The effect of a single dose of methylphenidate on attention in children and adolescents with ADHD and comorbid Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

The co-occurrence Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been associated to difficulties in regulating adverse states, elevated functional impairment, deficits in Executive Functions and high risk for psychopathology. Recent studies have shown that ODD is a negative predictor of a positive response to methylphenidate (MPH) treatment for ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents and that patients with a diagnosis of comorbid ADHD and ODD are less likely to respond favorably to pharmacological treatment with MPH. We conducted a naturalistic study to understand the clinical characteristics of drug-naïve children and adolescents with ADHD that influence the response to MPH by measuring the effect on attention. Specifically, we investigated whether a single dose of MPH differently affects the performance of 53 children and adolescents with ADHD with or without ODD comorbidity. In addition, participant characteristics such as symptom severity, functional impairment, and associated behavioral and emotional symptoms at baseline were examined to better understand what aspects affect the response to MPH. We found that a single dose of MPH improved the attention of children and adolescents with ADHD without ODD more than those with comorbid ADHD and ODD, resulting in reduced reaction times. Our findings indicated that children and adolescents with comorbid ADHD and ODD and those with ADHD alone did not exhibit differences in measures of attention prior to taking MPH, nor in demographic variables (age, intelligence quotient, gender), clinical characteristics related to symptom severity, and adaptive behaviors. However, we observed differences between the two groups in certain behavioral aspects, including the Dysregulation Profile and disruptive behaviors. Assessing symptoms in combination with the presence of ADHD can be beneficial in determining which individuals would derive the greatest benefits from treatment.

Associations of Symptoms of ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Adolescence With Occupational Outcomes and Incomes in Adulthood.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of ADHD and ODD symptoms in adolescence with occupational outcomes and incomes in adulthood within the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986). METHOD: ADHD symptoms were evaluated at ages 15 to 16 years using the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD symptoms and Normal Behaviors (SWAN) scale. ODD symptoms were assessed using a 7-point scale, like the SWAN assessment. RESULTS: Symptoms of ADHD and ADHD + ODD were associated with elevated rates of unemployment, increased sick days, and lower annual incomes compared to controls for both sexes. Symptoms of ODD were associated with higher unemployment and more sick days for males, although these associations did not reach statistical significance in their association with annual incomes. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of ADHD were associated with adverse occupational outcomes and lower incomes. Furthermore, symptoms of ODD were associated with occupational outcomes but not with incomes.

Unique versus shared neural correlates of externalizing psychopathology in late childhood.

Childhood externalizing psychopathology is heterogeneous. Symptom variability in conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and callous-unemotional (CU) traits designate different subgroups of children with externalizing problems who have specific treatment needs. However, CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits are highly comorbid. Studies need to generate insights into shared versus unique risk mechanisms, including through the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this study, we tested whether symptoms of CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits were best represented within a bifactor framework, simultaneously modeling shared (i.e., general externalizing problems) and unique (i.e., symptom-specific) variance, or through a four-correlated factor or second-order factor model. Participants (N = 11,878, age, M = 9 years) were from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. We used questionnaire and functional magnetic resonance imaging data (emotional N-back task) from the baseline assessment. A bifactor model specifying a general externalizing and specific CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits factors demonstrated the best fit. The four-correlated and second-order factor models both fit the data well and were retained for analyses. Across models, reduced right amygdala activity to fearful faces was associated with more general externalizing problems and reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity to fearful faces was associated with higher CU traits. ADHD scores were related to greater right nucleus accumbens activation to fearful and happy faces. Results give insights into risk mechanisms underlying comorbidity and heterogeneity within externalizing psychopathology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Investigating the Trajectory and Associated Risk Factors of Clinical Outcomes for Early Childhood Disruptive Behavior Disorders Using Real World Data.

Disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) are common mental health problems among early childhood American youth that, if poorly managed, pose costly psychological and societal burdens. There is limited real world evidence on how parent management training (PMT) - the evidence-based treatment model of choice - implemented in common practice settings within the United States influences the behavioral progress of early childhood DBDs, and the risk factors associated with poor outcomes. This study used data from a measurement feedback system implemented within a U.S.-based private practice to study how behavioral outcomes change as a function of PMT treatment engagement and associated risk factors for 4-7 year-old children diagnosed with DBDs. Over 50% of patients reached optimal outcomes after 10 appointments. Attending 24-29 appointments provided maximum treatment effect - namely, 75% of patients reaching optimal outcomes by end of treatment. Outcomes attenuate after reaching the maximum effect. Patients also had higher odds of reaching optimal outcomes if they had consistent attendance throughout the treatment course. Notable risk factors associated with lower odds of reaching optimal outcomes included Medicaid insurance-type, greater clinical complexity, and having siblings concurrently in treatment. Increased implementation of systems that monitor and provide feedback on treatment outcomes in U.S.-based practice settings and similar investigations using its data can further enhance 'real world' management of early childhood DBDs among American youth.

Amygdala Volume is Associated with ADHD Risk and Severity Beyond Comorbidities in Adolescents: Clinical Testing of Brain Chart Reference Standards.

Understanding atypicalities in ADHD brain correlates is a step towards better understanding ADHD etiology. Efforts to map atypicalities at the level of brain structure have been hindered by the absence of normative reference standards. Recent publication of brain charts allows for assessment of individual variation relative to age- and sex-adjusted reference standards and thus estimation not only of case-control differences but also of intraindividual prediction. METHODS: Aim was to examine, whether brain charts can be applied in a sample of adolescents (N = 140, 38% female) to determine whether atypical brain subcortical and total volumes are associated with ADHD at-risk status and severity of parent-rated symptoms, accounting for self-rated anxiety and depression, and parent-rated oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as well as motion. RESULTS: Smaller bilateral amygdala volume was associated with ADHD at-risk status, beyond effects of comorbidities and motion, and smaller bilateral amygdala volume was associated with inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, beyond effects of comorbidities except for ODD symptoms, and motion. CONCLUSIONS: Individual differences in amygdala volume meaningfully add to estimating ADHD risk and severity. Conceptually, amygdalar involvement is consistent with behavioral and functional imaging data on atypical reinforcement sensitivity as a marker of ADHD-related risk. Methodologically, results show that brain chart reference standards can be applied to address clinically informative, focused and specific questions.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Mozambique: an epidemiological investigation in a primary school sample.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), comorbidity rates with disruptive behavior disorders and main negative outcomes in primary school students in Nampula, Mozambique. METHODS: We selected a random sample of 748 students for ADHD screening from a population of around 43,000 primary school students. The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale version IV was applied to both parents and teachers. All students who screened positive (n=76) and a propensity score-matched random subset of students who screened negative (n=76) were assessed by a child psychiatrist. RESULTS: The prevalence of ADHD was estimated at 13.4% (95%CI 11.5-19.2), and 30.6% of those with ADHD presented comorbid disruptive behavior disorders. Students with ADHD (n=36) had significantly higher rates of both substance use (alcohol, marijuana) (p < 0.001), and school failures than controls (n=96; p < 0.001). Comorbidity between ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders increased the chance of substance use (p < 0.001). Secondary analyses with more restrictive ADHD diagnostic criteria revealed a lower prevalence rate (6.7%; 95%CI 5.2-12.9) with similar patterns of associated factors and negative outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that ADHD is a prevalent mental disorder in Mozambique, and it is associated with similar comorbid profiles, predisposing factors, and negative outcomes, as in other cultures.

Longitudinal relationship between oppositional defiant disorder symptoms and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in Chinese children: insights from cross-lagged panel network analyses.

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two of the most common childhood mental disorders, and they have substantial comorbidity. The developmental precursor model has long been widely used to explain the mechanisms of comorbidity between ODD and ADHD, however whether it is equally effective at the symptomatic level is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to (a) examine the stability of the ODD and ADHD comorbidity network in a longitudinal sample of high-risk children in China; and (b) examine the longitudinal relationship between the ODD and ADHD symptom networks based on a developmental precursor model. Two hundred sixty-three Chinese children aged 6 to 13 years with ODD and/or ADHD were assessed for symptoms of ODD and ADHD in two surveys conducted 1 year apart. We used data from these two time points to construct two cross-sectional networks and a cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) to explore the symptom network for comorbidity of ODD and ADHD. The analysis shows that: (1) the two cross-sectional networks are highly similar in terms of structure, existence of edges, centrality estimates, and the invariance test shows that there is no significant difference between them. The symptoms "follow through", "interrupts/intrudes", "difficulty playing quietly" and "concentration" had the highest expected influence centrality at both time points. (2) Combined with the results of the cross-sectional and cross-lagged networks, we found that "annoy" and "blame" are potential bridge symptoms between the ODD and ADHD symptom networks. The symptom "annoy" forms a reciprocal predictive relationship with "interrupts/intrudes", while "blame" unidirectionally predicts "close attention". In addition, we found that "vindictive" predicted numerous ADHD symptoms, whereas "angry" was predicted by numerous ADHD symptoms. The findings emphasize the broad predictive relationship between ODD and ADHD symptoms with each other, and that ODD symptoms may lead to activation of the ADHD symptom network and vice versa. These findings suggest that the developmental precursor model at the symptom level may partially explain the comorbidity mechanisms of ODD and ADHD, and future studies should further investigate the underlying multiple mechanisms.

Psychometric properties and normative information on the child and adolescent behavior inventory with ratings for Spanish children from parents and teachers / Información Psicométrica y Normativa del Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory con Evaluaciones de Madres, Padres y Maestros de Niños Españoles

BACKGROUND: Psychometric properties and initial normative information are provided for the sluggish cognitive tempo, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-inattention, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-hyperactivity/impulsivity, oppositional defiant disorder, callous-unemotional behavior (limited prosocial emotions specifier), anxiety, depression, social impairment, and academic impairment scales of the Spanish Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory. METHOD: Mothers, fathers, and teachers of 2,142 third to sixth grade Spanish children (49.49% girls; ages 8-13) from randomly selected schools on the Balearic Islands completed the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory. RESULTS: Scores from the scales demonstrated reliability (internal consistency and inter-rater), structural validity, and convergent/discriminant validity with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning disorder diagnoses for boys and girls separately for each source. Normative information (T-scores) is provided for the nine scales separately for boys and girls, with test information functions supporting use of the symptom scales for screening purposes. CONCLUSIONS: Although more comprehensive Spanish norms are still needed, the initial normative information on the scales should be useful to inform the clinical care of individual Spanish children, with the positive psychometric properties of the scores also supporting the use of the scale for research. Copies of the Spanish Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory and norms are available for free to clinicians and researchers

ANTECEDENTES: en este trabajo se presenta información psicométrica y normativa inicial de la versión española del Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory para las escalas: tempo cognitivo lento, inatención e hiperactividad/impulsividad del trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad, negativismo desafiante, dureza emocional, ansiedad, depresión, afectación social y deterioro académico. MÉTODO: una muestra de madres, padres y maestros de 2.142 niños españoles de tercer a sexto curso de escuelas seleccionadas al azar en las Islas Baleares completaron el Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory. RESULTADOS: las puntuaciones de las escalas demostraron fiabilidad, validez estructural y validez de criterio con diagnósticos de TDAH y de trastornos del aprendizaje para niños y niñas. Se proporciona información normativa para las nueve escalas por separado para niños y niñas, mientras las funciones de información del test han respaldado el uso de las escalas de síntomas para fines de detección inicial. CONCLUSIONES: aunque todavía son necesarios datos normativos más completos en niños de muestras españolas, la información normativa inicial que proporcionamos de las escalas CABI debería ser útil para los informes en el ámbito clínico, además los datos psicométricos positivos de sus puntuaciones también apoyan su uso en investigación

Lifetime prevalence, sociodemographic predictors, and comorbidities of oppositional defiant disorder: the National Epidemiology of Iranian Child and Adolescent Psychiatric disorders (IRCAP)

Objective: This was the first national epidemiological study on oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in Iran, which provided new information about the prevalence, comorbidities, and sociodemographic predictors of ODD. Methods: Data from a face-to-face household survey of 30,532 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years were collected from across all 31 provinces of Iran using a multistage cluster sampling design. The Persian version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children - Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) was used in this study. Results: The lifetime prevalence of ODD was found to be 3.9%. ODD was significantly more common in boys than girls and appeared in late adolescence more frequently than in childhood. A lower prevalence of ODD was found among participants who lived in rural areas. ODD is highly likely to co-occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and depressive disorders. Conclusions: The findings of this national population-based study confirm and extend previous findings on the prevalence, comorbidities, and sociodemographic predictors of ODD.

Salud mental infantil: una prioridad a considerar / Children's mental health: a priority to consider

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar posibles cambios en la frecuencia de manifestaciones sindromáticas sugerentes de problemas de salud mental en población infantil mexicana empleando el Cuestionario Breve de Tamizaje y Diagnóstico (CBTD), a lo largo de 15 años. Material y métodos: Se analiza información de diferentes estudios en población general, escuelas y práctica médica. La estimación obtenida en la Ciudad de México fue utilizada como población de referencia para comparación. Resultados: Se apreciaron incrementos notables respecto a la prevalencia de síndromes como el déficit de atención e hiperactividad, y conducta oposicionista y explosiva, así como manifestaciones de ansiedad y depresivas. Estas últimas resultaron más frecuentes en la edad escolar tardía. Las alteraciones en el lenguaje y la epilepsia también mostraron incremento en diferentes grupos de edad. Conclusiones: Se discuten los hallazgos a la luz de estudios longitudinales en la literatura, así como de reportes de población adolescente en nuestro país.

Abstract: Objective: To identify possible changes in the frequency of psychopathological syndromes in Mexican children population over a 15-year period using the Brief Screening and Diagnostic Questionnaire (CBTD in Spanish). Materials and methods: Information gathered from different studies on the general population, schools and medical general practice are analyzed. Results from the Mexico City study were used as base rates for comparisons. Results: Higher prevalence of externalizing syndromes such as attention deficit and hyperactivity, oppositional and explosive conduct were very evident. Also, anxiety and depressive syndromes showed a notable increase. Prevalence of abnormal language and probable epilepsy were also increased on different age-groups. Conclusions: Findings are discussed in light of longitudinal reports in the literature as well as on reports in adolescent population in Mexico.

Teachers' perceived disruption at school and related variables from teachers and school functioning

This study explores variables related to teachers’ perception of disruption at school as a function of teachers (sense of personal accomplishment, professional disengagement and depersonalization and emotional exhaustion) and school (overall school management and quality of school rules) factors. Using a questionnaire regarding school climate, data from 4,055 teachers across 187 high schools were analyzed. Hierarchical linear modeling was applied and the results indicate that, taken separately, significant individual teacher predictors (Model 1) explain 26% (95% CI [.23, .29]) of the variability of the perceived disruption, especially depersonalization and emotional exhaustion. Contextual school variables (Model 2) explained 15% (95% CI [.12, .18]) of variance in teachers’ perceived disruption, with a significant negative relationship with the quality of rules. Model 3 included the above factors plus interactions between the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization variables and school indicators (30% of variance explained; 95% CI [.26, .33]). The results indicated the existence of a moderating effect for the quality of school rules, so that fair and properly-applied rules in the school context may be associated with a decrease in the relationship between depersonalization and emotional exhaustion and perceived disruption (AU)

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Prevalencia del Trastorno Negativista Desafiante en una muestra de niños españoles entre seis y dieciséis años: informe del profesor / Prevalence of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in a sample of Spanish children between six and sixteen years: teacher’s report

Introducción. Nuestro objetivo principal es estudiar la prevalencia del Trastorno Negativista Desafiante (TND) en escolares de 6 a 16 años de una Comunidad Autónoma de España (Castilla y León) según informes del profesorado y analizar la repercusión del trastorno en resultados académicos y conducta escolar. Metodología. Estudio poblacional con diseño muestral polietápico estratificado, proporcional y por conglomerados. Muestra analizada: 1.049. Casos definidos según criterios DSM-IV-TR. Resultados. La prevalencia de TND es 4,2%. La prevalencia es significativamente superior en sexo masculino (5,7%), respecto al femenino (2,6%) y en zona rural (6,8%) respecto a urbana (3%). No existen diferencias significativas en función del curso o colegio público/privado. La prevalencia de TND sin considerar deterioro funcional aumentaría al 5,1%. Los casos de TND según informes de profesores presentan significativamente peores resultados académicos (resultados globales, lectura, matemáticas y expresión escrita) y peor conducta en clase (relación con compañeros, respeto a normas, destrezas organizativas, realización de tareas académicas e interrupciones de clase). Conclusiones. En función de la prevalencia, inicio precoz, persistencia de síntomas y disfunción social y escolar del TND, es necesario un diagnóstico temprano e intervención preventiva

Introduction. Our main objective is to study the prevalence of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in school children aged 6-16 years of an autonomous region of Spain (Castile and Leon), according to reports from the teachers and to analyze the impact of the disorder on academic performance and school behavior. Methods. Population study with stratified multistage, proportional and cluster design sample. Sample analyzed: 1,049. Cases were defined according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Results. An overall prevalence rate of 4.2% was found, this being significantly higher in males (5.7%) compared to females (2.6%) and in rural (6.8%) than in urban areas (3%). No significant differences by grade or type of school were found. ODD prevalence without considering functional impairment would increase to 5.1%. ODD cases have significantly worse academic outcomes (overall academic performance, reading, math and writing) and entail worse classroom behavior (relationship with peers, respect for rules, organizational skills, academic tasks and disruption of the class). Conclusions. Based on the prevalence, early onset, persistence of symptoms and social and academic dysfunction of ODD, early diagnosis and preventive intervention are necessary

Consenso del GEITDAH sobre los trastornos de conducta en niños y adolescentes / GEITDAH consensus on conduct disorders in children and adolescents

El Grupo de Especial Interés en el Trastorno por Déficit de Atención/Hiperactividad (GEITDAH) presenta en este artículo un consenso de expertos de toda España sobre los trastornos de conducta en niños y adolescentes. A partir del trabajo inicial del equipo de la Unidad de Paidopsiquiatría del Hospital Quirón-Teknon de Barcelona, se han consensuado aspectos básicos que podrían ser el punto de partida para futuros consensos. Ha sido también objetivo prioritario del trabajo actualizar en los trastornos de conducta en niños y adolescentes los criterios del Manual diagnóstico y estadístico de los trastornos mentales, quinta edición, y su comorbilidad con el trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad (AU)

In this paper, the Special Interest Group on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (GEITDAH, from its name in Spanish) presents a consensus reached by experts from all over Spain on conduct disorders in children and adolescents. Following the initial work by the team at the Pedopsychiatry Unit at the Quirón-Teknon Hospital in Barcelona, agreements have been reached on a number of basic aspects that could be the starting point for future consensuses. A top priority aim of the work was also to update the criteria in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, for conduct disorders in children and adolescents, together with their comorbidity with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AU)

Evaluación y rehabilitación cognoscitiva en cáncer pediátrico: un estudio de caso / Evaluation and cognitive rehabilitation in pediatric cancer: A case report

Los niños sobrevivientes a cáncer cuya enfermedad y tratamiento involucra al Sistema Nervioso Central, presentan un patrón consistente de deficiencias neurocognoscitivas. En este artículo se describe el estudio de caso de un niño de 9 años diagnosticado con tumor de la fosa posterior sometido a cirugía, quimioterapia y radioterapia. Se aplicó la Batería Neuropsicológica Infantil en 3 momentos: posterior a la cirugía; finalizada la quimioterapia y la radioterapia y después del programa de rehabilitación cognoscitiva. Las evaluaciones neuropsicológicas después de la cirugía, quimio y radioterapia muestran deficiencias en las tareas de Habilidades Gráficas, Atención Visual y Auditiva, Porcentaje de Respuestas Correctas, Diseños Correctos con el Mínimo de Movimientos, Velocidad en la Lectura y la Escritura, Habilidades Gráficas, Codificación Visual, Memoria Verbal y Visual, Percepción Táctil, Repetición y Comprensión del Lenguaje, Habilidades Conceptuales, Fluidez Verbal y Gráfica, Precisión de la Lectura, Composición Narrativa, Conteo, Manejo Numérico y Cálculo. Después de la rehabilitación cognoscitiva observamos un incremento en el puntaje en las tareas de: Habilidades Gráficas, Memoria Verbal, Expresión y Comprensión del lenguaje, Atención Visual y Auditiva, Habilidades Conceptuales, Fluidez Verbal y Gráfica, Conteo, Manejo Numérico, Cálculo y Razonamiento Lógico Matemático. Con la implementación de las medidas normativas de la Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil pudimos contrastar el desempeño de nuestro paciente; el cual refleja que el programa de rehabilitación cognoscitiva potencialmente posee la eficacia suficiente para contrarrestar algunas de las secuelas neurocognoscitivas observadas después de la resección del tumor y de la radioterapia y la quimioterapia

Cancer surviving children, whose disease and treatment involves the central nervous system, show a consistent pattern of neurocognitive deficits. We report a case diagnose of a 9 years boy with posterior fossa tumor treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Neuropsychological evaluation post oncological therapies and post Cognitive Remediation Program (CRP) were made to document the effect of neuropsychological rehabilitation. The results of the post oncological therapies evaluation shows deficits in Constructional Skills, Visual and Auditory Attention, Percentage of Correct Answers and Correct Designs with Minimal Movements, Speed in Reading and Writing, Graphic Skills, Visual Coding, Verbal and Visual Memory, Perception Touch, Repetition and Comprehension of Language, Conceptual Skills, Verbal and Graphics Fluency, Reading Accuracy, Narrative Composition, Count, Numerical and Calculation Management. After CRP our results illustrate an increase in the score of: Graphic Skills, Verbal Memory, Speech and Language Understanding, Conceptual Skills, Verbal and Graphics Fluency, Count, Numerical Management, Calculation and Logical Mathematical Reasoning after CRP. With the implementation of standardized measures of Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil we could compare the performance of our patient; which suggests that the CRP has enough potential to counteract some of the neurocognitive sequelae observed after tumor resection and radio and chemotherapy

Prevalencia del trastorno negativista desafiante en España / Prevalence of oppositional defiant disorder in Spain

Introducción: El trastorno negativista desafiante (TND) se caracteriza por un patrón de comportamiento negativista, desafiante, desobediente y hostil, dirigido a las figuras de autoridad. El TND es uno de los motivos más frecuentes de consulta clínica en salud mental durante la infancia y adolescencia. Presenta gran morbilidad y disfuncionalidad, mostrando repercusiones futuras si no es tratado de forma temprana. Objetivo: Determinar la tasa de prevalencia de TND en escolares de 6-16 años de Castilla y León (España). Material y métodos: Estudio epidemiológico poblacional, con diseño muestral polietápico estratificado, proporcional y por conglomerados. Muestra analizada: 1.049 sujetos. Casos definidos según criterios DSM-IV. Resultados: La prevalencia de TND es 5,6% (IC 95%: 4,2-7%). Prevalencia género masculino = 6,8%; femenino = 4,3%. Prevalencia educación secundaria = 6,2%; educación primaria = 5,3%. No existen diferencias significativas en función del sexo, edad, tipo de centro, ni por zona sociodemográfica. La prevalencia de TND sin considerar deterioro funcional aumentaría al 7,4%. Los casos de TND presentan significativamente peores resultados académicos (resultados académicos globales, lectura, matemáticas y expresión escrita) y peor conducta en clase (relación con compañeros, respeto a las normas, destrezas de organización, realización de tareas académicas e interrupción de la clase). Conclusiones: Castilla y León presenta una tasa de prevalencia de TND levemente superior a la observada en publicaciones internacionales. En función de su distribución por edad, morbilidad y repercusión clínica disfuncional, parece necesaria una planificación sanitaria que incida en un diagnóstico temprano e intervención preventiva (AU)

Introduction: Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is characterized by a pattern of negative, defiant, disobedient and hostile behavior toward authority figures. ODD is one of the most frequent reasons for clinical consultation on mental health during childhood and adolescence. ODD has a high morbidity and dysfunction, and has important implications for the future if not treated early. Objective: To determine the prevalence of ODD in schoolchildren aged 6-16 years in Castile and Leon (Spain). Material and methods: Population study with a stratified multistage sample, and a proportional cluster design. Sample analyzed: 1,049. Cases were defined according to DSM-IV criteria. Results: An overall prevalence rate of 5.6% was found (95% CI: 4.2%---7%). Male gender prevalence = 6.8%; female = 4.3%. Prevalence in secondary education = 6.2%; primary education = 5.3%. No significant differences by gender, age, grade, type of school, or demographic area were found. ODD prevalence without considering functional impairment, such as is performed in some research, would increase the prevalence to 7.4%. ODD cases have significantly worse academic outcomes (overall academic performance, reading, maths and writing), and worse classroom behavior (relationship with peers, respect for rules, organizational skills, academic tasks, and disruption of the class). Conclusions: Castile and Leon has a prevalence rate of ODD slightly higher to that observed in international publications. Depending on the distribution by age, morbidity and clinical dysfunctional impact, an early diagnosis and a preventive intervention are required for health planning (AU)

Functional impairment associated with symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder in preschool and early school boys and girls from the general population / Deterioro funcional asociado a los síntomas del trastorno negativis-ta desafiante en niños y niñas de 3 a 7 años de la población general

Objetivo: Explorar si los síntomas y el diagnóstico de Trastorno Negativista Desafiante (TND), según los criterios diagnósticos DSM-IV, se asocian al mismo nivel de deterioro funcional en niños y niñas de la población general en los primeros años escolares. Método: Se aplicó un cuestionario de cribado a una muestra de 852 escolares de tres a siete años de edad. Un total de 251 familias fueron evaluadas con entrevista diagnóstica y con las medidas de deterioro funcional. Resultados: Los síntomas de TND y el diagnóstico son igualmente prevalentes en los niños y en las niñas, pero las niñas de entre 3 y 5 años presentaron una mayor prevalencia de diagnóstico subumbral de TND. No hubo diferencias significativas entre niños y niñas en el uso de servicios de salud, ni en el tratamiento recibido, ni en la carga familiar asociada a los síntomas o al diagnóstico de TND. Aunque el diagnóstico de TND no se asoció a un mayor deterioro funcional por sexo, los síntomas individuales y el diagnóstico subumbral se asociaban con mayor deterioro funcional en los niños que en las niñas. Conclusión: La "oposicionalidad" pueden estar midiendo variables diferentes en niños y en niñas, y esta posibilidad se debe tener en cuenta para identificar correctamente este problema en cada sexo

Objective: To explore whether the symptoms and diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), as defined in the DSM-IV, are equally impairing for girls and boys from the general population in the early school years. Method: A sample of 852 three to seven-year-old schoolchildren were screened out for a double-phase design. A total of 251 families were assessed with a diagnostic interview and with measures of functional impairment. Results: ODD symptoms and diagnosis were equally prevalent in boys and girls, but three- to five-year-old girls had a higher prevalence of subthreshold ODD. There were no significant differences between boys and girls in the impact on use of services, treatment received and family burden associated with ODD symptoms and diagnosis. Although diagnosis of ODD was not associated with higher functional impairment by sex, individual symptoms and subthreshold diagnosis were more impairing for boys than for girls. Conclusion: Oppositionality may be measuring different things for boys and girls, and this possibility must be taken into account with a view to the correct identification of this problem in each sex

Detección temprana del autismo: profesionales implicados / Early detection of autism: professionals involved

Fundamentos: La importancia de la detección temprana del autismo mejora el pronóstico de niños con alteraciones en el desarrollo, en especial con trastornos del espectro autista (TEA). El objetivo de este trabajo es delimitar a qué edad surgen las primeras sospechas de un trastorno del espectro autista, a qué profesionales recurren las familias, la demora en confirmar el diagnóstico y la celeridad en la respuesta de los profesionales de la pediatría. Método: Estudio transversal retrospectivo llevado a cabo en la Comunidad Autónoma de Canarias durante el año 2010. Se solicitó la colaboración voluntaria de las asociaciones y familias que recibían tratamiento en centros especializados. Se recogieron 72 cuestionarios para familias de personas con autismo. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de frecuencias mediante el programa estadístico SPSS Statistics 19. Resultados: En el 79% de los casos fue la propia familia quien tuvo las primeras sospechas de que algo no iba bien en el desarrollo de los niños, seguida de los profesionales de la educación (15%) y la sanidad (pediatras: 4% y psicólogos: 2%). El 69% recibieron el primer diagnóstico durante los 3 primeros años, el 32% antes de los dos años. La demora diagnóstica se situó en 16 meses. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los padres de niños con TEA son conscientes de alteraciones en el desarrollo de sus hijos alrededor de los 18 meses. Se confirmó la tendencia a disminuir el tiempo de respuesta de los profesionales de la sanidad (AU)

Background: The importance of early detection in order to improve the prognosis of children with developmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorders (ASD), has been widely proven, clearly followed by the corresponding intervention. The aim of this work is to define the age at which the first signs of an autism spectrum disorder show up, the professionals that families go to, as well as delays confirming a diagnosis and the celerity offered by paediatricians. Method: A transversal, retrospective study carried out in 2010 in the Canary Islands. The voluntary cooperation of family associations, and families that received treatment in specialized centres was requested. 72 "Questionnaires for families of people with autism" were gathered. A descriptive analysis of frequencies was carried out, using the statistics programme SPSS Statistics 19. Results: In 79% of the cases it was the family who first suspected there was something wrong with the children's development, followed by teachers (15%) and health care staff (pediatricians 4% and psychologists, 2%). 69% of the children were first diagnosed before turning 3 years of age, 32% of them were diagnosed even before turning two years of age. The delay regarding diagnosis in the Canary Islands circa 16 months. Conclusions: Most parents of children with ASD were aware of the developmental disorders that their children were experiencing at around 18 months of age. A tendency to a faster response time by health care professionals was confirmed (AU)

Attention in patients with chronic schizophrenia: Deficit in inhibitory control and positive symptoms

Background and Objectives: Attention is a central mechanism controlling information processing, activating and inhibiting processes, and forming a complex system including diferent networks in specific areas of the brain1. To correctly assess the role of attention in schizophrenia it is necessary to discriminate its different attentional components, which may by selectively altered. Attention span, focused attention, selective attention, sustained attention and inhibitory response, were assessed in patients with chronic schizophrenia and healthy matched controls. Methods: The study included 32 patients diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia and 32 healthy subjects. The groups were matched in age, sex, and level of education. Symptom severity (positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and general psychopathology) was assessed with the Scale for the Assessment of Positive and Negative Symptoms (SAPS and SANS). Attentional components were measured by Forward Digit Span, Symbol Search, Digit Symbol Coding, Stroop Test and Picture Completion. Results: Schizophrenic patients exhibited lower attentional scores in all tests compared to the control group. Inhibitory control and sustained attention were the most affected traits in schizophrenic patients. An inverse correlation was observed between inhibitory control and delusions and disorganized thinking. No significant correlations were observed between negative symptoms and attentional performance. Conclusions: The pattern of results obtained in this paper evidences the role of an inhibitory control deficit in patients with chronic schizophrenia that could also be involved in other attentional and cognitive failures, and also be connected to positive symptoms (AU)

Trastornos de desatencion e hiperactividad - TDH / Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity

El Trastorno de Desatención e Hiperactividad (TDHA) esposiblemente la patología infantil que más auge ha adquiridoen las dos últimas décadas. Este trastorno es considerado,en muchos casos, una problemática social, tanto por sucada vez mayor prevalencia, como por el involucramientode distintos sectores en la misma. Ello ha llevado a queexista una fuerte presión desde la institución escolar y enalgunos casos también de la familia para que esta patologíainfantil encuentre una rápida resolución mediante el usode psicofármacos. En la actualidad, sin embargo, se hapuesto en duda los fundamentos científicos que muestranuna prevalencia elevada para este trastorno hasta alcanzar,en algunos casos, el 20% del total de población infantil.Ello conlleva a la discusión acerca de si es posible sosteneral TDHA como una entidad diagnóstica independiente, osi solo se trata de un conjunto de síntomas relativamenteindependientes entre sí(AU)

The disorder of inattention and hyperactivity is arguablythe child pathology more boom has acquired in the past twodecades, considered in many cases a real social problem, its increasing prevalence, both sectors that are involved with regard to the same. This hasled to that there is strong pressure from the school and in some cases also the family sothat this child pathology find a quick resolution through the use of psychoactive drugs.However, it should be questioned about the scientific foundations who claim a high andbelief so high prevalence for this pathology, reaching almost, in some cases, 20 per cent.Alternatively, if it is possible to hold to the TDHA as an independent diagnosed entity, orif it is only a relatively independent symptoms set with each other(AU)

Trastornos de desatencion e hiperactividad - TDH / Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity

El Trastorno de Desatención e Hiperactividad (TDHA) esposiblemente la patología infantil que más auge ha adquiridoen las dos últimas décadas. Este trastorno es considerado,en muchos casos, una problemática social, tanto por sucada vez mayor prevalencia, como por el involucramientode distintos sectores en la misma. Ello ha llevado a queexista una fuerte presión desde la institución escolar y enalgunos casos también de la familia para que esta patologíainfantil encuentre una rápida resolución mediante el usode psicofármacos. En la actualidad, sin embargo, se hapuesto en duda los fundamentos científicos que muestranuna prevalencia elevada para este trastorno hasta alcanzar,en algunos casos, el 20% del total de población infantil.Ello conlleva a la discusión acerca de si es posible sosteneral TDHA como una entidad diagnóstica independiente, osi solo se trata de un conjunto de síntomas relativamenteindependientes entre sí

The disorder of inattention and hyperactivity is arguablythe child pathology more boom has acquired in the past twodecades, considered in many cases a real social problem, its increasing prevalence, both sectors that are involved with regard to the same. This hasled to that there is strong pressure from the school and in some cases also the family sothat this child pathology find a quick resolution through the use of psychoactive drugs.However, it should be questioned about the scientific foundations who claim a high andbelief so high prevalence for this pathology, reaching almost, in some cases, 20 per cent.Alternatively, if it is possible to hold to the TDHA as an independent diagnosed entity, orif it is only a relatively independent symptoms set with each other