Prevalence of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in a sample of Spanish children between six and sixteen years: teacher’s report.

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.

[Health-related quality of life in cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with and without pharmacological treatment]. / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en casos de trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad con/sin tratamiento farmacológico.

INTRODUCTION: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire is important in order to assess the effects of therapeutic intervention. The aim of this study is to analyse HRQoL, comparing cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated with methylphenidate (ADHD-T), untreated cases (ADHD-N), and controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a sample of 228 participants between 8 and 14 years old (114 controls, 57 ADHD-T, and 57 ADHD-N). Consecutive sampling was used in ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria (ADHD Rating Scales IV), and random sampling of controls matched by gender and age. The evaluation of HRQoL was made by using KIDSCREEN-52 parent version. RESULTS: The intensity of ADHD symptoms is significantly lower in ADHD-T than in ADHD-N. There is a moderate significant correlation between greater intensity of ADHD symptoms and worse HRQoL. ADHD cases have significantly worse HRQoL than controls on psychic well-being, mood, relationship with parents and friends, school environment, and social acceptance. The cases of ADHD-T have significantly better HRQoL than ADHD-N in the school dimension, but do not differ significantly in other dimensions of KIDSCREEN-52. CONCLUSIONS: It would be advisable that the treatment of ADHD integrates multi-dimensional therapeutic models that improve the basic symptoms of the disorder, as well as the HRQoL.

Criterion validity and clinical usefulness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale IV in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a function of method and age.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research is to analyze Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scales IV (ADHD RS-IV) criteria validity and its clinical usefulness for the assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a function of assessment method and age. METHODOLOGY: A sample was obtained from an epidemiological study (n = 1095, 6-16 years). Clinical cases of ADHD (ADHD-CL) were selected by dimensional ADHD RS-IV and later by clinical interview (DSM-IV). ADHD-CL cases were compared with four categorical results of ADHD RS-IV provided by parents (CATPA), teachers (CATPR), either parents or teachers (CATPAOPR) and both parents and teachers (CATPA&PR). Criterion validity and clinical usefulness of the answer modalities to ADHD RS-IV were studied. RESULTS: ADHD-CL rate was 6.9% in childhood, 6.2% in preadolescence and 6.9% in adolescence. Alternative methods to the clinical interview led to increased numbers of ADHD cases in all age groups analyzed, in the following sequence: CATPAOPR> CATPRO> CATPA> CATPA&PR> ADHD-CL. CATPA&PR was the procedure with the greatest validity, specificity and clinical usefulness in all three age groups, particularly in the childhood. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated use of ADHD RS-IV leads to an increase in ADHD cases compared to clinical interview, and varies depending on the procedure used.

Prevalence of oppositional defiant disorder in Spain.

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.