Effects of yoga on impulsivity in patients with and without mental disorders: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Yoga can be used as a complementary intervention to conventional treatments, whether pharmacological or non-pharmacological. Sustained practice of yoga can generate a series of benefits for individuals' quality of life and improve their physical fitness. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential effects of yoga as an adjunct intervention in conditions involving impulse control issues, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), borderline personality disorder, bipolar affective disorder, and substance use disorders. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of placebo-controlled, randomized trials of yoga in patients with impulsivity. PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases were searched for trials published up to January, 2023. Data were extracted from published reports and quality assessment was performed per Cochrane recommendations. RESULTS: Out of 277 database results, 6 RCT were included in this systematic review. To assess the level of attention and impulsiveness, the following scales were analyzed: Barratt Impulsiveness, UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior scale, Conners' Continuous Performance Test IIª and Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Long. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga didn't have a significant improvement in impulsivity when compared to placebo. There are many tools to assess impulsivity, but they mean different concepts and domains consisting in a weakness on comparison of yoga effects. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42023389088.

[Treatment of sleep disorders in neurodevelopmental disorders]. / Abordaje de los trastornos del sueño en los trastornos del neurodesarrollo.

Sleep disorders are common in children and affect neurological development with important cognitive, emotional and behavioral repercussions. There is a high prevalence of sleep disorders (SD) in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sleep disorders in pediatric population have a prevalence of 6-25%, while in children with NDD this number rises to 50-80%. In NDDs, higher rates of difficulties in falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings and daytime sleepiness are observed. Disturbances in the circadian rhythm as well as respiratory sleep disorders are also observed. Consequently, there is a decrease in alertness for daytime activities with increased behavioral disorders, emotional problems and academic difficulties associated with executive and memory dysfunctions. Sleep assessment has to be a systemic part in the clinical evaluation of children with NDDs, so as to give a convenient diagnosis and treatment in each case, allowing to improve the quality of life of children and their families.

Los trastornos del sueño son frecuentes en niños y afectan al desarrollo neurológico, con importante repercusión cognitiva, emocional y conductual. Existe una alta prevalencia de trastornos del sueño (TS) en los trastornos del neurodesarrollo (TND), como trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) y trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH). Los TS en población pediátrica tienen una prevalencia del 6-25%, mientras que en los niños con TND esta cifra asciende al 50-80%. En los TND se observa un incremento de las dificultades para conciliar el sueño, de los despertares nocturnos y de la somnolencia diurna. Así mismo, presentan alteraciones del ritmo circadiano y trastornos respiratorios del sueño. Como consecuencia se produce una reducción de la alerta para las actividades diarias con incremento de trastornos conductuales, problemas emocionales y dificultades académicas asociadas a disfunciones ejecutivas y de memoria. La evaluación del sueño debe formar parte sistemática en la valoración clínica de los niños con TND, con el fin de realizar un diagnóstico y un tratamiento adecuados a cada caso, permitiendo mejorar la calidad de vida del niño y de su familia.

Effect of Cognitive Training Programs Based on Computer Systems on Executive Functions in Children With ADHD: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the existing literature reporting the effects of computerized cognitive trainings on the executive functions of children with ADHD. METHOD: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA statement; the primary sources used were five electronic databases (Scopus, Science Direct, Pubmed, Springer, Taylor & Francis). RESULTS: 20 articles met the eligibility criteria, data on the training characteristics and the effects on executive functions were extracted, followed by an analysis of bias and the methodological quality of the studies. The results of the studies were widely heterogeneous, largely associated with the variety of training programs and the measurement instruments used. The most studied executive functions were working memory and inhibitory control. Some of the studies reported that the intervention led to significant effects on working memory and attention (N = 7), and improvements in inhibitory control (N = 5) and planning (N = 4) were also reported. At the same time, others did not report the effects of the intervention on these processes. The assessment of the quality of the evidence showed important risk biases among the reviewed studies. CONCLUSION: Some training based on computer systems showed positive effects on the executive functions of working memory, attention, and inhibitory control in children with ADHD. However, other training sessions did not show significant effects. In general, the evidence shows mixed results, a high diversity of measurement instruments, and high risks of bias between the studies. Therefore, the evidence has not been consistent about the general benefits of computerized training on the executive functions of children with ADHD.

Intervenções para TDAH: o que dizem as revisões sistemáticas Cochrane? / Interventions for ADHD: what do the Cochrane systematic reviews say?

Contextualização: O transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) é um transtorno do neurodesenvolvimento bastante prevalente e caracterizado por alterações nos níveis de atenção, presença de hiperatividade e impulsividade, cuja efetividade das abordagens terapêuticas é discutível atualmente. Objetivos: Sumarizar as evidências de revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane, referentes à efetividade das intervenções para tratamento de TDAH. Métodos: Trata-se de overview de revisões sistemáticas Cochrane. Procedeu-se à busca na Cochrane Library (2023), sendo utilizado o descritor MeSH "Attention Deficit Disorder with Hiperactivity". Todas as revisões sistemáticas de ensaios clínicos foram incluídas. O desfecho primário de análise foi a melhora clínica (redução dos sintomas). Resultados: Treze estudos foram incluídos, totalizando 317 ensaios clínicos (n = 25.946 participantes). Foram avaliadas intervenções com anfetaminas, antidepressivos, ácidos graxos poli-insaturados tipo ômega 3 e 6, acupuntura, terapia de meditação, terapia cognitivo-comportamental e treinamento dos pais. Discussão: Nenhuma intervenção mostrou efetividade com evidência de boa qualidade. Embora a maioria das intervenções pareça trazer algum benefício na redução dos sintomas do TDAH, há riscos de efeitos adversos, em geral não graves, sobretudo nos tratamentos farmacológicos. Os estudos realizados até o momento são heterogêneos e desprovidos de análises por subgrupos, o que impacta a obtenção de melhor evidência. Sugere-se a realização de novos ensaios clínicos com padronização de relato dos resultados. Conclusão: Não há suporte com bom nível de evidência atualmente para a maioria das intervenções para tratamento do TDAH, à luz das revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane, sendo sugerida a realização de novos ensaios clínicos de qualidade.

Online parent training platform for complementary treatment of disruptive behavior disorders in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with a diversity of impairments and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a very frequent comorbidity. Parent Training, as an evidence-based intervention, seems effective in reducing externalizing/disruptive behaviors, possibly leading to a better prognosis. This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an online parent training model as a complementary treatment for ADHD and ODD. METHODS: Patients and their families will be screened upon their entry into the Research Center of Impulsivity and Attention (NITIDA) at UFMG-Brazil. Ninety families whose children are male, between 6-12 years old, and have significant externalizing symptoms and whose primary caregiver have complete high school education will be invited to participate. Families will be randomized (1:1) into 03 groups: 1) standard care; 2) standard care + face-to-face parent training; 3) standard care + online parent training. Interventions are analogous, differing only in delivery format. In the face-to-face format, the intervention will be conducted by a specialized therapist and the online format will be carried out through a platform. There will be six sessions/modules, arranged on a weekly basis. Measures of externalizing symptoms, parental and children quality of life, parental stress and parenting style will be collected at baseline and after the intervention. DISCUSSION: This clinical trial intends to verify the effects of a new, online, model of an evidence-based intervention, which would allow a wider access in the Brazilian context. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC). Number: RBR-6cvc85. July 24th (2020) 05:35 pm.

Musicoterapia em crianças com transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade / Music therapy in childen with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity / Musicoterapia en niños con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad

O Transtorno de Déficit de atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) é um transtorno de origem hereditária que acomete entre 3 a 5% das crianças em todo o mundo, causando nelas problemas de aprendizagem e socialização, o transtorno também pode continuar se manifestando na idade adulta, causando além dos sintomas já citados problemas nos relacionamentos. A Musicoterapia é uma das terapias integrativas e complementares reconhecidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) brasileiro para ser aplicada na atenção básica, assim esse trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o tema do TDAH e como a Musicoterapia pode ser empregada nessa síndrome. Não foram muitos os trabalhos encontrados na literatura descrevendo práticas da Musicoterapia em pacientes com TDAH, porém os estudos publicados têm mostrado que ela possui resultados positivos na melhoria de vida e bem-estar desses pacientes, principalmente com o emprego de técnicas da Musicoterapia ativa.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder of hereditary origin that affects between 3 and 5% of children worldwide, causing them learning and socialization problems, the disorder can also continue to manifest in adulthood, causing in addition to the symptoms already mentioned problems in relationships. Music Therapy is one of the integrative and complementary therapies recognized by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) to be applied in primary care, in order to understand this issue this work aimed to study the theme of ADHD and how Music Therapy can be used in this syndrome. Few studies could been found in the literature describing Music Therapy practices in ADHD patients however, published studies have shown that it has positive results in improving the lives and well-being of these patients, mainly with the use of active Music Therapy techniques.

El Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH) es un trastorno de origen hereditario que afecta a entre el 3 y el 5% de los niños de todo el mundo, provocando en ellos problemas de aprendizaje y socialización, el trastorno también puede seguir manifestándose en la edad adulta, provocando además de los síntomas ya mencionados problemas en las relaciones. La musicoterapia es una de las terapias integradoras y complementarias reconocidas por el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) brasileño para ser aplicada en la atención básica, por lo que este trabajo tuvo como objetivo estudiar el tema del TDAH y cómo la musicoterapia puede ser utilizada en este síndrome. No se han encontrado muchos trabajos en la literatura que describan las prácticas de Musicoterapia en pacientes con TDAH, sin embargo, los estudios publicados han demostrado que tiene resultados positivos en la mejora de la vida y el bienestar de estos pacientes, principalmente con el uso de técnicas de Musicoterapia activa.

[Therapeutic approach to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]. / Enfoque terapéutico del trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent and frequent neurodevelopmental disorder in neuropediatrics, child psychiatry and child psychology consultations. The greater awareness of this condition, the information and, above all, the socio-cultural acceptance, has led to an earlier diagnosis, leading to more timely and effective treatment. Individualizing each case through systematic tools such as neuropsychological studies and their neuroanatomical and neurobiochemical correlation, related to ADHD, together with algorithms that analyze executive functions, is essential to indicate the optimal pharmacological treatment, together with the application of appropriate non-pharmacological therapies. Multimodal treatment, with cognitive behavioral intervention and pharmacological treatment, is the most effective therapeutic approach.

El trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) es el trastorno del neurodesarrollo más prevalente y frecuente en las consultas de neuropediatría, psiquiatría y psicología infantiles. La mayor sensibilización ante esta condición, la información y sobre todo la aceptación socio cultural, ha provocado que se diagnostique más precozmente, implicando ello un tratamiento más oportuno y eficaz. El individualizar cada caso mediante herramientas sistemáticas como los estudios neuropsicológicos y su correlación neuroanatómica y neurobioquímica, relacionados con el TDAH, junto con los algoritmos que analizan las funciones ejecutivas, es primordial para indicar el tratamiento farmacológico óptimo, unido a la aplicación de las terapias no farmacológicas apropiadas. El tratamiento multimodal, con intervención cognitivo conductual y tratamiento farmacológico, es el enfoque terapéutico más efectivo.

[Autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: challenge in diagnosis and treatment]. / Trastornos del espectro autista y trastornos por déficit de atención con hiperactividad: desafíos en el diagnóstico y tratamiento.

The coexistence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) definitely poses new challenges, such as making an early diagnosis, considering that the former is usually diagnosed 2 years later in children with ADHD comorbid with autism compared to those with ASD alone; this is a problem at a personal, family and social level, since they must receive timely intervention. This coexistence raises questions about the efficacy of treatment in ADHD in people with autism, genetic, anatomical and functional concordances, among others; these are the challenges that are currently posed. In this review, we present some responses to the challenges posed by such coexistence, and we highlight some pending issues to be solved, being these of great importance for their better understanding and management. In all patients with ADHD or ASD, a coexistence between them should be sought. There are shared functional brain alterations in both disorders identified by functional brain magnetic resonance imaging; the treatment established for ADHD is also effective in this comorbidity.

La coexistencia del trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) y trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH) definitivamente plantea nuevos desafíos, como la realización de un diagnóstico temprano teniendo en cuenta que el primero generalmente es diagnosticado 2 años después en los niños con TDAH comórbidos; esto es un problema a nivel personal, familiar y social, ya que deben recibir intervención oportuna. Esta coexistencia genera interrogantes sobre la eficacia del tratamiento en TDAH en personas con autismo, concordancias genéticas, anatómicas y funcionales entre otros; y son los retos que se plantean en la actualidad. En la presente revisión exponemos algunas respuestas a los desafíos dados por tal coexistencia y resaltamos algunos temas pendientes a resolver, siendo estos de gran importancia para su mejor entendimiento y manejo. En todos los pacientes con TDAH o TEA se debe buscar una coexistencia entre ellos. Existen alteraciones funcionales cerebrales compartidas en ambos trastornos identificadas por resonancia magnética funcional cerebral; el tratamiento establecido para el TDAH es también eficaz en esta comorbilidad.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation vs Sham for the Treatment of Inattention in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: The TUNED Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may improve symptoms of inattention in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, previous trials are characterized by small sample sizes, heterogeneous methodologies, and short treatment periods using clinic-based tDCS. Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of home-based tDCS in treating inattention symptoms in adult patients with ADHD. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized, double-blind, parallel, sham-controlled clinical trial (tDCS for the Treatment of Inattention Symptoms in Adult Patients With ADHD [TUNED]), conducted from July 2019 through July 2021 in a single-center outpatient academic setting. Of 277 potential participants screened by phone, 150 were assessed for eligibility on site, and 64 were included. Participants were adults with ADHD, inattentive or combined subtype. Exclusion criteria included current stimulant drug treatment, current moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, diagnosis of bipolar disorder with a manic or depressive episode in the last year, diagnosis of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder; 55 of participants completed follow-up after 4 weeks. Interventions: Thirty-minute daily sessions of home-based tDCS for 4 weeks, 2 mA anodal-right and cathodal-left prefrontal stimulation with 35-cm2 carbon electrodes. Main Outcomes and Measures: Inattentive scores in the clinician-administered version of the Adult ADHD Self-report Scale version 1.1 (CASRS-I). Results: Included in this trial were 64 participants with ADHD (31 [48%] inattentive presentation and 33 [52%] combined presentation), with a mean (SD) age of 38.3 (9.6) years. Thirty participants (47%) were women and 34 (53%) were men. Fifty-five finished the trial. At week 4, the mean (SD) inattention score, as measured with CASRS-I, was 18.88 (5.79) in the active tDCS group and 23.63 (3.97) in the sham tDCS group. Linear mixed-effects models revealed a statistically significant treatment by time interaction for CASRS-I (ßinteraction = -3.18; 95% CI, -4.60 to -1.75; P < .001), showing decreased symptoms of inattention in the active tDCS group over the 3 assessments compared to the sham tDCS group. Mild adverse events were more frequent in the active tDCS group, particularly skin redness, headache, and scalp burn. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, daily treatment with a home-based tDCS device over 4 weeks improved attention in adult patients with ADHD who were not taking stimulant medication. Home-based tDCS could be a nonpharmacological alternative for patients with ADHD. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04003740.

Trastornos por déficit de atencional con hiperactividad en la población infantojuvenil / Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders in the child and adolescent population

El Trastorno por déficit atencional con hiperactividad (TDAH) es un trastorno crónico, del neurodesarrollo con una prevalencia de 5,29% en la población pediátrica. Las manifestaciones clínicas incluyen síntomas de hiperactividad, impulsividad y desatención que conducen a un deterioro funcional en el desarrollo social, familiar y escolar. Si bien en los últimos años ha habido un aumento en su reconocimiento, la heterogeneidad clínica y la alta comorbilidad pueden obstaculizar su diagnóstico. En el presente trabajo se revisarán diferentes aspectos de la presentación clínica y del abordaje terapéutico de este trastorno

The attention hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder with a prevalence of 5.24% in pediatric population. The clinical presentation includes symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention with a functional impairment in social, family and scholar development. Even though in the last years it has been well recognized, its clinical heterogeneity and high comorbidity hampers its diagnosis. In this article different aspects of the clinical presentation and therapeutic approach of this disorder will be reviewed

[Care for patients with traumatic brain injury]. / La atención en pacientes con lesión traumática cerebral.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) as well as Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) are very common problems that affect children. It is known that patients who suffer a traumatic brain injury may present symptoms of ADHD, which often go unnoticed in the acute period, especially when there are more serious injuries that hide them and are only evident when the patient returns to their regular cognitive activity after discharge. Symptoms can vary depending on the mechanism of injury, the location in the brain where the trauma or its effects occur, complications, and the severity of the injury. Some symptoms of TBI are identical to those of ADHD, making the diagnosis of these patients more difficult to discern either because the patient or their parents report them together or when the patient already had pre-existing ADHD. We describe some clinical scenarios in this article in which there is an interaction between these two processes that are explained in part because both can affect similar nerve conduction pathways and neurotransmitters. The clinician must recognize attention problems in patients with TBI and other presentations and offer appropriate and timely treatment when symptoms interfere with the patient's functioning. Treatment of ADHD in patients with TBI uses accommodations and medications similar to those used in patients who only have ADHD, but depending on the severity, they can vary in duration.

La lesión traumática cerebral (LTC) al igual que el trastorno por déficit de atención con o sin hiperactividad (TDAH) son problemas muy frecuentes que afectan a los niños. Es conocido que los pacientes que sufren una lesión traumática cerebral pueden presentar síntomas del TDAH, los cuales a menudo pasan desapercibidos en el período agudo, especialmente cuando hay lesiones más graves que los ocultan y solo se evidencian cuando el paciente regresa a su actividad cognitiva regular después del alta. Los síntomas pueden variar dependiendo del mecanismo de lesión, el lugar del cerebro en donde ocurre el trauma o sus efectos, complicaciones y la severidad de la lesión. Algunos síntomas de LTC son idénticos a los del TDAH, haciendo que el diagnóstico de estos pacientes sea más difícil de discernir, ya sea porque el paciente o sus padres los reportan juntos cuando el paciente ya tenía un TDAH preexistente. Existen algunos escenarios clínicos que describimos en este artículo en los cuales hay una interacción entre estos dos, que se explican en parte porque ambos pueden afectar vías de conducción nerviosa y neurotransmisores similares. El clínico debe reconocer los problemas de atención en los pacientes con LTC y otras presentaciones y ofrecer tratamiento adecuado y oportuno cuando los síntomas interfieren con el funcionamiento del paciente. El tratamiento del TDAH en pacientes con LTC usa acomodaciones y medicamentos similares a los que se usan en pacientes que solo tienen TDAH, pero dependiendo de la severidad pueden variar en su duración.

Trends, Limits, and Challenges of Computer Technologies in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that appears during an individual's childhood and may follow her/him for life. The research objective was to understand better how and which computer technologies have been applied to support ADHD diagnosis and treatment. The research used the systematic literature review method: a rigorous, verifiable, and repeatable approach that follows well-defined steps. Six well-known academic data sources have been consulted, including search engines and bibliographic databases, from technology and health care areas. After a rigorous research protocol, 1,239 articles were analyzed. For the diagnosis, the use of machine learning techniques was verified in 61 percent of the articles. Neurofeedback was ranked second with 9.3 percent participation, followed by serious games and eye tracking with 5.6 percent each. For the treatment, neurofeedback was present in 50 percent of the articles, whereas some studies combined both approaches, accounting for 31 percent of the total. Nine percent of the articles reported remote assistance technology, whereas another 9 percent have used virtual reality. By highlighting the leading computer technologies used, their applications, results, and challenges, this literature review breaks ground for further investigations. Moreover, the study highlighted the lack of consensus on ADHD biomarkers. The approaches using machine learning call attention to the probable occurrence of overfitting in several studies, thus demonstrating limitations of this technology on small-sized bases. This research also presented the convergence of evidence from different studies on the persistence of long-term effects of using neurofeedback in treating ADHD.

Tratamiento del trastorno de déficit de atención con hiperactividad en población pediátrica: revisión bibliográfica / Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the pediatric population: literature review

El Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad (TDAH) es un trastorno del comportamiento común en la infancia, caracterizado por la presencia de hiperactividad, impulsividad, problemas de atención y dificultades en las interacciones sociales. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica fue identificar los tratamientos disponibles para el manejo del TDAH, tanto farmacológicos como no farmacológicos. La búsqueda se realizó en PubMed y Google Scholar, recopilando 285 artículos. Se excluyeron aquellos que no estaban en inglés o español, incluían población adulta o no se ajustaban al propósito de la revisión. Se seleccionaron 48 artículos y se incluyeron finalmente 30 para la lectura. Se concluye que la evidencia sugiere un enfoque combinado de tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico. Entre los tratamientos farmacológicos, los estimulantes como el metilfenidato siguen siendo la opción de primera línea. Además, hay estudios preliminares que respaldan la suplementación de hierro, vitamina D, zinc, omega 3, ginseng rojo y proteína de suero de leche. En cuanto a los tratamientos no farmacológicos, hay una amplia variedad de estrategias terapéuticas, como psicoeducación, entrenamiento en habilidades sociales, terapia de aceptación y compromiso, entrenamiento para padres, neurofeedback, aplicaciones de juegos móviles, actividad física, higiene del sueño, estimulación magnética transcraneal, acupuntura y terapia asistida por caballos. Aunque estos estudios son prometedores, muchos son incipientes, y se requiere más investigación en este campo.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral disorder in childhood, characterized by the presence of hyperactivity and impulsivity, attention problems, and difficulties in social interactions. The objective of this bibliographic review was to identify the available treatments for the non-pharmacological and pharmacological management of ADHD. A search was conducted in PubMed for articles published in the last 5 years and in Google Scholar since 2018, resulting in 285 collected articles. Articles not in English or Spanish, including adults in their population, or not fitting the purpose of this review were excluded. Out of 48 selected articles for reading, 30 were finally included. The available evidence suggests a combined approach of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Stimulants such as methylphenidate continue to be the first-line treatment among pharmacological measures. Incipient studies recommend the use of iron, vitamin D, zinc, omega 3, red ginseng, and whey protein supplementation. Non-pharmacological measures include a variety of therapeutic strategies, such as psychoeducation, training in social skills, acceptance and commitment therapy, training for parents, neurofeedback, mobile game applications, physical activity, sleep hygiene, transcranial magnetic stimulation, acupuncture, and horse-assisted therapy. While these studies show promise, most are still in the early stages, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.

Actividad Física, Ejercicio Físico y Calidad de Vida en niños y adolescentes con Trastorno por déficit de atención y/o hiperactividad / Physical activity, exercise and quality of life in children and adolescents with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Introducción: El Trastorno por déficit de atención y/o hiperactividad (TDAH) es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo que afecta la calidad de vida en niños y adolescentes, y se extiende hasta la edad adulta. La literatura señala que la práctica de actividad física y ejercicio físico establece beneficios positivos para el organismo del ser humano, a nivel físico, biológico y psicológico. Objetivo: Examinar los efectos de las intervenciones de actividad física o ejercicio físico sobre la calidad de vida en niños y adolescentes diagnosticados con TDAH. Material y Método: La búsqueda de las investigaciones fueron realizadas a través de Google Scholar, Scopus, Pubmed, Scielo, Web of Science, Dialnet y Redalyc, seleccionando solo investigaciones de libre acceso en idioma español. Se consideraron los últimos 5 años para el análisis de las investigaciones, se buscaron mediante las palabras utilizadas Actividad Física y Calidad de vida en niños y adolescentes con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad, Ejercicio Físico y Calidad de vida en niños y adolescentes con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad, Actividad Física y Calidad de vida en niños y adolescentes con TDAH, Ejercicio Físico y Calidad de vida en niños y adolescentes con TDAH. Desarrollo: Los 8 artículos seleccionados y extraídos de las bases de datos, concuerdan con los criterios de inclusión relacionados con los beneficios en la calidad de vida físicos, a nivel psicológicos, biológicos y sociales. Conclusiones: Intervenciones de actividad física y ejercicio físico con una duración de 15 min a 90 min en niños y adolescentes con TDAH pueden ser beneficiosas en la calidad de vida(AU)

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects quality of life in children and adolescents, extending into adulthood. The literature indicates that the practice of physical activity and physical exercise establishes positive benefits for the human body at a physical, biological and psychological level. Objective: To examine the effects of physical activity or physical exercise interventions on quality of life in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Material and Methods: The search for research was carried out through Google Scholar, Scopus, Pubmed, Scielo, Web of Science, Dialnet and Redalyc, selecting only open access research in Spanish. The last 5 years were considered for the analysis of the research; they were searched using the words: Physical Activity and Quality of life in children and adolescents with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, Physical Exercise and Quality of life in children and adolescents with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, Physical Activity and Quality of life in children and adolescents with ADHD, Physical Exercise and Quality of life in children and adolescents with ADHD. Development: The 8 articles selected and extracted from the databases agree with the inclusion criteria related to the physical, psychological, biological and social benefits on quality of life. Conclusions: Physical activity and physical exercise interventions with a duration of 15-90 minutes in children and adolescents with ADHD can be beneficial on quality of life(AU)

Attention training in children with autism spectrum disorder improves academic performance: A double-blind pilot application of the computerized progressive attentional training program.

Atypical attention has been reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with studies pointing to an increase in attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder-like symptomatology. Individuals with ASD may also present academic difficulties and it is possible that they face a double-barrier for academic attainment from both core ASD symptomatology and from attention atypicalities, which are directly linked to academic performance. This raises the possibility that academic difficulties in ASD may benefit from cognitive training targeting attention. To test this possibility, we used the computerized progressive attentional training (CPAT) intervention in a double-blind, active control with follow-up intervention study in Brazil. The CPAT is a computerized attention training program that was recently piloted with schoolchildren with ASD in the UK. Twenty-six participants (8-14 years) with ASD in the São Paulo's ASD Reference Unit were assigned to either the CPAT (n = 14) or active control group (n = 12), which were matched at baseline. Two 45-min intervention sessions per week were conducted over a 2-month period. School performance, attention, fluid intelligence, and behavior were assessed before, immediately after and 3 months following the intervention. Significant group by time interactions show improvements in math, reading, writing and attention that were maintained at follow-up for the CPAT (but not the active control) group, while parents of children from both groups tended to report behavioral improvements. We conclude that attention training has the potential to reduce obstacles for academic attainment in ASD. Combined with the previous pilot study, the current results point to the generality of the approach, which leads to similar outcomes in different cultural and social contexts. LAY ABSTRACT: Attention difficulties tend to occur in ASD and are linked to academic performance. In this study, we demonstrate that school performance in math, reading and writing in children with ASD can improve following an intervention that trains basic attention skills (the CPAT intervention). The improvements we report are stable and were maintained 3-months following the intervention. This study, which was conducted in a public-health setting in Brazil, extends previous research in schools in the UK pointing to the cross-cultural and cross-settings efficacy of the intervention.

National clinical guideline for assessment and treatment of ADHD in children and young people: quick guide

Professional observers are independent persons who have in-depth knowledge of both children's normal behaviour and development and of ADHD, and who take a multidisciplinary approach to ADHD in their daily work. The observation must be geared to the specific problem with the child in question

A mixed methods study of clinician reported challenges in the assessment of ADHD and treatment decisions for children with ADHD in Brazil.

Objective: This ADHD national survey has obtained original data on the assessment and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reported by Brazilian paediatricians and child psychiatrists; and has compared their practice. Method: The study questionnaire was delivered to 165 neuro/community paediatricians and 272 child and adolescent psychiatrists. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. Results: Paediatricians assess children with a suspected ADHD, but do not feel confident to prescribe methylphenidate alone. Both paediatricians and child psychiatrists consider combined treatment of medication and psychotherapy more effective. Clinicians want to involve other professionals in the medical decisions but experience difficulties accessing specialist services, especially in public practice. Conclusion: This study showed the impact of the public-private mix in the delivery of and access to appropriate assessment and treatment services for children with ADHD in Brazil.

Feasibility trial of the dialectical behavior therapy skills training group as add-on treatment for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to explore the feasibility, and efficacy of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skill Training Group (DBT-ST) as an add-on treatment for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Latin America. METHOD: Adults with ADHD (n = 31) with stable medication treatment for ADHD and residual symptoms (ASRS > 20) were randomly assigned to DBT-ST (n = 16) or treatment as usual (TaU; n = 15) for 12 weeks. Feasibility was accessed by attendance and completion rates at 12 weeks. Efficacy outcomes were measured with the ASRS, and performed at 0, 6, 12, and 16 weeks. RESULTS: The DBT-ST protocol had 81.25% completion rate, with a mean attendance of 87.25% of the sessions. No significant interactions between group and time were detected for outcome measures. DISCUSSION: The DBT-ST was feasible as add-on treatment for adult patients with ADHD in Latin America. Replicating previous findings, DBT-ST has shown no significantly higher improvement in ADHD symptoms in comparison with TaU. Registered at the Clinical Trials database (NCT03326427).