Journal of Attention Disorders

Adolescent-Reported Changes in Provider Behavior Following Pediatrician Training in Stimulant Diversion Prevention: Results From a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Molina BSG, Joseph HM, Kipp HL, Pedersen SL, Kolko DJ, Lindstrom RA, Bauer DJ and Subramaniam GA
To test whether pediatrician training leads to provider utilization of stimulant diversion prevention strategies as reported by adolescent patients with ADHD.
Relations Between Distinct Dimensions of Physical Activity and Preschoolers' ADHD Symptoms
Shoulberg EK, Scott H, Martin CP, Tompkins CL, Dennis M, Krasner A and Hoza B
This study examined the unique and interactive effects of PA volume and within-person fluctuations in PA volume (i.e., intraindividual variability in PA volume; PA-var) on preschoolers' ( = 141; 47.5% girls) ADHD symptoms.
Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) in Adolescents With ADHD and Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS): A Pilot Open Trial
Wiggs KK, Thornton K, Dunn NC, Mitchell JT, Fredrick JW, Smith ZR and Becker SP
Very few studies have investigated intervention approaches that may be efficacious for youth with ADHD and co-occurring cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) symptoms. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents with ADHD and co-occurring CDS symptoms. Fourteen adolescents ages 13 to 17 years (35.71% female; 64.29% White, 7.14% Black, 28.57% Multiracial) with ADHD and elevated CDS symptoms completed the 8-week group-based Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) program developed for individuals with ADHD. We collected measures of CDS, ADHD, mind-wandering, mindfulness, and other difficulties and functioning at baseline, 1-month post-intervention, and 3-month post-intervention to examine preliminary efficacy. We measured participant session attendance, session engagement, at-home practice adherence, and satisfaction of adolescents and caregivers at 1-month post-intervention to examine feasibility and acceptability. We also collected qualitative feedback from adolescents and caregivers at 1-month post-intervention. The intervention was overall feasible to administer, and caregivers and adolescents reported satisfaction with the intervention despite some difficulties with attendance and engagement. We observed improvements to both caregiver- and adolescent-reported CDS symptoms and ADHD-inattentive symptoms from pre-intervention to post-intervention time points, though findings across 1- and 3-month follow-up differed based on informant. We also observed improvements to some indices of adolescent-reported mind-wandering, mindfulness, brooding rumination, and academic functioning. For caregiver report, the only other noted improvement was for executive functioning. No improvements were reported by teachers. Findings support the initial feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of MAPs for adolescents with ADHD and co-occurring CDS symptoms on a range of outcomes. Larger trials with a randomized design are warranted to further examine mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with ADHD and co-occurring CDS symptoms.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Organizational Skills Training on Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in China
Huang XX, Zheng LZ, Qian QF, Huang Y, Wang YX and Ou P
In addition to attention and hyperactivity problems, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have poorer organizational skills needed to manage time and materials. This study examines the improvement of organizational skills in children with ADHD by studying organizational skills training (OST).
Examining the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and ADHD in School-Aged Children Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
Boswell E, Crouch E, Odahowski C and Hung P
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have long been associated with attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) diagnoses in children; but the data used is now over 6 years old (from 2017 to 2018). Understanding the current landscape of their prevalence and association is needed to capture evolving social, environmental, and economic conditions, and ensure interventions remain relevant to addressing current childhood trauma.
Concussion Characteristics in Adults With ADHD Seen in a Specialty Concussion Clinic
Johnson RS, Swann-Thomsen HE, Dillion N, Palumbo EAC, Pardue K, Flint H and Nilsson KJ
Concussions are a prevalent health concern, affecting millions of individuals in the United States yearly. Concussion symptomology overlaps with other conditions making diagnosis and management particularly challenging, particularly among individuals with ADHD. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a significant portion of the adult population.
The Daydream Spectrum: The Role of Emotional Dysregulation, Internalized Stigma and Self-Esteem in Maladaptive Daydreaming Among Adults With ADHD, ASD, and Double Diagnosis
Pyszkowska A, Nowacki A and Celban J
Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is characterized by vivid, excessive fantasy activity that becomes prioritized over other activities and may result in avoidant coping strategies. Little is known about the relationship between MD and internalized stigma in the neurodivergent sample. The current study aimed to examine emotional dysregulation, escapism and self-perception (self-esteem and internalized stigma) as potential determinants of MD in three groups: adults on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, and both diagnoses ("AuDHD"), including their neurodivergent symptoms (autistic traits, empathizing, ADHD symptoms).
Exploring the Relationship of Dietary Intake With Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity, Beyond ADHD
Dalnoki L, Hurks PPM, Gubbels JS, Eussen SJPM, Mommers M and Thijs C
This study investigates the association between dietary intake and ADHD diagnosis and its dimensions in adolescents.
Diabetes Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and ADHD
Leshno D, Lev Shalem L, Perlov Gavze R and Leshno M
Persistence in treatment is important in balancing diabetes and preventing complications. ADHD impairs quality of life and functioning in many areas of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible association of ADHD and diabetes glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
"Everything's a Challenge": An Interview Study of ADHD Individuals in the Midst of the Prescription Stimulant Shortage
Johnson B, Stjepanovic D, Leung J and Chan GCK
The shortage of prescription stimulants is an ongoing issue that is impacting the ability of individuals with ADHD to access their medication. Amidst concerns that this shortage may have a substantial impact on individuals' ability to manage their symptoms effectively, this research seeks to understand the experiences and consequences for those affected.
Causality Between ADHD, ASD, and CVDs: A Two-Step, Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Investigation
Zheng Z and Cai D
While observational studies have established a connection between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and heightened risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the causal relationships are not well-defined. This study is designed to examine the causality between ASD, ADHD, and CVD risk as well as investigate the mediating factors through which ADHD and ASD influence CVD.
Black Mothers of Children With and Without ADHD: Relationships Among Maternal Psychopathology, Parenting Stress, and Parenting Cognitions
Jones HA, Wilson SA, Parks AM, Floyd AL, Rabinovitch AE and Miller CC
Parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) endorse increased parenting stress and lower levels of parenting efficacy and satisfaction as compared to parents of children without ADHD. Additionally, maternal ADHD and depression differentiate children with and without ADHD, with children with ADHD being more likely to have a mother with psychopathology.
Functional Impairment Related to ADHD From Preschool to School Age
Overgaard KR, Oerbeck B, Friis S, Pripp AH, Aase H, Ingeborgrud CB and Biele G
Children with ADHD often experience functional impairments across various aspects of daily life. This study addresses the dearth of longitudinal research on functional impairment trajectories from preschool to school age in children with symptoms of ADHD and comorbid disorders.
ADHD in Black Youth: A Content Analysis of Empirical Research from 1972 to 2023
Green CD, Kang S, Harvey EA and Jones HA
The purpose of this content analysis study was to characterize patterns of research on Black youth with ADHD.
Investigating Working Memory Deficits in School-Age Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: An Event-Related Potentials Study During Delayed-Match-to-Sample Task
Shen IH, Wang WE, Ni HC and Chen CL
To investigate the neural mechanisms underlying working memory (WM) deficits in children with ADHD.
Perceptions of Academic Performance, Impairment, and Mental Health in University Students With and Without ADHD
Stewart CM, Master A, Mire SS, Hassett KS and Smith BH
This study aims to investigate the impact of positive illusory bias (PIB) on the relationship between ADHD symptoms and functioning in college students, with a focus on gender differences.
Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Women Living With a Partner Diagnosed With ADHD
Zeides Taubin D, Fogel-Grinvald H and Maeir A
This study explores the depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) of women in relationships with partners diagnosed with ADHD, as well as the role of engagement in health-promoting activities (HPA) on these outcomes, spotlighting the often-neglected perspective of these women. Employing a cross-sectional approach, the study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore associations between partners' ADHD functional impairment, women's involvement in HPA, and their depressive symptoms and QoL. Functional impairment in partners with ADHD was positively associated with women's depressive symptoms and negatively associated with their QoL, whereas women's engagement in HPA was positively associated with their QoL and negatively associated with their depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that women partnered with individuals diagnosed with ADHD may face an elevated risk of depressive symptoms and lowered QoL. The results highlight the potential need for a more comprehensive clinical approach to adult ADHD treatment that considers functional impairments and the experiences of partners. Incorporating HPA into therapeutic strategies appears beneficial. However, longitudinal research is needed to examine the direction of these associations and to develop potential interventions to support these women.
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD in Women: A Mixed Methods Investigation
Babinski DE and Libsack EJ
The goal of this study was to examine the experiences of women diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.
Emotional Dysregulation in Emerging Adult ADHD: A Key Consideration in Explaining and Classifying Impairment and Co-Occurring Internalizing Problems
Goh PK, A Wong AWW, Suh DE, Bodalski EA, Rother Y, Hartung CM and Lefler EK
The current study sought to clarify and harness the incremental validity of emotional dysregulation and unawareness (EDU) in emerging adulthood, beyond ADHD symptoms and with respect to concurrent classification of impairment and co-occurring problems, using machine learning techniques.
Sleep Problems in Adults With ADHD: Prevalences and Their Relationship With Psychiatric Comorbidity
van der Ham M, Bijlenga D, Böhmer M, Beekman ATF and Kooij S
Sleep problems are common in adults with ADHD and may be bidirectionally associated with ADHD severity and other psychiatric symptoms. We investigated the prevalence of positive screenings for various sleep disorders, and their association with psychiatric comorbidities in a large sample of adults with ADHD from a specialized outpatient clinic.
Emotion Recognition Accuracy Among Individuals With ADHD: A Systematic Review
Shepard EC, Ruben M and Weyandt LL
The aim of the present systematic review was to consolidate findings related to emotion recognition accuracy among individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The review also examined emotion recognition accuracy assessment methods as well as the contribution of gender to emotional recognition accuracy.
Effects of Chronotherapeutic Interventions in Adults With ADHD and Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) on Regulation of Appetite and Glucose Metabolism
van Andel E, Vogel SWN, Bijlenga D, Kalsbeek A, Beekman ATF and Kooij JJS
ADHD is highly comorbid with Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS). Both are associated with obesity and diabetes, which can be caused by long-term dysregulations of appetite and glucose metabolism. This study explores hormones involved in these processes and the effects of chronotherapeutic interventions in a small sample of adults with ADHD and DSPS. Exploratory, secondary analysis of data from the PhASE study, a three-armed randomized clinical trial, are presented, including 37 adults (18-53 years) with ADHD and DSPS receiving three weeks of 0.5 mg/day (1) placebo, (2) melatonin, or (3) melatonin plus 30 minutes of bright light therapy (BLT). Leptin (appetite-suppressing), ghrelin (appetite-stimulating), insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and glucose were measured from blood collected at 08:00 hours. Salivary cortisol was collected during the first 30 minutes after awakening and self-reported appetite was assessed. Baseline leptin and IGF-1 levels were higher than reference ranges, and ghrelin and cortisol levels were lower, while insulin and glucose were normal. Melatonin treatment decreased leptin and insulin. Other outcomes remained unchanged and melatonin + BLT had no effects. Due to the small sample size and exploratory nature of the study, results should be interpreted with caution. Overall, these results show no strong indications for dysregulation of appetite and glucose metabolism to suggest high risk of obesity and diabetes in this small sample of adults with ADHD and DSPS. However, baseline appetite was suppressed, likely because measurements took place in the early morning which could be considered the biological night for this study population. Melatonin treatment seemed to cause subtle changes in appetite-regulating hormones suggesting increased appetite. Chronotherapeutic treatment may affect appetite-regulating hormones by advancing the biological rhythm and/or altering eating behaviors, but this remains to be investigated in larger samples using detailed food diaries.
Audiovisual Integration Decreases Inhibition of Return in Children With ADHD
Zhang H, Chen Y, Sun J, Cai S, Tang X and Wang A
Previous studies have widely demonstrated that inhibition of return (IOR) with audiovisual targets decreases due to audiovisual integration (AVI). It is currently unclear, however, whether the impaired AVI in children with ADHD has effects on IOR. The present study used the cue-target paradigm to explore differences between the IOR of audiovisual targets and the IOR of visual targets in ADHD and typically developing (TD) children.
Unmet Needs of Children and Young Adults With ADHD: Insights From Key Stakeholders on Priorities for Stigma Reduction
Visser MJ, Peters RMH and Luman M
Individuals with ADHD continue to face stigma, which can negatively impact their access to, adherence to, and quality of mental health services, as well as their overall wellbeing. Perspectives of various stakeholders regarding priorities for stigma reduction remain underexplored. This study explores young adult, parent, teacher, and mental health care professional perspectives on unmet needs of children and young adults with ADHD in the Netherlands, in the context of stigma reduction.
No Effects of Auditory and Visual White Noise on Oculomotor Control in Children with ADHD
Jostrup E, Claesdotter-Knutsson E, Tallberg P, Söderlund G, Gustafsson P and Nyström M
White noise stimulation has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing working memory in children with ADHD. However, its impact on other executive functions commonly affected by ADHD, such as inhibitory control, remains largely unexplored. This research aims to explore the effects of two types of white noise stimulation on oculomotor inhibitory control in children with ADHD.
Self-Stigma of Canadian Youth With ADHD and Their Parents
Jelinkova K, Charabin E, Miller C and Climie EA
ADHD is subject to stigma from the general population. Exposure to stigma poses the risk of developing self-stigma of youth and parents, but few studies have focused on self-stigma of ADHD. Furthermore, parental factors have been implicated in self-stigma of youth, but no previous research has assessed the association between self-stigma of parents and youth. Therefore, the objective of this study was to better understand the experience of self-stigma of youth and their parents in the context of ADHD.
The Utility of Neuromuscular Assessment to Identify ADHD Among Patients with a Complex Symptom Picture
Udal ABH, Stray LL, Pripp AH, Stray T and Egeland J
Diagnostic assessment of ADHD is challenging due to comorbid psychopathologies and symptoms overlapping with other psychiatric disorders. In this study, we investigate if a distinct pattern of neuromuscular dysregulation previously reported in ADHD, can help identifying ADHD in psychiatric patients with diverse and complex symptoms.
Evaluation of Frontal QRS-T Angle in Children With ADHD and Healthy Controls
Kılıçaslan F, Tan A and Tanriverdi Z
Conflicting findings exist regarding the link between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the frontal QRS-T (fQRS-T) angle and its correlation with symptom severity in children diagnosed with ADHD.
A Psychometric Evaluation of the Revised Version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale in Chinese Adolescents
Xiao LR, Zhao G, Zhang P, Tian X, Wu XX, Li JR, Liu SY and Wu HM
Adolescent-specific ADHD self-report screening measures can greatly increase the likelihood of correct diagnosis and timely treatment of ADHD in adolescents. This study provides preliminary evidence for evaluating the reliability and validity of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-Revised (ASRS-R) in a school-based sample of Chinese adolescents.
In Memoriam: Professor Joseph Biederman's Contributions to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Faraone SV, Newcorn JH, Wozniak J, Joshi G, Coffey B, Uchida M, Wilens T, Surman C and Spencer TJ
To provide an overview of Joe Biederman's contributions to child and adolescent psychiatry.