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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: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [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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Mykletun A, Widding-Havneraas T, Chaulagain A, Lyhmann I, Bjelland I, Halmøy A, Elwert F, Butterworth P, Markussen S, Zachrisson HD, Rypdal K. Causal modelling of variation in clinical practice and long-term outcomes of ADHD using Norwegian registry data: the ADHD controversy project. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041698. [PMID: 33468528 PMCID: PMC7817799 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common mental disorders in children and adolescents, and it is a strong risk factor for several adverse psychosocial outcomes over the lifespan. There are large between-country and within-country variations in diagnosis and medication rates. Due to ethical and practical considerations, a few studies have examined the effects of receiving a diagnosis, and there is a lack of research on effects of medication on long-term outcomes.Our project has four aims organised in four work packages: (WP1) To examine the prognosis of ADHD (with and without medication) compared with patients with other psychiatric diagnoses, patients in contact with public sector child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics (without diagnosis) and the general population; (WP2) Examine within-country variation in ADHD diagnoses and medication rates by clinics' catchment area; and(WP3) Identify causal effects of being diagnosed with ADHD and (WP4) ADHD medication on long-term outcomes. METHOD AND ANALYSIS Our project links several nationwide Norwegian registries. The patient sample is all persons aged 5-18 years that were in contact with public sector child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics in 2009-2011. Our comparative analysis of prognosis will be based on survival analysis and mixed-effects models. Our analysis of variation will apply mixed-effects models and generalised linear models. We have two identification strategies for the effect of being diagnosed with ADHD and of receiving medication on long-term outcomes. Both strategies rely on using preference-based instrumental variables, which in our project are based on provider preferences for ADHD diagnosis and medication. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The project is approved by the Regional Ethics Committee, Norway (REC number 2017/2150/REC south-east D). All papers will be published in open-access journals and results will be presented in national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS ISRCTN11573246 and ISRCTN11891971.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnstein Mykletun
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromso Faculty of Health Sciences, Tromso, Norway
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Work and Mental Health, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway
- Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, 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
| | - Ashmita Chaulagain
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingvild Lyhmann
- 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
| | - Anne Halmøy
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Felix Elwert
- Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Peter Butterworth
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Knut Rypdal
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Fleming M, Salim EE, Mackay DF, Henderson A, Kinnear D, Clark D, King A, McLay JS, Cooper SA, Pell JP. Neurodevelopmental multimorbidity and educational outcomes of Scottish schoolchildren: A population-based record linkage cohort study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003290. [PMID: 33048945 PMCID: PMC7553326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental conditions commonly coexist in children, but compared to adults, childhood multimorbidity attracts less attention in research and clinical practice. We previously reported that children treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression have more school absences and exclusions, additional support needs, poorer attainment, and increased unemployment. They are also more likely to have coexisting conditions, including autism and intellectual disability. We investigated prevalence of neurodevelopmental multimorbidity (≥2 conditions) among Scottish schoolchildren and their educational outcomes compared to peers. METHODS AND FINDINGS We retrospectively linked 6 Scotland-wide databases to analyse 766,244 children (390,290 [50.9%] boys; 375,954 [49.1%] girls) aged 4 to 19 years (mean = 10.9) attending Scottish schools between 2009 and 2013. Children were distributed across all deprivation quintiles (most to least deprived: 22.7%, 20.1%, 19.3%, 19.5%, 18.4%). The majority (96.2%) were white ethnicity. We ascertained autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities from records of additional support needs and ADHD and depression through relevant encashed prescriptions. We identified neurodevelopmental multimorbidity (≥2 of these conditions) in 4,789 (0.6%) children, with ASD and intellectual disability the most common combination. On adjusting for sociodemographic (sex, age, ethnicity, deprivation) and maternity (maternal age, maternal smoking, sex-gestation-specific birth weight centile, gestational age, 5-minute Apgar score, mode of delivery, parity) factors, multimorbidity was associated with increased school absenteeism and exclusion, unemployment, and poorer exam attainment. Significant dose relationships were evident between number of conditions (0, 1, ≥2) and the last 3 outcomes. Compared to children with no conditions, children with 1 condition, and children with 2 or more conditions, had more absenteeism (1 condition adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.28, 95% CI 1.27-1.30, p < 0.001 and 2 or more conditions adjusted IRR 1.23, 95% CI 1.20-1.28, p < 0.001), greater exclusion (adjusted IRR 2.37, 95% CI 2.25-2.48, p < 0.001 and adjusted IRR 3.04, 95% CI 2.74-3.38, p < 0.001), poorer attainment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.92, 95% CI 3.63-4.23, p < 0.001 and adjusted OR 12.07, 95% CI 9.15-15.94, p < 0.001), and increased unemployment (adjusted OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.49-1.66, p < 0.001 and adjusted OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.83-2.45, p < 0.001). Associations remained after further adjustment for comorbid physical conditions and additional support needs. Coexisting depression was the strongest driver of absenteeism and coexisting ADHD the strongest driver of exclusion. Absence of formal primary care diagnoses was a limitation since ascertaining depression and ADHD from prescriptions omitted affected children receiving alternative or no treatment and some antidepressants can be prescribed for other indications. CONCLUSIONS Structuring clinical practice and training around single conditions may disadvantage children with neurodevelopmental multimorbidity, who we observed had significantly poorer educational outcomes compared to children with 1 condition and no conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fleming
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Ehsan E. Salim
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel F. Mackay
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Henderson
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Kinnear
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Clark
- Information Services Division, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Albert King
- ScotXed, Scottish Government, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - James S. McLay
- Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Sally-Ann Cooper
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jill P. Pell
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Piovani D, Clavenna A, Bonati M. Prescription prevalence of psychotropic drugs in children and adolescents: an analysis of international data. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 75:1333-1346. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-019-02711-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Fleming M, Fitton CA, Steiner MFC, McLay JS, Clark D, King A, Mackay DF, Pell JP. Educational and Health Outcomes of Children Treated for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. JAMA Pediatr 2017; 171:e170691. [PMID: 28459927 PMCID: PMC6583483 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.0691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 39 million people worldwide; in isolation, it doubles annual health care costs and, when associated with comorbid mental health problems, it quadruples the costs. OBJECTIVE To compare the education and health outcomes of schoolchildren treated for ADHD with their peers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this population-based cohort study, individual-level record linkage was performed of 8 Scotland-wide administrative databases covering dispensed prescriptions, admissions to acute and psychiatric hospitals, maternity records, annual pupil census, examinations, school absences and exclusions, and unemployment. The study cohort comprised 766 244 children attending Scottish primary, secondary, and special schools at any point between September 21, 2009, and September 18, 2013. Data analysis was performed from June 1, 2015, to December 6, 2016. EXPOSURES Medication approved solely for ADHD treatment. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Special educational needs, academic attainment, unauthorized absence, exclusion, age at leaving school, unemployment after leaving, and hospitalization. Outcomes were adjusted for potential sociodemographic, maternity, and comorbidity confounders. RESULTS Of the 766 244 schoolchildren, 7413 (1.0%) were treated for ADHD; 6287 (84.8%) were male. These children had higher rates of unauthorized absence (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.14-1.19) and exclusion (adjusted IRR, 5.79; 95% CI, 5.45-6.16), more commonly had a record of special educational need (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 8.62; 95% CI, 8.26-9.00), achieved lower academic attainment (adjusted OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 3.00-3.75), were more likely to leave school before age 16 years (1546 [64.3%] vs 61 235 [28.4%]), and were more likely to be unemployed (adjusted OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.25-1.53). Children with ADHD were more likely to require hospitalization overall (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.19-1.31) and for injury (adjusted HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.40-1.65). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Even while receiving medication, children with ADHD fare worse than their peers across a wide range of outcomes relating not only to education but also to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fleming
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | | | | | - James S. McLay
- Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - David Clark
- Information Services Division, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Albert King
- ScotXed, Scottish Government, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Daniel F. Mackay
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Jill P. Pell
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
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Furu K, Karlstad Ø, Zoega H, Martikainen JE, Bahmanyar S, Kieler H, Pottegård A. Utilization of Stimulants and Atomoxetine for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder among 5.4 Million Children Using Population-Based Longitudinal Data. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 120:373-379. [PMID: 27911044 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Use of stimulants to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased over the past two decades and varies substantially between countries. The objective of this multinational population-based study was to examine utilization of ADHD drugs (stimulants and atomoxetine) including comedication with other psychotropic drugs in the entire child population in the five Nordic countries. We included longitudinal data on dispensed ADHD drugs from five Nordic prescription registers during 2008-2012, which in 2012 comprised 48,296 individuals among 5.42 million inhabitants aged 0-17 years. Prevalence of filling ≥1 prescriptions of ADHD drugs among children aged 6-17 years increased during 2008-2012 from 5.9 to 11.2 and 19.4 to 31.0 per 1000 girls and boys, respectively. Prevalence by country showed that Iceland, Finland and Sweden had a steady increase during the study period, while in Norway the prevalence was quite stable and in Denmark it levelled off from 2010. Use in preschoolers (aged 0-5 years) was rare. Iceland had much higher prevalence and incidence than the other Nordic countries. The incidence of ADHD drug use increased during the study period, from 4.0 to 4.9 and from 1.5 to 2.3 per 1000 boys and girls, respectively. The increasing number of new users levelled off somewhat after 2010. Comedication with other psychotropic drugs was more common among girls (33.9%) than boys (27.0%) and was mainly melatonin, followed by antidepressants and antipsychotics. Overall prevalence of ADHD drug use increased among Nordic girls and boys aged 6-17 years, whereas the incidence increased slightly during 2008-2010 but levelled off through 2012. The substantial differences in ADHD drug use across the Nordic countries and high degree of comedication with other psychotropic drugs underscore the importance of close monitoring of treatment for ADHD among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Furu
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øystein Karlstad
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helga Zoega
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Shahram Bahmanyar
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helle Kieler
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton Pottegård
- Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Funen, Denmark
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Use of drugs for ADHD among adults-a multinational study among 15.8 million adults in the Nordic countries. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2016; 72:1507-1514. [PMID: 27586399 PMCID: PMC5110707 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-016-2125-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The use of ADHD drugs among adults is controversial and has until recently not been approved for use in adults in most countries. The aim was to investigate use of ADHD drugs (stimulants and atomoxetine) among the entire adult population in the Nordic countries. Methods We conducted a multinational population-based prescription register study based on the entire adult population in the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). All users of ADHD drugs aged 18–64 years during 2008–2012 were included, which for 2012 comprised 76,896 drug users among 15.8 million adult inhabitants. Results Annual prevalence of drug use increased during the study period for both genders and all age groups. The overall prevalence increased from 2.4 to 5.3 per 1000 men and 1.8 to 4.4 per 1000 women. Incidence also increased, but to a lesser extent in the last part of the study period. Methylphenidate was used by 88 % of drug users. Treatment was discontinued within the first year by 21 % of new drug users. Among all users of ADHD drugs, 53 % of men and 64 % of women concurrently used other psychotropic drugs, most frequently antidepressants and hypnotics. Psychotropic co-medication increased with age and was more pronounced among women than men. Conclusions Use of ADHD drug among adults more than doubled over a 5-year period, and a majority were concurrently treated with other psychotropics. Adults constitute a substantial proportion of persons treated with ADHD drugs. Thus, evidence for long-term efficacy and safety in adults is urgently needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00228-016-2125-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Hartz I, Skurtveit S, Steffenak AKM, Karlstad Ø, Handal M. Psychotropic drug use among 0-17 year olds during 2004-2014: a nationwide prescription database study. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:12. [PMID: 26822371 PMCID: PMC4731947 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-0716-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time-trend studies on psychotropic drugs among children and adolescents are scarce, and most of them are outdated. The purpose of this study was to study prevalences of psychotropic drug use during 2004-2014 among Norwegians aged <18 years, overall and in psychotropic sub-groups. METHODS Data were obtained from the Norwegian Prescription Database, which covers all dispensed prescription drugs in Norway from 2004 and onwards. Psychotropic drugs included: antipsychotics (ATC-group N05A), anxiolytics (N05B), hypnotic/sedatives (N05C), antidepressants (N06A), stimulants (N06BA), and alimemazine (R06AD01). Period (1-year) prevalence of use, overall and in subgroups of psychotropic drugs, was estimated by identifying individuals <18 years who had at least one psychotropic drug dispensed during each year. RESULTS Psychotropic drug use increased in 0-17 year olds over an 11-year period, in which the main contributing drugs were stimulants (boys overall; 15.0 to 20.8/1000, girls overall; 3.8 to 8.5/1000), hypnotic/sedative drugs in adolescents (boys overall; 4.2 to 10.8/1000, girls overall; 2.6 to 8.8/1000) and to some extent antidepressants among adolescent girls (girls overall from 3.1 to 4.0/1000). Psychotropic drug use was, however, reduced by half in the youngest children, attributed to reduction of alimemazine only (1-year olds: boys; from 36.6 to 10.2/1000, girls; 26.9 to 7.2/1000). A higher level of psychotropic drug use was observed among younger boys, but there is a shift towards girls using more psychotropic drugs than boys during adolescence for all psychotropic drugs except for stimulants. CONCLUSION Different trends in psychotropic drug use exist in age and gender subgroups. Psychotropic drug use has decreased among the youngest children, attributed to alimemazine, and increased in older children and adolescents, attributed mainly to stimulants and hypnotics/sedatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg Hartz
- Faculty of Public Health, Hedmark University College, Elverum, Norway.
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. .,Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Øystein Karlstad
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Marte Handal
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
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Helle-Valle A, Binder PE, Stige B. Do we understand children's restlessness? Constructing ecologically valid understandings through reflexive cooperation. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2015; 10:29292. [PMID: 26701898 PMCID: PMC4689122 DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v10.29292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most widely used children's mental health diagnosis today, but the validity of the diagnosis is controversial, for instance, because it might conceal relational and ecological dimensions of restlessness. We invited parents and professionals from one local community in western Norway to participate in cooperative group discussions on how to conceptualize and understand children's restlessness. We carried out a thematic and reflexive analysis of the cooperative group discussions on ADHD and children's restlessness, and present findings related to three ecological levels inspired by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems model. At the level of the individual, restlessness was discussed as individual trait, as the expectation to be seen and heard, and as a result of traumatization. At the level of dyad, group or family, restlessness was discussed as a relational phenomenon and as parents' problems. At the level of community, restlessness was discussed as lack of cooperation and lack of structures or resources. Our findings show how contextualized and cooperative reflexivity can contribute to more valid understandings of children's restlessness, and how cooperative inquiry can stimulate reflections about solidarity and sustainability in relation to adult's actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Helle-Valle
- GAMUT-Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, The Grieg Academy-Department of Music, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway;
| | - Per-Einar Binder
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Brynjulf Stige
- GAMUT-Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, The Grieg Academy-Department of Music, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Jiang L, Li Y, Zhang X, Jiang W, Yang C, Hao N, Hao L, Li M, Liu W, Zhang L, DU Y. Twelve-year retrospective analysis of outpatients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Shanghai. SHANGHAI ARCHIVES OF PSYCHIATRY 2014; 25:236-42. [PMID: 24991161 PMCID: PMC4054563 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1002-0829.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common diagnosis among children treated in outpatient psychiatric clinics in China, accounting for up to 50% of all patients. Objective Understand changes over time in the characteristics and treatment of children with ADHD seen at specialty psychiatric clinics in China. Methods For each year from 2000 through 2011, 250 charts of patients who made their initial visit to the Child and Adolescent Psychological Counseling Clinic of the Shanghai Mental Health Center were randomly selected. Among the 3000 selected patients, 998 (33%) had a diagnosis of ADHD. Results About 80% of the ADHD patients were male and the majority of them fell ill prior to the age of seven. The mean (sd) age at the time of first attendance at the clinic was 10.0 (2.6) years and the mean duration of illness at the time of the initial visit was 2.9 (1.2) years; both of these values decreased significantly over time. About 20% of them were non-residents of Shanghai and about 11% had comorbid psychiatric diagnoses (primarily depression and tic disorder); both of these proportions increased significantly over time. Among the 576 (58%) who visited the clinic more than once, 77% were treated with central nervous system stimulants, but the proportion administered behavioral treatments (either solely on in combination with medications) increased significantly over time. Conclusion ADHD remains the most common diagnosis of children seen in specialty psychiatric clinics in China but the proportion of clinic attendees with ADHD is gradually declining as non-specialty treatment services expand and other diagnoses become more prominent. There are encouraging trends of earlier identification and treatment of ADHD and of increasing use of non-pharmacological interventions. Nevertheless, most children with ADHD have been ill for at least two years at the time of the initial diagnosis, so continued research efforts are needed to identify the best ways to speed up the recognition and treatment of this disabling condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Jiang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiyan Zhang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqing Jiang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caohua Yang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Hao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Hao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyao Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linna Zhang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yasong DU
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Ginsberg Y, Beusterien KM, Amos K, Jousselin C, Asherson P. The unmet needs of all adults with ADHD are not the same: a focus on Europe. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 14:799-812. [DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2014.926220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Geirs DP, Pottegård A, Halldórsson M, Zoëga H. A Nationwide Study of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Drug Use among Adults in Iceland 2003-2012. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 115:417-22. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Drifa Palin Geirs
- Centre of Public Health Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of Iceland; Reykjavík Iceland
| | - Anton Pottegård
- Clinical Pharmacology; Institute of Public Health; University of Southern Denmark; Odense Denmark
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Pharmacology; Odense University Hospital; Odense Denmark
| | | | - Helga Zoëga
- Centre of Public Health Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of Iceland; Reykjavík Iceland
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Berg A, Bråtane E, Odland HH, Brudvik C, Rosland B, Hirth A. [Cardiovascular risk assessment for the use of ADHD drugs in children]. TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LEGEFORENING 2014; 134:710-4. [PMID: 24721858 DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.13.0565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug therapy for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) has generally been regarded as safe. ECG screening of healthy children and adolescents before initiating this type of treatment appears to be usual in Norway, despite recommendations that ECGs should only be undertaken in individuals who are at risk. The purpose of this article is to clarify relevant guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment for the use of ADHD drugs in children and adolescents, as well as to propose practical recommendations. METHOD The article is based on a literature search in PubMed completed on 1 October 2013, and on the author's own clinical experience and discretionary assessments. RESULTS The use of CNS stimulants and atomoxetine is associated with a slight rise in blood pressure and pulse rate, as well as small changes in QT interval. A small percentage of patients (5-10%) experience a clinically significant rise in blood pressure and pulse rate. Sudden death does not appear to occur more frequently in children and adolescents taking ADHD drugs in therapeutic doses than in children and adolescents who do not use such drugs. There is little knowledge available on the long-term effects of ADHD drugs on the cardiovascular system of otherwise healthy individuals, or on the risk related to the use of ADHD drugs in children and adolescents with cardiac disease. The drugs are thought to increase the risk of sudden cardiac death in some arrhythmia syndromes. INTERPRETATION Our assessment is that caution should be exercised in the use of ADHD drugs in children with potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. We recommend clinical examination and a thorough medical history review in order to identify individuals at risk before initiating drug therapy, and also suggest that it is not necessary for healthy children to be given an ECG examination before introducing ADHD drugs. In children with known cardiac disease, arrhythmia or risk factors for cardiac disease, ADHD treatment should be undertaken in consultation with a medical specialist with competence in pediatric cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansgar Berg
- Barneklinikken Haukeland universitetssykehus og Klinisk institutt 2 Universitetet i Bergen
| | | | | | | | | | - Asle Hirth
- Barneklinikken Haukeland universitetssykehus
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Surén P, Bakken IJ, Lie KK, Schjølberg S, Aase H, Reichborn-Kjennerud T, Magnus P, Øyen AS, Svendsen BK, Aaberg KM, Andersen GL, Stoltenberg C. Fylkesvise forskjeller i registrert forekomst av autisme, AD/HD, epilepsi og cerebral parese i Norge. TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LEGEFORENING 2013; 133:1929-34. [DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.13.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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