An international qualitative study of ability and disability in ADHD using the WHO-ICF framework.

This is the third in a series of four cross-cultural empirical studies designed to develop International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, and Children and Youth version, ICF(-CY) Core Sets for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). To explore the perspectives of individuals diagnosed with ADHD, self-advocates, immediate family members and professional caregivers on relevant areas of impairment and functional abilities typical for ADHD across the lifespan as operationalized by the ICF(-CY). A qualitative study using focus group discussions or semi-structured interviews of 76 participants, divided into 16 stakeholder groups. Participants from five countries (Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Sweden) were included. A deductive qualitative content analysis was conducted to extract meaningful functioning and disability concepts from verbatim material. Extracted concepts were then linked to ICF(-CY) categories by independent researchers using a standardized linking procedure. In total, 82 ICF(-CY) categories were identified, of which 32 were related to activities and participation, 25 to environmental factors, 23 to body functions and 2 to body structures. Participants also provided opinions on experienced positive sides to ADHD. A high level of energy and drive, creativity, hyper-focus, agreeableness, empathy, and willingness to assist others were the most consistently reported strengths associated with ADHD. Stakeholder perspectives highlighted the need to appraise ADHD in a broader context, extending beyond diagnostic criteria into many areas of ability and disability as well as environmental facilitators and barriers. This qualitative study, along with three other studies (comprehensive scoping review, expert survey and clinical study), will provide the scientific basis to define ICF(-CY) Core Sets for ADHD, from which assessment tools can be derived for use in clinical and research setting, as well as in health care administration.

Validity of proposed DSM-5 ADHD impulsivity symptoms in children.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) working group on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) proposed the inclusion of four new impulsivity symptoms. However, they were not included in DSM-5 due to the lack of sufficient evidence. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of the proposed four ADHD impulsivity symptoms with respect to: (a) ADHD factor structure; (b) performance in predicting clinical impairment; (c) specificity for ADHD diagnosis and (d) best symptomatic threshold to predict clinical impairment. The sample comprised 416 children (31 ADHD subjects according to both DSM-IV and proposed DSM-5, 20 ADHD subjects according to just one diagnostic system and 365 controls) from 12 schools. Diagnoses were derived using semi-structured interviews and ADHD rating scales. Results from confirmatory factor analysis indicate that addition of the four new impulsivity items provided a slightly better factor structure if compared to models including only 18 items. Regression analyses showed that only one of the new impulsivity symptoms (impatient) was part of the list of best predictors of impairment. None of the four new impulsivity items was specifically associated with ADHD diagnosis. The best cutoff point in the hyperactivity/impulsivity dimension for predicting impairment did not change significantly. Overall, our findings suggest that the determination on how to best capture impulsivity dimension as part of the ADHD construct needs more investigation and that there is not enough evidence to include these four assessed impulsivity symptoms as part of the ADHD criteria.

Comparative Analysis of ECG and Holter Monitoring in the Assessment of Heart Rate in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction and Sinus Rhythm. / Análise Comparativa do ECG com o Holter na avaliação da Frequência Cardíaca na Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Reduzida e Ritmo Sinusal.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate (HR) has shown prognostic value in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and sinus rhythm. However, the method of measurement is debated in the literature. OBJECTIVES: To compare HR on Holter with 3 resting electrocardiograms (ECG1, ECG2, and ECG3) in patients with HFrEF and sinus rhythm. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 135 patients with heart failure with ejection fraction ≤ 40% and sinus rhythm. HR was assessed by ECG and Holter. Analyses included intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), robust regression, root mean squared error, Bland-Altman, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A significance level of 0.05 and Bonferroni-Holm adjustment were adopted to minimize type I errors. RESULTS: The median [interquartile range] age and ejection fraction were 65 years [16] and 30% [11], respectively. The ICC of the 3 ECGs was 0.922 (95% confidence interval: 0.892; 0.942). The robust regression coefficients for ECG1 and ECG3 were 0.20 (95% confidence interval: 0.12; 0.29) and 0.21 (95% confidence interval: 0.06; 0.36). The robust R2 was 0.711 (95% confidence interval: 0.628; 0.76). In the Bland-Altman agreement analysis, the limits of agreement were -17.0 (95% confidence interval: -19.0; -15.0) and 32.0 (95% confidence interval: 30.0; 34.0). The area under the ROC curve was 0.896 (95% confidence interval: 0.865; 0.923). CONCLUSION: The HR on ECG showed high agreement with the HR on Holter, validating its clinical use in patients with HFrEF and sinus rhythm. However, agreement was suboptimal in one third of patients with HR below 70 bpm on ECG; thus, 24-hour Holter monitoring should be considered in this context.

FUNDAMENTO: A frequência cardíaca (FC) na insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) e ritmo sinusal apresenta valor prognóstico. Entretanto, o método de mensuração é debatido na literatura. OBJETIVOS: Comparar em pacientes com ICFEr e ritmo sinusal a FC no Holter com três eletrocardiogramas de repouso: ECG1, ECG2 e ECG3. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal com 135 pacientes portadores de insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção ≤ 40% e ritmo sinusal. A FC foi avaliada por ECG e Holter. Análises incluíram o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), regressão robusta, raiz do erro quadrático médio, Bland-Altman e a área sobre a curva ROC. Adotou-se nível de significância de 0,05 e o ajuste de Bonferroni-Holm para minimizar erros tipo I. RESULTADOS: As medianas [intervalo interquartil] de idade e fração de ejeção foram de 65 anos [16] e 30% [11], respectivamente. O CCI dos 3 ECG foi de 0,922 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,892; 0,942). Os coeficientes de regressão robusta para ECG1 e ECG3 foram 0,20 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,12; 0,29) e 0,21 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,06; 0,36). O R2 robusto foi de 0,711 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,628; 0,76). Na análise de concordância de Bland-Altman, os limites de concordância foram de −17,0 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: −19,0; −15,0) e 32,0 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 30,0; 34,0). A área sob a curva ROC foi de 0,896 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,865; 0,923). CONCLUSÃO: A FC do ECG mostrou alta concordância com a FC do Holter, validando seu uso clínico em pacientes com ICFEr e ritmo sinusal. Contudo, a concordância foi subótima em um terço dos pacientes com FC inferior a 70 bpm pelo ECG, devendo ser considerada a realização de Holter neste contexto.

Exploring the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and entrepreneurship.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and entrepreneurial profiles and the effects of entrepreneurial characteristics in individuals who screen positive for ADHD and self-identify as entrepreneurs. METHODS: We sent 4,341 questionnaires by e-mail to applicants for a career development course for entrepreneurs. We used the propensity score covariate adjustment to balance differences between included and excluded individuals. ADHD symptoms were evaluated with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. The Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation scale was used to assess the entrepreneurial profile of the participants. Impairment from ADHD symptoms was assessed with the Barkley Functional Impairment Scale. RESULTS: Those who screened positive for ADHD had higher risk-taking scores (p-value = 0.016) and lower proactivity (p-value = 0.001) than those who screened negative. Higher inattention scores were related to lower proactivity (p-value < 0.001), while higher hyperactive symptom scores were related to a more generalized entrepreneurial profile (p-value = 0.033). Among ADHD-positive participants, entrepreneurial profile scores were not significantly associated with company profits or impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Inattention symptoms were related to less proactivity, whereas hyperactive symptoms were positively associated with a general entrepreneurial orientation. ADHD-positive individuals had a higher risk-taking profile, and these characteristics did not negatively impact their lives.

Assessing undertreatment and overtreatment/misuse of ADHD medications in children and adolescents across continents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A controversy exists on whether there is an over or underuse of medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We conducted the first meta-analysis to estimate the rate of ADHD pharmacological treatment in both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. Based on a pre-registered protocol (CRD42018085233), we searched a broad set of electronic databases and grey literature. After screening 25,676 abstracts, we retained 36 studies including 104,305 subjects, from which 18 studies met our main analysis criteria. The pooled pharmacological treatment rates were 19.1 % and 0.9 % in school-age children/adolescents with and without ADHD, respectively. We estimated that for each individual using medication without a formal ADHD diagnosis, there are three patients with a formal diagnosis who might benefit from medication but do not receive it in the US. Our results indicate both overtreatment/misuse of medication in individuals without ADHD and pharmacological undertreatment in youths with the disorder. Our findings reinforce the need for public health policies improving education on ADHD and discussions on the benefits and limitations of ADHD medications.

Análise Comparativa do ECG com o Holter na avaliação da Frequência Cardíaca na Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Reduzida e Ritmo Sinusal / Comparative Analysis of ECG and Holter Monitoring in the Assessment of Heart Rate in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction and Sinus Rhythm

Resumo Fundamento A frequência cardíaca (FC) na insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) e ritmo sinusal apresenta valor prognóstico. Entretanto, o método de mensuração é debatido na literatura. Objetivos Comparar em pacientes com ICFEr e ritmo sinusal a FC no Holter com três eletrocardiogramas de repouso: ECG1, ECG2 e ECG3. Metodologia Estudo transversal com 135 pacientes portadores de insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção ≤ 40% e ritmo sinusal. A FC foi avaliada por ECG e Holter. Análises incluíram o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), regressão robusta, raiz do erro quadrático médio, Bland-Altman e a área sobre a curva ROC. Adotou-se nível de significância de 0,05 e o ajuste de Bonferroni-Holm para minimizar erros tipo I. Resultados As medianas [intervalo interquartil] de idade e fração de ejeção foram de 65 anos [16] e 30% [11], respectivamente. O CCI dos 3 ECG foi de 0,922 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,892; 0,942). Os coeficientes de regressão robusta para ECG1 e ECG3 foram 0,20 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,12; 0,29) e 0,21 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,06; 0,36). O R2 robusto foi de 0,711 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,628; 0,76). Na análise de concordância de Bland-Altman, os limites de concordância foram de −17,0 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: −19,0; −15,0) e 32,0 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 30,0; 34,0). A área sob a curva ROC foi de 0,896 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,865; 0,923). Conclusão A FC do ECG mostrou alta concordância com a FC do Holter, validando seu uso clínico em pacientes com ICFEr e ritmo sinusal. Contudo, a concordância foi subótima em um terço dos pacientes com FC inferior a 70 bpm pelo ECG, devendo ser considerada a realização de Holter neste contexto.

Abstract Background Heart rate (HR) has shown prognostic value in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and sinus rhythm. However, the method of measurement is debated in the literature. Objectives To compare HR on Holter with 3 resting electrocardiograms (ECG1, ECG2, and ECG3) in patients with HFrEF and sinus rhythm. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with 135 patients with heart failure with ejection fraction ≤ 40% and sinus rhythm. HR was assessed by ECG and Holter. Analyses included intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), robust regression, root mean squared error, Bland-Altman, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A significance level of 0.05 and Bonferroni-Holm adjustment were adopted to minimize type I errors. Results The median [interquartile range] age and ejection fraction were 65 years [16] and 30% [11], respectively. The ICC of the 3 ECGs was 0.922 (95% confidence interval: 0.892; 0.942). The robust regression coefficients for ECG1 and ECG3 were 0.20 (95% confidence interval: 0.12; 0.29) and 0.21 (95% confidence interval: 0.06; 0.36). The robust R2 was 0.711 (95% confidence interval: 0.628; 0.76). In the Bland-Altman agreement analysis, the limits of agreement were −17.0 (95% confidence interval: −19.0; −15.0) and 32.0 (95% confidence interval: 30.0; 34.0). The area under the ROC curve was 0.896 (95% confidence interval: 0.865; 0.923). Conclusion The HR on ECG showed high agreement with the HR on Holter, validating its clinical use in patients with HFrEF and sinus rhythm. However, agreement was suboptimal in one third of patients with HR below 70 bpm on ECG; thus, 24-hour Holter monitoring should be considered in this context.

Are ADHD medications under or over prescribed worldwide?: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by age inappropriate and impairing levels of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. Pharmacotherapy is an important part of the ADHD multimodal treatment. The extent to which ADHD is pharmacologically over or under treated worldwide is controversial. We aimed to estimate the pooled worldwide rate of ADHD pharmacological treatment in individuals with and without the disorder. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: We will include published or unpublished studies reporting the rates of ADHD pharmacological treatment in participants with and without ADHD of any age group. Population-based, cohort, or follow-up studies, as well as data from insurance health system and third-party reimbursements will be eligible. Searches will be performed in a large number of electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of ADHD pharmacological treatment in individuals with ADHD and without ADHD. Two independent reviewers will perform the screening, and data extraction process. Study quality/bias will be assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale by 2 independent reviewers. To test the robustness of the findings, we will perform a series of sensitivity and meta-regression analysis. Analyses will be performed with R and STATA software. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No IRB approval will be necessary. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. REGISTRATION AND STATUS: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018085233.