practical clinical tool for monitoring changes in family strain associated with children's ADHD treatment.