Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales

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

BACKGROUND

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental and behavioral disorder among children.

AIM

To explore the focus of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder parents and the effectiveness of early clinical screening.

METHODS

This study found that the main directions of parents seeking medical help were short attention time for children under 7 years old (16.6%) and poor academic performance for children over 7 years old (12.1%). We employed a two-stage experiment to diagnose ADHD. Among the 5683 children evaluated from 2018 to 2021, 360 met the DSM-5 criteria. Those diagnosed with ADHD underwent assessments for letter, number, and figure attention. Following the exclusion of ADHD-H diagnoses, the detection rate rose to 96.0%, with 310 out of 323 cases identified.

RESULTS

This study yielded insights into the primary concerns of parents regarding their children's symptoms and validated the efficacy of a straightforward diagnostic test, offering valuable guidance for directing ADHD treatment, facilitating early detection, and enabling timely intervention. Our research delved into the predominant worries of parents across various age groups. Furthermore, we showcased the precision of the simple exclusion experiment in discerning between ADHD-I and ADHD-C in children.

CONCLUSION

Our study will help diagnose and guide future treatment directions for ADHD.

Impacts of ADHD Symptomatology on the Response to Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy with Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome Patients

(1) Background: Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common comorbidity of TS that adds further impairment. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has shown efficacy in treating tics, yet its effectiveness in individuals with TS and comorbid ADHD remains unclear. Also, it is suggested that ADHD characteristics like executive dysfunction and inattention could hinder the response to CBT. This study aims to compare the response to CBT for tics and its maintenance six months post-therapy among TS individuals with and without ADHD symptoms. (2) Methods: In this study, 55 TS participants who completed 14-week CBT for tics were split into high (TS+) or low (TS-) ADHD symptomatology groups. Outcomes were evaluated using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) regarding global tic severity and motor and vocal tic frequency post-CBT and at a 6-month follow-up. (3) Results: No significant group difference was found regarding improvements post-CBT (n = 55), nor the maintenance six months later (n = 45). (4) Conclusions: ADHD symptoms may not hinder the response to CBT or its maintenance, suggesting that TS individuals with ADHD symptoms may not require specialized CBT interventions.

Assessing Adult ADHD: An Updated Review of Rating Scales for Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

METHOD

Scholarly articles on adult ADHD between 1996 and 2022 were reviewed using the PRISMA guidelines. ADHD rating scales with multiple citations were selected and their psychometric properties and symptom coverage were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ten rating scales, with sound psychometric properties, were identified. Out of those reviewed two (BADDS and BAARS-IV) load on the inattentive domain of ADHD, while the rest focus on a comprehensive assessment of ADHD. Only one scale (BARRS-IV) incorporates an assessment of functional impairment. Some scales though widely utilized have not been adequately examined for their sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Rating scales are reliable and valid, in the assessment of adult ADHD. We present a review of recent scales, with an expanded focus, to help clinicians make informed decisions on diagnosis, identifying targets and planning interventions accordingly.

Short form Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales: Factor structure and measurement invariance by sex in emerging adults

INTRODUCTION

The short version of the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS-S:S) is a self-report measure used to identify symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during adulthood. However, its psychometric properties specifically in emerging adults, or the transitional age group between adolescence and adulthood, remain understudied. This study aimed to validate the factor structure of the CAARS-S:S in a sample of emerging adults.

METHOD

The CAARS-S:S measure was completed by adults (n = 591) aged 18 to 29 located in English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada and the United States. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test a four-factor model of Inattention/Memory Problems, Hyperactivity/Restlessness, Impulsivity/Emotional Lability and Problems with Self-Concept, as well as the model's invariance by sex. Sex was also included as a covariate in the model to examine differences in males' and females' scores on each factor.

RESULTS

Overall, the four-factor structure fit the data and was invariant across males and females. All factors demonstrated high internal reliability (average ωt and α = .86). It was observed that males tended to score higher on Inattention/Memory Problems while females scored higher on Problems with Self-Concept.

CONCLUSION

This research establishes the psychometric properties of the CAARS-S:S, placing greater confidence in using it to screen for ADHD symptoms in emerging adults living in a Westernized cultural context. The detailed findings of this research, implications for the use of the CAARS-S:S in this age group and potential future directions for examining the properties of the measure are discussed.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: A case study

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often misdiagnosed or mistreated in adults because it is often thought of as a childhood problem. If a child is diagnosed and treated for the disorder, it often persists into adulthood. In adult ADHD, the symptoms may be comorbid or mimic other conditions making diagnosis and treatment difficult. Adults with ADHD require an in-depth assessment for proper diagnosis and treatment. The presentation and treatment of adults with ADHD can be complex and often requires interdisciplinary care. Mental health and non-mental health providers often overlook the disorder or feel uncomfortable treating adults with ADHD. The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss the diagnosis and management of adults with ADHD.

The effect of Rosa canina L. and a polyherbal formulation syrup in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in childhood and adolescence. A number of these patients do not respond to the current pharmacological treatments and there may also be drug side effects. This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of two herbal medicine products, including Rosa canina L. (RC) and a polyherbal formulation (PHF) syrup, on the clinical manifestations of ADHD in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Ninety ADHD patients based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria will be randomly assigned equally into three groups: (1) RC syrup + methylphenidate (MP), (2) PHF syrup + MP, and (3) placebo + MP according to the inclusion criteria (30 subjects in each group). The syrup dosage is 5cc every 8 h, and MP will have a stabilized dose for 8 weeks during the study. Moreover, Conner's questionnaires will be completed by the teacher and parents before the intervention and then every 4 weeks. Also, the Child Symptom Inventory-fourth edition (CSI-4) and temperament questionnaires will be completed before the intervention and every 4 weeks until 2 months.

DISCUSSION

This trial is the first experiment to determine the effects of RC and PHF syrups on the clinical manifestations of ADHD in children and adolescents. Our findings provide new insight into the effect of these herbal products on the clinical manifestations of ADHD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20190923044855N1 . Registered on 14 January 2020. The trial was registered at https://www.irct.ir/ .

Cannabis Use in Adults Who Screen Positive for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: CANreduce 2.0 Randomized Controlled Trial Subgroup Analysis

Background

Prevalence rates for lifetime cannabis use and cannabis use disorder are much higher in people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder than in those without. CANreduce 2.0 is an intervention that is generally effective at reducing cannabis use in cannabis misusers. This self-guided web-based intervention (6-week duration) consists of modules grounded in motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate whether the CANreduce 2.0 intervention affects cannabis use patterns and symptom severity in adults who screen positive for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder more than in those who do not.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from a previous study with the inclusion criterion of cannabis use at least once weekly over the last 30 days. Adults with and without attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (based on the Adult Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder Self-Report screener) who were enrolled to the active intervention arms of CANreduce 2.0 were compared regarding the number of days cannabis was used in the preceding 30 days, the cannabis use disorder identification test score (CUDIT) and the severity of dependence scale score (SDS) at baseline and the 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were Generalized Anxiety Disorder score, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale score, retention, intervention adherence, and safety.

Results

Both adults with (n=94) and without (n=273) positive attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder screening reported significantly reduced frequency (reduction in consumption days: with: mean 11.53, SD 9.28, P<.001; without: mean 8.53, SD 9.4, P<.001) and severity of cannabis use (SDS: with: mean 3.57, SD 3.65, P<.001; without: mean 2.47, SD 3.39, P<.001; CUDIT: with: mean 6.38, SD 5.96, P<.001; without: mean 5.33, SD 6.05, P<.001), as well as anxiety (with: mean 4.31, SD 4.71, P<.001; without: mean 1.84, SD 4.22, P<.001) and depression (with: mean 10.25, SD 10.54; without: mean 4.39, SD 10.22, P<.001). Those who screened positive for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder also reported significantly decreased attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder scores (mean 4.65, SD 4.44, P<.001). There were no significant differences in change in use (P=.08), dependence (P=.95), use disorder (P=.85), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder status (P=.84), depression (P=.84), or anxiety (P=.26) between baseline and final follow-up, dependent on positive attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder screening. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity at baseline was not associated with reduced cannabis use frequency or severity but was linked to greater reductions in depression (Spearman ρ=.33) and anxiety (Spearman ρ=.28). Individuals with positive attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder screening were significantly less likely to fill out the consumption diary (P=.02), but the association between continuous attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity and retention (Spearman ρ=−0.10, P=.13) was nonsignificant. There also was no significant intergroup difference in the number of completed modules (with: mean 2.10, SD 2.33; without: mean 2.36, SD 2.36, P=.34), and there was no association with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity (Spearman ρ=−0.09; P=.43). The same was true for the rate of adverse effects (P=.33).

Conclusions

Cannabis users screening positive for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder may benefit from CANreduce 2.0 to decrease the frequency and severity of cannabis dependence and attenuate symptoms of depression and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder-related symptoms. This web-based program’s advantages include its accessibility for remote users and a personalized counselling option that may contribute to increased adherence and motivation to change among program users.

Trial Registration

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 11086185; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11086185

Time of onset and/or diagnosis of ADHD in European children: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neurobehavioral conditions. Symptoms related to this disorder cause a significant impairment in school tasks and in the activities of children's daily lives; an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment could almost certainly help improve their outcomes. The current study, part of the Models Of Child Health Appraised (MOCHA) project, aims to explore the age at which children experience the onset or diagnosis of ADHD in European countries.

METHODS

A systematic review was done examining the studies reporting the age of onset/diagnosis (AO/AD) of ADHD in European countries (28 European Member States plus 2 European Economic Area countries), published between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2019. Of the 2276 identified studies, 44 met all the predefined criteria and were included in the review.

RESULTS

The lowest mean AO in the children diagnosed with ADHD alone was 2.25 years and the highest was 7.5 years. It was 15.3 years in the children with ADHD and disruptive behaviour disorder. The mean AD ranges between 6.2 and 18.1 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that there is a wide variability in both the AO and AD of ADHD, and a too large distance between AO and AD. Since studies in the literature suggest that an early identification of ADHD symptoms may facilitate early referral and treatment, it would be important to understand the underlying reasons behind the wide variability found.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration: CRD42017070631 .

Characterizing the Placebo Response in Adults With ADHD

Objective: Several ADHD pharmacological trials reported high placebo response (PR) rates. This study aims to characterize the PR in adult ADHD. Method: A retrospective cohort analysis of the placebo arm (140 adults with ADHD, 18-55 yrs, M:F 46.4%-53.6%) of a 6-week randomized, multicenter, double-blind metadoxine study, using Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), was conducted. Results: Pre-post changes in placebo-treated adults were significant for both the CAARS and ASRS, F(2.9, 404.5) = 61.2, p < .00001, F(2.8, 383.0) = 43.1, p < .00001, respectively. Less than half of the participants had a PR which began early in treatment and persisted; almost 50% had a variable, inconsistent PR. Conclusion: In the current sample, PR in adult ADHD was prominent on both symptom scales and the investigator-rater instrument. Therefore, using investigator ratings as a primary endpoint does not necessarily attenuate PR. Of note, about half of the PR is variable, suggesting unreliable determination of efficacy.

Aripiprazole Improves Associated Comorbid Conditions in Addition to Tics in Adult Patients with Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS) is characterized by motor and vocal tics, as well as associated comorbid conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and anxiety which are present in a substantial number of patients. Although randomized controlled trials including a large number of patients are still missing, aripiprazole is currently considered as a first choice drug for the treatment of tics. The aim of this study was to further investigate efficacy and safety of aripiprazole in a group of drug-free, adult patients. Specifically, we investigated the influence of aripiprazole on tic severity, comorbidities, premonitory urge (PU), and quality of life (QoL). Moreover, we were interested in the factors that influence a patient's decision in electing for-or against- pharmacological treatment. In this prospective uncontrolled open-label study, we included 44 patients and used a number of rating scales to assess tic severity, PU, comorbidities, and QoL at baseline and during treatment with aripiprazole. Eighteen out of fortyfour patients decided for undergoing treatment for their tics with aripiprazole and completed follow-up assessments after 4–6 weeks. Our major findings were (1) aripiprazole resulted in significant reduction of tics, but did not affect PU; (2) aripiprazole significantly improved OCD and showed a trend toward improvement of other comorbidities including depression, anxiety, and ADHD; (3) neither severity of tics, nor PU or QoL influenced patients' decisions for or against treatment of tics with aripiprazole; instead patients with comorbid OCD tended to decide in favor of, while patients with comorbid ADHD tended to decide against tic treatment; (4) most frequently reported adverse effects were sleeping problems; (5) patients' QoL was mostly impaired by comorbid depression. Our results suggest that aripiprazole may improve associated comorbid conditions in addition to tics in patients with GTS. It can be hypothesized that these beneficial effects are related to aripiprazole's adaptive pharmacological profile, which exhibits an influence on the dopaminergic as well as a number of other neurotransmitter systems. For the first time, our data provide evidence that patients' decision making process for or against medical treatment is influenced by other factors than tic severity and QoL.