ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Few studies have estimated the real prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) in Spain and worldwide. However, there are disparate prevalence figures. We consider research in this field essential to improve early detection, secondary prevention, and health planning. METHODS: The Minikid ADHD and TICS-Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (Children's version, AQ- Child) and a protocol of general medical questions were administered for screening purposes. The PROLEXIA battery for children aged from 4 to 6 years was used for direct assessments. Parents provided information on emotional, medical, and school aspects. The final population evaluated using these tools consisted of 291 6-year-old subjects. RESULTS: The overall risk of presenting with a neurodevelopmental disorder was 55.4%. A 23.4% risk of presenting with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in any modality (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined), a 2.8% risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a 30.6% risk of presenting with a learning disorder with reading difficulties, a 5.5% risk of tics and a 22.5% risk of language problems (incomprehensible language or minor language problems) were detected in the sample. The most common combination of disorders was learning and language difficulties, accounting for 6.9% of the sample. The second most frequent combination was the presence of learning and language difficulties and ADHD, accounting for 4.5% of the sample. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of risks detected in our sample seems to be consistent with national and international studies. A significant proportion of our sample had never been previously diagnosed (85%), so early detection programs are recommended.
Subject(s)
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity , Autism Spectrum Disorder , Neurodevelopmental Disorders , Tics , Adolescent , Humans , Child , Child, Preschool , Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis , Autism Spectrum Disorder/epidemiology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Prevalence , Spain/epidemiology , Tics/complications , Tics/epidemiology , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/therapy , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/diagnosis , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/epidemiology , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/prevention & control , Comorbidity , Referral and Consultation , Primary Health CareABSTRACT
The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a complex period in which multiple changes take place (education, work, independent living, and social relations). This stage is especially difficult for adolescents suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who have to move on from child and adolescent mental health services to adult mental health services. This review analyzes developmental and environmental risk and protective factors as well as critical variables such as executive functioning and self-monitoring that influence the course of ADHD in transitional age youth and guide the priorities for an optimal transition of care. The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic is also discussed. We reflect on the unmet needs for an optimal transition of care and propose practice and policy recommendations to achieve this goal.
Subject(s)
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity , COVID-19 , Central Nervous System Stimulants , Mental Health Services , Methylphenidate , Adolescent , Adult , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/drug therapy , Child , Humans , Methylphenidate/therapeutic use , Pandemics , Young AdultABSTRACT
This letter discusses mental health situation post-COVID. The SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) pandemic is a current challenge for the healthcare systems of the world. From a descriptive point of view, there are several classifications of the healthcare needs derived from COVID-19, through which the consequences of the pandemic could be studied or analyzed. In a few weeks, COVID-19 has put in check the health systems' capacity throughout the world, with almost 3 million people infected, more than 200,000 deaths and 850,000 patients recovered. A very important fact to take into account, is that it has occurred in a limited space of time, which has been a unique stress test for the health systems across the world, which have had to adjust in a record time, in order to absorb all demand and meet the needs of the population. The second wave has to do with to the health care needs of the general population for reasons other than COVID-19, which begin to appear after the withdrawal of the first wave. There are needs related to chronic conditions and the temporary withdrawal of continuity care programs, mostly patients who, during this time, have lowered their self-care protocols, often limited by the confinement circumstances. The last wave is the most specific of mental health problems. It is a longitudinal and cumulative wave. From a conceptual perspective, WHO defines health as the balance between physical, social and psychological well-being. There is no doubt that the deployment of health care resources to approach COVID-19 is being memorable. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)