The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Diagnosing and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: New Challenges on Initializing and Optimizing Pharmacological Treatment.

Introduction: COVID-19 has been causing huge disruptions in mental healthcare services worldwide, including those related to ADHD. Some consequences of the pandemic, such as virtual schooling and remote work, as well as increased telemedicine, have posed new challenges for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. In this narrative review, we summarize existing COVID-19 and ADHD literature especially focusing on ADHD diagnostic during the pandemic and treatment adherence. Methods: The databases searched were: PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Google Scholar and medRxiv. We included all English language articles and preprints that reported on medication/pharmacological treatment among the terms "ADHD" and "COVID-19" resulting in a total of 546 articles. The final search was done on Dec-23 2021. We selected fifteen articles focusing on the challenges of ADHD diagnostic during COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Of the fifteen studies included, most were cross-sectional and perspective pieces. Most of them discussed that individuals with ADHD present risk factors that may make them more vulnerable to health negative consequences of the pandemic, which in turn may have an impact on treatment efficacy and adherence. Telemedicine is also addressed as a potential powerful instrument on monitoring ADHD treatment. Conclusion: Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic on monitoring ADHD treatment, the available literature stressed that the current scenario also may offer new opportunities that could lead to the development of individualized treatment interventions, such as the remote monitoring of symptoms.

Impulsivity as an Endophenotype in ADHD: Negative Findings.

Impulsivity has a strong genetic component and is considered an endophenotype in many psychiatric disorders. Impulsivity in adult ADHD has become a focus of interest more recently because of its suggested prominence in this age. Objective: This study aimed to access self-reported impulsivity levels in biological parents of ADHD offspring, according to their status: non-ADHD (controls), remitted, nonremitted. Method: Impulsivity levels of 155 parents of ADHD children were compared according to their status using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Results: The ADHD group presented the highest levels of impulsivity compared with all other groups. The remitted ADHD and control groups showed no significant differences in impulsivity levels. Conclusion: Impulsivity tended to remit alongside ADHD symptoms in remitters and to persist in those presenting with the residual form of adult ADHD suggesting it should not be considered as an endophenotype. Only the attentional dimension was impaired, cautioning against Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) impulsivity proposed criteria.

Disregarding Impairment in ADHD Diagnosis Inflates Its Prevalence.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fifth edition (DSM-V) diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has reemphasized impairment although many studies have demonstrated that such approach may inflate prevalence rates. However, there is no consensus on how impairment should be measured and a myriad of approaches in different studies make comparisons difficult. Objective: To investigate whether impairment measured using a previous validate quantitative measure modifies prevalence rates in a sample of Brazilian children and adolescents. Method: Of 109 children (72 males, 37 females), mean age of 12.4 years, 68 were with ADHD (according to DSM criteria, except for impairment) and 41 were typically developing children. All were evaluated with semi-structured interviews and completed the Functional Impairment Scale (FIS). Results: Thirty-five percent of ADHD cases had impairment in one single domain or no impairment at all (among school performance, social life, family life, and self-perception) in the FIS. Conclusion: Disregarding impairment clearly inflates ADHD diagnosis.

Resilience levels among adolescents with ADHD using quantitative measures in a family-design study / Níveis de resiliência em adolescentes com TDAH: um estudo de família utilizando medidas quantitativas

Abstract Objectives To investigate resilience levels in adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using quantitative measures when compared to their non-affected siblings and controls. We also aimed to investigate the correlation between resilience and depression, anxiety, intelligence quotient (IQ) and socioeconomic status, which may affect resilience levels and be potential confounders. Methods Adolescents (n=45) diagnosed with ADHD referred to an outpatient ADHD clinic, and their siblings without ADHD (n=27), with ages ranging from 12 to 17 years, were interviewed along with their parents using a semi-structured interview (Children's Interview for Psychiatric Syndromes - Parent Version). Intelligence was measured with the Block Design and Vocabulary subtests from the Wechsler Battery. Anxiety and depression were investigated using the Children State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (CSTAI) and the Child Depression Inventory (CDI), respectively. Resilience was investigated using the Resilience Scale. A control group (typically developing adolescents [TDA] and their siblings; n=39) was recruited in another outpatient facility and at two schools using the same methodology. Results Socioeconomic status and intelligence levels, which may affect resilience, were similar in all groups. Adolescents with ADHD showed lower resilience levels compared to siblings and TDA even when controlled for anxiety and depression levels, which were higher in ADHD. Resilience levels were higher in siblings than in adolescents with ADHD, and lower than in TDA - this last result without statistical significance. Conclusion In our sample, ADHD in adolescents was associated with lower resilience, even when controlled for confounders often seen in association with the disorder.

Resumo Objetivos Investigar níveis de resiliência em adolescentes com transtorno do déficit de atenção/hiperatividade (TDAH) empregando medidas quantitativas de modo comparativo a irmãos não afetados e controles. Também se investigou a correlação entre resiliência e depressão, ansiedade, quociente de inteligência (QI) e status socioeconômico, que podem afetar os níveis de resiliência e atuar como confundidores potenciais. Métodos Adolescentes (n=45) diagnosticados com TDAH e encaminhados para um serviço ambulatorial de TDAH e seus irmãos sem o transtorno (n=27), com idades entre 12 e 17 anos, foram entrevistados junto com seus pais utilizando-se uma entrevista semiestruturada (Children's Interview for Psychiatric Syndromes - Parent Version), em português). A inteligência foi mensurada com os subtestes Blocos e Vocabulário da Bateria Wechsler. Ansiedade e depressão foram investigados com o Inventário de Estado-Traço Infantil [Children State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (CSTAI)] e o Inventário de Depressão Infantil [Child Depression Inventory (CDI)], respectivamente. A resiliência foi mensurada utilizando-se a Escala de Resiliência. Um grupo controle [adolescentes com desenvolvimento típico (ADT) e seus irmãos; n=39] foi recrutado em outro serviço ambulatorial e em duas escolas, empregando a mesma metodologia. Resultados O status socioeconômico e os níveis de inteligência, que podem afetar a resiliência, foram similares em todos os grupos. Adolescentes com TDAH apresentaram menores níveis de resiliência comparados aos seus irmãos e a ADT, mesmo após ajuste para níveis de ansiedade e depressão, que eram mais altos no TDAH. Os níveis de resiliência foram mais altos em irmãos do que nos portadores de TDAH, porém menores que em ADT - este último resultado sem significância estatística. Conclusão Em nossa amostra, adolescentes com TDAH apresentaram menor resiliência, mesmo após controle para confundidores habitualmente associados ao transtorno.

Resilience levels among adolescents with ADHD using quantitative measures in a family-design study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate resilience levels in adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using quantitative measures when compared to their non-affected siblings and controls. We also aimed to investigate the correlation between resilience and depression, anxiety, intelligence quotient (IQ) and socioeconomic status, which may affect resilience levels and be potential confounders. METHODS: Adolescents (n=45) diagnosed with ADHD referred to an outpatient ADHD clinic, and their siblings without ADHD (n=27), with ages ranging from 12 to 17 years, were interviewed along with their parents using a semi-structured interview (Children's Interview for Psychiatric Syndromes - Parent Version). Intelligence was measured with the Block Design and Vocabulary subtests from the Wechsler Battery. Anxiety and depression were investigated using the Children State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (CSTAI) and the Child Depression Inventory (CDI), respectively. Resilience was investigated using the Resilience Scale. A control group (typically developing adolescents [TDA] and their siblings; n=39) was recruited in another outpatient facility and at two schools using the same methodology. RESULTS: Socioeconomic status and intelligence levels, which may affect resilience, were similar in all groups. Adolescents with ADHD showed lower resilience levels compared to siblings and TDA even when controlled for anxiety and depression levels, which were higher in ADHD. Resilience levels were higher in siblings than in adolescents with ADHD, and lower than in TDA - this last result without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In our sample, ADHD in adolescents was associated with lower resilience, even when controlled for confounders often seen in association with the disorder.

Pituitary Hyperplasia in a Female Patient with a Severe Childhood Abuse History.

A 24-year-old Caucasian female patient was referred to our endocrinology service to investigate a structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) finding of "pituitary mass". The first two sMRI were identified as pituitary adenoma but the following two examinations suggested the possibility of pituitary hyperplasia (PH). The patient was referred to our service for diagnostic clarification and therapy due to the divergence in sMRI reports and the surgical procedure indicated by the neurosurgical team of the other institution. The patient had no complaints, laboratory tests were all normal, and the sMRI clearly showed a PH. However, what caught our attention was her behavior. During the interview she was intermittently talking and acting like a child even though her age was 24. She reported being a foster child and was severely mistreated during childhood. Parallel psychiatric evaluation was requested and an association between the PH and the childhood abuse was identified. Early life stress may be associated with accelerated pituitary gland volume development, but there is still a paucity of data in literature about this issue. We should be aware of other cases like this one, and a correct differential diagnosis may contribute to contraindicate transsphenoidal surgery. When a childhood abuse history is present, we recommend admission to a psychiatric facility for adequate treatment.

Multilevel analysis of ADHD, anxiety and depression symptoms aggregation in families.

A strong genetic role in the etiology of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been demonstrated by several studies using different methodologies. Shortcomings of genetic studies often include the lack of golden standard practices for diagnosis for ADHD, the use of categorical instead of a dimensional approach, and the disregard for assortative mating phenomenon in parents. The current study aimed to overcome these shortcomings and analyze data through a novel statistical approach, using multilevel analyses with Bayesian procedures and a specific mathematical model, which takes into account data with an elevated number of zero responses (expected in samples with few or no ADHD symptoms). Correlations of parental clinical variables (ADHD, anxiety and depression) to offspring psychopathology may vary according to gender and type of symptoms. We aimed to investigate how those variables interact within each other. One hundred families, comprising a proband child or adolescent with ADHD or a typically developing child or adolescent were included and all family members (both biological parents, the proband child or adolescent and their sibling) were examined through semi-structured interviews using DSM-IV criteria. Results indicated that: (a) maternal clinical variables (ADHD, anxiety and depression) were more correlated with offspring variables than paternal ones; (b) maternal inattention (but not hyperactivity) was correlated with both inattention and hyperactivity in the offspring; (c) maternal anxiety was correlated with offspring inattention; on the other hand, maternal inattention was correlated with anxiety in the offspring. Although a family study design limits the possibility of revealing causality and cannot disentangle genetic and environmental factors, our findings suggest that ADHD, anxiety and depression are variables that correlate in families and should be addressed together. Maternal variables significantly correlated with offspring variables, but the paternal variables did not.

Validação semântica da versão em língua portuguesa do Questionário de Qualidade de Vida em Adultos (AAQoL) que apresentam transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade (TDAH) / Semantic validation of the Portuguese version of the Adult attention-deficit disorder/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Quality of Life Questionnaire (AAQoL)

INTRODUÇÃO: O transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade (TDAH) em adultos está associado às piores medições de qualidade de vida, tanto em amostras clínicas como em epidemiológicas, e sua avaliação é importante para entender a extensão do transtorno nas diferentes áreas da vida dos pacientes. Não há nenhuma ferramenta em português para avaliar a qualidade de vida em adultos que apresentam TDAH. OBJETIVOS: Desenvolver uma versão em língua portuguesa do Adult ADHD Quality of Life Questionnaire (AAQoL) para ser utilizado no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Cinco etapas consecutivas que incluem tradução, versão para a língua de origem, avaliação da equivalência semântica, discussão com os pacientes e controles e definição da versão final. RESULTADOS: Após todas as etapas, a versão final foi escolhida levando em conta vários aspectos, inclusive semelhança com a versão original, facilidade de compreensão e nível de equivalência semântica de 29 termos. CONCLUSÃO: A versão em língua portuguesa do AAQoL fornecerá medições de qualidade de vida similar à versão original.

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit disorder/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is associated to worse measures of quality of life, both in clinical and epidemiological samples and their evaluation is important when understanding the burden of the disorder in different areas of patients' lives. There is not any instrument in the Portuguese language to assess quality of life in adults with ADHD. OBJECTIVES: To develop a Portuguese version of the Adult ADHD Quality of Life Questionnaire (AAQoL) to be used in Brazil. METHODS: Five consecutive steps including translation, back-translation, evaluation of semantic equivalence, debriefing with patients and controls and definition of a final version. RESULTS: After all steps, the final version was chosen considering many aspects, including similarity to the original version, friendly understanding and level of semantic equivalence of the 29 terms. DISCUSSION: The Portuguese version of the AAQoL will provide measures of quality of life similarly to the original version.

Validade de constructo e confiabilidade da versão em língua portuguesa do Questionário de Qualidade de Vida em Adultos que apresentam TDAH (AAQoL) / Construct reliability and validity of the Portuguese version of the Adult ADHD Quality of Life Questionnaire (AAQoL)

INTRODUÇÃO: Diversos estudos demonstram que o transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade (TDAH) em adultos está relacionado a piores medições de qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a validade e confiabilidade de constructo da versão em língua portuguesa do questionário de qualidade de vida em adultos com TDAH (AAQoL). MÉTODOS:Foram incluídos neste estudo adultos com idade entre 18 e 60 anos. Eles foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com o diagnóstico: a) indivíduos com TDAH com base nos critérios do DSM-IV; b) indivíduos abaixo do limite de TDAH; c) grupo controle de comparação que não apresenta TDAH. Foram aplicados os seguintes questionários: ASRS, SF-36 e AAQoL. A primeira parte do estudo avaliou a validação de constructo do instrumento e a segunda parte testou sua confiabilidade. RESULTADOS: Os grupos TDAH, TDAH abaixo do limite e controle abrangeram 29, 18 e 29 indivíduos, respectivamente. Considerando todos os três grupos, encontramos uma correlação negativa entre o número de sintomas (ASRS) e a pontuação total do AAQoL. O grupo TDAH apresentou os piores níveis de qualidade de vida quando comparado com o grupo controle. No geral, as pontuações do AAQoL tiveram correlação significativa com as da SF-36. Os resultados indicaram altos níveis de coerência interna e confiabilidade dos testes e retestes. CONCLUSÃO: O constructo do AAQoL apresentou altos níveis de coerência interna dos itens, estabilidade e validade de constructo.

BACKGROUND: Several studies demonstrate that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is related to worse measures of quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability and construct validity of the Portuguese version of the Adult ADHD Quality of Life Questionnaire (AAQoL). METHODS: Adults with age ranging from 18 to 60 years old were included in this study. According to their diagnostic status they were divided into three groups: a) ADHD subjects using DSM-IV criteria; b) subjects with subthreshold ADHD; c) control comparison group without ADHD. The following questionnaires were applied: ASRS; SF-36 and AAQoL. The first part of the study evaluated the construct validity of the instrument and in the second part its reliability was tested. RESULTS: ADHD, subthreshold ADHD and control groups comprised 29, 18 and 29 subjects, respectively. We found a negative correlation between the number of symptoms (ASRS) and the AAQoL total score considering all three groups. ADHD group presented worse levels of quality of life when compared to control group. As a whole, AAQol scores had significant correlation with SF-36 scores. Results indicated high levels of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. DISCUSSION: The AAQoL construct presented high internal consistency of items, stability and construct validity.

Self-evaluated burden in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a pilot study / Impacto autoavaliado em adultos com transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH): estudo piloto

OBJECTIVES: To investigate feasibility and easiness of administration of a brief and simple instrument addressing impairment associated with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and if ADHD subtypes were correlated to specific profiles of self-reported impairment. METHODS: Thirty-five adults (19 men and 16 women; mean age of 31.74 years) diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV with a semi-structured interview (K-SADS PL) were asked to fill out a Likert scale covering six different functional areas (academic, professional, marital, familiar, social and daily activities). Clinicians questioned patients about their understanding of the questionnaire and investigated their answers in more details to check consistency of their answers. RESULTS: No patient reported difficulties in understanding the questionnaire. Further questioning of patients' answers confirmed their choices in the six areas. Academic burden had the highest average score in the whole sample, followed by professional burden. Social area had the lowest average score in this sample.

OBJETIVOS: Investigar a viabilidade e facilidade de administração de instrumento simples e breve de avaliação de comprometimento em adultos com transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade e se os subtipos de TDAH se correlacionam com perfis específicos de comprometimento autoavaliado. MÉTODOS: Trinta e cinco adultos (19 homens e 16 mulheres, idade média de 31,74 anos) diagnosticados com TDAH com entrevista semiestruturada (K-SADS) utilizando os critérios da DSM-IV foram solicitados a preencher uma escala tipo Likert cobrindo seis diferentes áreas do funcionamento (acadêmica, profissional, marital, familiar, social e atividades cotidianas). Os clínicos questionaram os pacientes acerca de seu entendimento do questionário e investigaram suas respostas em mais detalhes para avaliar sua consistência. RESULTADOS: Nenhum paciente relatou dificuldades no entendimento do questionário. O questionamento posterior sobre as respostas confirmou as escolhas nas seis áreas. O impacto acadêmico obteve o escore médio mais alto em toda a amostra, seguido pelo profissional. A área social obteve o menor escore nesta amostra.

Lack of executive functions deficits among adult ad hd individuals from a Brazilian clinical sample.

Executive function deficits have been previously documented in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to compare measures of executive functions among a clinical sample of adults with ADHD and normal control subjects, matched for age, gender and education. METHODS: Twenty-three self-referred adults diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria, and twenty-five control subjects were assessed using a neuropsychological battery which included the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Tower of Hanoi, Digit Span, Trail Making Test (A and B), Stroop Test and Raven's Progressive Matrices. RESULTS: The ADHD group did not differ significantly from the control subjects on any of the measures assessed. CONCLUSION: Measures of executive functions using this test battery were unable to discriminate between adults with ADHD and control subjects in this clinical sample.

Déficits de funções executivas foram previamente documentados em portadores de Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH). OBJETIVO: O presente estudo objetivou comparar medidas de funções executivas entre adultos portadores de TDAH e controles normais, pareados por idade, sexo e escolaridade. MÉTODOS: Vinte e três adultos auto-referidos diagnosticados como portadores de TDAH de acordo com os critérios do DSM-IV e vinte e cinco controles foram avaliados com bateria de testes neuropsicológicos, que incluía: Teste de Seleção de Cartas de Wisconsin, Torre de Hanoi, Amplitude de Dígitos , Teste das Trilhas (A e B), Teste de Stroop e Matrizes Progressivas de Raven. RESULTADOS: O desempenho dos portadores de TDAH não diferiu de forma significativa dos controles em nenhum dos testes utilizados. CONCLUSÃO: A bateria de testes de funções executivas utilizada no presente estudo não foi capaz de discriminar adultos portadores de TDAH de controles desta amostra clínica.

Review of literature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with comorbid eating disorders: [review] / Revisão da literatura sobre a comorbidade do transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade com transtornos alimentares: [revisão]

OBJECTIVE: According to studies of prevalence, up to 70 percent of adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder have at least one psychiatric comorbidity, which leads to diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties as well as more severe functional impairment. There is a paucity of data on the comorbidity of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders. The objective of this study was to review the literature regarding the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder/eating disorders comorbidity, performing a critical analysis of relevant data. METHOD: Articles in Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, ISI and PsycINFO databases from 1980 up to 2008, were searched. The references from the articles were used as additional sources of data. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were found: five prevalence studies, four case reports, three case-control studies, one symptom-assessment study of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders, and one article regarding possible causes of the association between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders. These articles suggested that adult women with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder are at higher risk of developing eating disorders, especially bulimia nervosa. Bulimia Nervosa rates found in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder groups ranged from 1 percent to 12 percent, versus 0 percent to 2 percent in control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although there seems to be a relationship between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders, the reduced number of studies available, with various methodologies, and small sample sizes limit the generalization of the findings.

OBJETIVO: De acordo com os estudos de prevalência de comorbidades, até 70 por cento dos adultos com transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade apresentam pelo menos uma comorbidade psiquiátrica, ocasionando dificuldades diagnósticas e terapêuticas, bem como um maior prejuízo funcional. Existem poucos estudos sobre a comorbidade entre transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade e transtornos alimentares. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre a comorbidade transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade/transtornos alimentares, realizando uma análise crítica dos dados encontrados. MÉTODO: Procedeu-se a uma revisão sistemática da literatura por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica de artigos publicados no período de 1980 a 2008, utilizando as bases de dados Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, ISI e PsycINFO. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 14 artigos, sendo cinco estudos de prevalência de comorbidades, quatro relatos de casos, três estudos caso-controle, um estudo de avaliação de sintomas de transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade e de transtornos alimentares e um sobre as possíveis causas da associação entre transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade e transtornos alimentares. Os artigos identificados evidenciaram maior risco de desenvolvimento de transtornos alimentares, especialmente bulimia nervosa, em mulheres portadoras de transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade. As taxas de bulimia nervosa encontradas nos grupos com transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade variaram de 1 por cento a 12 por cento, enquanto que nos grupos controle foram de 0 por cento a 2 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Embora pareça existir uma relação entre transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade e transtornos alimentares, a escassez de trabalhos existentes, com metodologias variadas e pequenas amostras avaliadas não permitem a generalização dos resultados.

Agreement rates between parent and self-report on past ADHD symptoms in an adult clinical sample.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate agreement rates between parent and self-report on childhood symptoms of ADHD. METHOD: Sixty-eight self-referred treatment-naïve adults (33 men, 35 women) were interviewed with a modified version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Epidemiological Version (K-SADS-E) and asked about past ADHD symptoms, using modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition; DSM-IV) criteria (at least six symptoms in either domain for present and past symptoms). Parents were given a questionnaire with DSM-IV symptoms list. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (67.6%) agreed on the presence of past ADHD diagnosis with their parents; there was agreement on subtype in more than half of cases (58.7%). Fifty patients (73.5%) reported positive past inattention symptomatology, and 31 of them (62.0%) agreed with their parents on their presence in childhood. Thirty-six patients (52.9%) reported positive hyperactivity-impulsivity symptomatology, and 20 of them (55.6%) agreed with their parents' reports. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest retrospective information provided by adults with ADHD has moderate agreement rates with parents' reports for both domains.

Review of literature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with comorbid eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: According to studies of prevalence, up to 70% of adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder have at least one psychiatric comorbidity, which leads to diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties as well as more severe functional impairment. There is a paucity of data on the comorbidity of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders. The objective of this study was to review the literature regarding the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder/eating disorders comorbidity, performing a critical analysis of relevant data. METHOD: Articles in Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, ISI and PsycINFO databases from 1980 up to 2008, were searched. The references from the articles were used as additional sources of data. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were found: five prevalence studies, four case reports, three case-control studies, one symptom-assessment study of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders, and one article regarding possible causes of the association between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders. These articles suggested that adult women with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder are at higher risk of developing eating disorders, especially bulimia nervosa. Bulimia Nervosa rates found in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder groups ranged from 1% to 12%, versus 0% to 2% in control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although there seems to be a relationship between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders, the reduced number of studies available, with various methodologies, and small sample sizes limit the generalization of the findings.

An immunofluorescence test for diagnosis of ophthalmic herpes in a mouse corneal model.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ophthalmic disease is the most common cause of corneal blindness in humans world-wide. Current culture techniques for HSV take several days and commercially available HSV laboratory based diagnostic techniques vary in sensitivity. Our study was conducted to evaluate the use of a quicker and simpler method to herpes ophthalmic diagnosis. Corneal smears were made by firm imprints of infected mouse eyes to glass slides, after smears were fixated with cold acetone, and an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) method was performed using monoclonal antibodies in a murine model of ophthalmic herpes. Eye swabs from infected mice were inoculated in Vero cells for virus isolation. Cytology and histology of the eye were also performed, using hematoxylin-eosin routine. Mouse eyes were examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy for evidence of herpetic disease at various times postinoculation. We made a comparative evaluation of sensitivity, specificity and speed of methods for laboratory detection of HSV. Our results indicate that this IIF method is quick, sensitive, specific and can be useful in the diagnosis of ophthalmic herpes as demonstrated in an animal model.

An immunofluorescence test for diagnosis of ophthalmic herpes in a mouse corneal model

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ophthalmic disease is the most common cause of corneal blindness in humans world-wide. Current culture techniques for HSV take several days and commercially available HSV laboratory based diagnostic techniques vary in sensitivity. Our study was conducted to evaluate the use of a quicker and simpler method to herpes ophthalmic diagnosis. Corneal smears were made by firm imprints of infected mouse eyes to glass slides, after smears were fixated with cold acetone, and an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) method was performed using monoclonal antibodies in a murine model of ophthalmic herpes. Eye swabs from infected mice were inoculated in Vero cells for virus isolation. Cytology and histology of the eye were also performed, using hematoxylin-eosin routine. Mouse eyes were examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy for evidence of herpetic disease at various times postinoculation. We made a comparative evaluation of sensitivity, specificity and speed of methods for laboratory detection of HSV. Our results indicate that this IIF method is quick, sensitive, specific and can be useful in the diagnosis of ophthalmic herpes as demonstrated in an animal model.

A doença oftálmica do vírus herpes simplex do tipo 1 (HSV-1) é a causa mais comum de cegueira córnea em humanos mundialmente. Técnicas de cultura atuais para HSV levam vários dias e laboratórios de HSV comercialmente disponíveis estabelecem que as técnicas diagnósticas variam em sensibilidade. Nosso estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a aplicação prática de um método mais rápido e simples para diagnosticar o herpes oftálmico. Decalques córneos foram feitos por impressões firmes de olhos de camundongos a lâminas de vidro, depois os decalques foram fixados com acetona fria, e um método de imunofluorescência indireta (IIF) foi executado empregando anticorpos monoclonais no modelo murino de herpes oftálmico. Swabs de córnea foram inoculados em células Vero para o isolamento de vírus a partir de camundongos infectados. A citologia e a histologia do olho foi feita pela rotina de hematoxilina e eosina. Os olhos de camundongos foram examinados através de oftalmomicroscopia para evidência de doença herpética em vários tempos pós-inoculação. A avaliação comparativa da sensibilidade, especificidade e velocidade de métodos para detecção laboratorial de HSV foi feita. Nossos resultados indicam que este método de IIF é rápido, sensível, específico e pode ser útil no diagnóstico de herpes oftálmico como demonstrado no modelo animal.

Atualização sobre comorbidade entre transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) e transtornos invasivos do desenvolvimento (TID) / Update on the comorbidity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)

CONTEXTO: Atualmente, a comorbidade transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) e transtornos invasivos do desenvolvimento (TID) não pode ser estabelecida por meio dos critérios da DSM-IV. Entretanto, diversos pesquisadores questionam esta impossibilidade descrevendo quadros clínicos de pacientes que apresentam características de ambos os transtornos. Esta revisão busca estes achados e propõe uma reflexão sobre o assunto. OBJETIVO: Revisar, de modo seletivo, estudos mais significativos da literatura para compilar uma atualização sobre a comorbidade transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) e transtornos invasivos do desenvolvimento (TID). MÉTODO: Por meio de busca no sistema Medline, selecionaram-se todos os artigos em inglês, publicados entre 2000 e 2005, sobre sintomas de TDAH em pacientes com TID, sintomas autistas em pacientes com TDAH e duplo diagnóstico TDAH/TID, utilizando-se os termos "ADHD", "pervasive", "autism", "ADD", "Asperger" e "PDD". RESULTADOS: Encontraram-se 10 artigos que atendiam aos critérios. Embora haja poucos estudos com amostras pequenas, diferentes autores identificaram um subgrupo distinto de pacientes com TID e maior freqüência e gravidade de sintomas de desatenção e hiperatividade, que aparentemente apresentam menor resposta ao tratamento com estimulantes. CONCLUSÃO: Embora o diagnóstico duplo TDAH e TID não seja corroborado pelo DSM-IV, alguns resultados sugerem que essa comorbidade não deva ser desconsiderada.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder/pervasive developmental disorder (ADHD/PDD) comorbidity is not accepted by DSM-IV criteria. However, researchers from both areas put in check this impossibility and describe patients who have both clinical aspects from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). In this article we search for this findings proposing new insights on this assumption. OBJECTIVE: To perform a selective review of the most significant studies in order to compile an update on comorbidity ADHD and PDD. METHOD: All papers from 2000 to 2005 in English obtained through Medline search, covering ADHD symptoms in patients with PDD, autistic symptoms in patients with ADHD and the double diagnosis of ADHD and PDD using the terms "ADHD", "pervasive", "autism", "ADD", "Asperger" e "PDD". RESULTS: Ten papers attending the criteria were found. Although there are only few studies with small samples, different authors have identified a subgroup of patients with PDD portraying more severe symptoms of ADHD, who apparently respond less well to stimulants CONCLUSION: Although DSM-IV criteria do not allow the diagnosis of this comorbidity, some results suggest that this possibility should not be discarded.

Diagnosticando o TDAH em adultos na prßtica clínica / Diagnosing adult ADHD in clinical practice

Embora a forma adulta do transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) seja oficialmente reconhecida e respaldada cientificamente, esse diagnóstico ainda é motivo de embates entre especialistas. A maior parte do conhecimento existente ainda se deve à extrapolação dos achados de estudos com populações de crianças e adolescentes, havendo necessidade de novos estudos para validar os critérios com populações adultas. O critério de idade de início dos sintomas, o ponto de corte de seis sintomas e a necessidade de atestar comprometimento funcional em ao menos dois ambientes distintos são algumas das principais dificuldades encontradas na prßtica clínica para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico em adultos que freqüentemente apresentam dificuldades para resgatar informações remontando à infância. Muitos sintomas descritos são também alvos de críticas, uma vez que são claramente inapropriados para adultos. A utilização de instrumentos adaptados para adultos (como o ASRS-18), a coleta de informações com outros informantes (cônjuge e pais, por exemplo), a flexibilização da idade de início dos sintomas e uma investigação abrangente dos ambientes comprometidos pelos sintomas podem minimizar essas dificuldades.

Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been officially recognized as a valid disorder into adulthood, this diagnosis is still an issue of debates between specialists. Most of the existing knowledge regarding this condition is due to the excess of findings of studies with children. As the field studies that determined DSM-IV diagnostic criteria comprised only children and adolescents, more studies with adult populations are required to validate the criteria for this population. The age of onset criteria, the cut-off of six symptoms and the requirement of impairment in at least two different settings are some of the difficulties faced by clinicians to make the diagnosis in clinical practice. Moreover, adults with ADHD often show difficulties to recall the symptoms in childhood. The symptoms described by DSM-IV are also criticized. To minimize the aforementioned problems, the use of instruments adapted to adults (as ASRS-18), reports of other informants (like partner and parents), the broadened of the age of onset criterion and a broaden investigation of the different settings that might be impaired by the symptoms are recommended.