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Kazda L, Bell K, Thomas R, Hardiman L, Heath I, Barratt A. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children: more focus on care and support, less on diagnosis. BMJ 2024; 384:e073448. [PMID: 38325889 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-073448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Luise Kazda
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Wiser Healthcare, Australia
- NHMRC Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Katy Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Wiser Healthcare, Australia
| | - Rae Thomas
- Wiser Healthcare, Australia
- Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare, Bond University, QLD, Australia
- Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Alexandra Barratt
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Wiser Healthcare, Australia
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Lyhmann I, Widding-Havneraas T, Zachrisson HD, Bjelland I, Chaulagain A, Mykletun A, Halmøy A. Variation in attitudes toward diagnosis and medication of ADHD: a survey among clinicians in the Norwegian child and adolescent mental health services. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2557-2567. [PMID: 36401019 PMCID: PMC10682209 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Prevalence and medication rates of ADHD vary geographically, both between and within countries. No absolute cutoff exists between ADHD and normal behavior, making clinician attitudes (leading to local practice cultures) a potential explanation for the observed variation in diagnosis and medication rates. The objective of this study was to describe variation in attitudes toward diagnosis and medication of ADHD among clinicians working in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). We hypothesized that attitudes would vary along a spectrum from "restrictive" to "liberal". We also explored whether differences in attitudes between clinicians were related to professional background and workplace (clinic). A survey in the form of a web-based questionnaire was developed. All CAMHS outpatient clinics in Norway were invited. Potential respondents were all clinicians involved in diagnosing and treating children and adolescents with ADHD. To investigate the existence of attitudes toward diagnosis and medication as latent constructs, we applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We further examined how much of variance in attitudes could be ascribed to profession and clinics by estimating intraclass correlation coefficients. In total, 674 respondents representing 77 (88%) of the clinics participated. We confirmed variation in attitudes with average responses leaning toward the "restrictive" end of the spectrum. CFA supported "attitude toward diagnosis" and "attitude toward medication" as separate, and moderately correlated (r = 0.4) latent variables, representing a scale from restrictive to liberal. Professional background and workplace explained only a small part of variance in these attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild Lyhmann
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Tarjei Widding-Havneraas
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Ingvar Bjelland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ashmita Chaulagain
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Arnstein Mykletun
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Nordland Hospital Trust, Centre for Work and Mental Health, Bodø, Norway
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Halmøy
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Mueller A, Sawicki OA, Günther MP, Glushan A, Witte C, Klaaßen-Mielke R, Gerlach FM, Beyer M, Karimova K. General practitioner-centred paediatric primary care reduces risk of hospitalisation for mental disorders in children and adolescents with ADHD: findings from a retrospective cohort study. Eur J Gen Pract 2022; 28:150-156. [PMID: 35712903 PMCID: PMC9225782 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2022.2082409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background General practitioners (GPs) play an essential role in the sustainable management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To our knowledge, the healthcare programme described here is the first integrated care programme for paediatric ambulatory care embedded in GP-centred-healthcare in Germany. Objectives To compare the health-service-utilisation of patients with ADHD enrolled in a GP-centred-paediatric-primary-care-programme with usual care in terms of disease-related hospitalisation, pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Methods In 2018, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 3- to 18-year-old patients with ADHD in Baden-Wuerttemberg, southern Germany. The intervention group (IG) comprised patients enrolled in a GP-centred-paediatric-primary-healthcare-programme and consulted a participating GP for ADHD at least once. GP-centred-paediatric-primary-care provides high continuity of care, facilitated access to specialist care, extended routine examinations and enhanced transition to adult healthcare. Patients in the control group (CG) received usual care, meaning they consulted a non-participating GP for ADHD at least once. Main outcomes were disease-related hospitalisation, pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to compare groups. Results A total of 2317 patients were included in IG and 4177 patients in CG. Mean age was 8.9 ± 4.4. The risk of mental-disorder-related hospitalisations was lower in IG than CG (odds ratio (OR): 0.666, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.509–0.871). The prescription rate for stimulants was lower in IG (OR: 0.817; 95% CI: 0.732–0.912). There was no statistically significant difference in the participation rate of patients in cognitive behavioural therapy between groups (OR: 0.752; 95% CI: 0.523–1.080). Conclusion Children and adolescents with ADHD enrolled in GP-centred-paediatric-primary-care are at lower risk of mental-disorder-related hospitalisation and less likely to receive stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Mueller
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Olga A Sawicki
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Moritz Philipp Günther
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Claudia Witte
- aQua, Institute for Applied Quality Improvement and Research in Health Care, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Renate Klaaßen-Mielke
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Martin Beyer
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kateryna Karimova
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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van Langen MJM, Szőke R, Rijkelijkhuizen DNJ, Durston S, van Hulst BM. Lost in explanation: internal conflicts in the discourse of ADHD psychoeducation. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:690. [PMID: 36348316 PMCID: PMC9644452 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04327-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric classifications are understood in many different ways. For children with ADHD and their parents, psychoeducation is an important source of information for shaping their understanding. Moreover, psychoeducation is often taken by children and parents to represent how their story is understood by the therapist. As a result, the way psychoeducation is formulated may affect the therapeutic alliance, one of the most robust mediators of treatment outcome. In addition, psychoeducation may indirectly influence the way we understand psychological differences as a society. METHODS To better understand how the classification ADHD is given meaning through psychoeducation, we analyzed 41 written psychoeducational materials from four different countries; the USA, UK, Netherlands and Hungary. RESULTS We identified five patterns of how the materials construct the discourse on ADHD. Notably, tension between biomedical and psychosocial perspectives resulted in conflict within a single thematic stance on ADHD as opposed to a conflict between parties with a different vision on ADHD. There were only few differences between countries in the way they constructed the discourse in the materials. CONCLUSIONS These conflicts cause confusion, misrepresentation and decontextualization of ADHD. Ultimately, for those diagnosed with ADHD and their parents, conflicting information in psychoeducation materials may hamper their ability to understand themselves in the context of their difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebeka Szőke
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.5591.80000 0001 2294 6276Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dominique N. J. Rijkelijkhuizen
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Durston
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Branko M. van Hulst
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.10419.3d0000000089452978LUMC Curium - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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O'Connor C, Brassil M, O'Sullivan S, Seery C, Nearchou F. How does diagnostic labelling affect social responses to people with mental illness? A systematic review of experimental studies using vignette-based designs. J Ment Health 2021; 31:115-130. [PMID: 34008456 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2021.1922653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An outstanding question in the stigma literature is the extent to which negative responses are provoked by diagnostic labels, rather than observable symptoms of mental illness. Experimental studies frequently use vignettes to identify the unique effects of diagnostic labels on social responses to people with mental illness, independent of their behaviour or socio-demographic characteristics. AIMS The current article identifies, evaluates, and synthesises the body of experimental vignette studies of labelling effects. METHODS A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible studies were subjected to quality evaluation and narrative synthesis. RESULTS Of 1511 articles screened, 22 met inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on the diagnostic categories of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. The literature reported diverse effects, with diagnostic disclosure either exacerbating, mitigating, or not affecting stigma. The quality of studies was generally acceptable but the review identified an over-reliance on convenience sampling and unvalidated measures. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the complexity of labelling effects, which diverge across diagnostic categories and social contexts. The review emphasises the need for expansion of diagnostic labels and contexts studied, standardisation of validated attitude scales, incorporation of behavioural outcomes, and diversification of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryanne Brassil
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sadhbh O'Sullivan
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christina Seery
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Finiki Nearchou
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Kazda L, Bell K, Thomas R, McGeechan K, Sims R, Barratt A. Overdiagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Scoping Review. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e215335. [PMID: 33843998 PMCID: PMC8042533 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.5335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Reported increases in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses are accompanied by growing debate about the underlying factors. Although overdiagnosis is often suggested, no comprehensive evaluation of evidence for or against overdiagnosis has ever been undertaken and is urgently needed to enable evidence-based, patient-centered diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in contemporary health services. OBJECTIVE To systematically identify, appraise, and synthesize the evidence on overdiagnosis of ADHD in children and adolescents using a published 5-question framework for detecting overdiagnosis in noncancer conditions. EVIDENCE REVIEW This systematic scoping review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews and Joanna Briggs Methodology, including the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published in English between January 1, 1979, and August 21, 2020. Studies of children and adolescents (aged ≤18 years) with ADHD that focused on overdiagnosis plus studies that could be mapped to 1 or more framework question were included. Two researchers independently reviewed all abstracts and full-text articles, and all included studies were assessed for quality. FINDINGS Of the 12 267 potentially relevant studies retrieved, 334 (2.7%) were included. Of the 334 studies, 61 (18.3%) were secondary and 273 (81.7%) were primary research articles. Substantial evidence of a reservoir of ADHD was found in 104 studies, providing a potential for diagnoses to increase (question 1). Evidence that actual ADHD diagnosis had increased was found in 45 studies (question 2). Twenty-five studies showed that these additional cases may be on the milder end of the ADHD spectrum (question 3), and 83 studies showed that pharmacological treatment of ADHD was increasing (question 4). A total of 151 studies reported on outcomes of diagnosis and pharmacological treatment (question 5). However, only 5 studies evaluated the critical issue of benefits and harms among the additional, milder cases. These studies supported a hypothesis of diminishing returns in which the harms may outweigh the benefits for youths with milder symptoms. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This review found evidence of ADHD overdiagnosis and overtreatment in children and adolescents. Evidence gaps remain and future research is needed, in particular research on the long-term benefits and harms of diagnosing and treating ADHD in youths with milder symptoms; therefore, practitioners should be mindful of these knowledge gaps, especially when identifying these individuals and to ensure safe and equitable practice and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Kazda
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katy Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rae Thomas
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin McGeechan
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Sims
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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