Comment: Keeping up with ADHD developments
Nikos Myttas
pp 3-3
In any 12-month period, 20% of
the population will experience a mental health problem. The lifetime prevalence of depression is one in four for
women and one in eight for men; anxiety disorders affect 10–15% of people every year and the rate of schizophrenia is one in 100. Among children, 5% will develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) and 20% of adolescents will develop a mental health problem in any one year. Common disorders include
alcohol and substance abuse and bipolar illness. It is hardly surprising that almost
every family will be affected by mental illness, yet only a fraction of those with a
mental health problem will be treated.
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Behavioural phenotypes in relation to ADHD
Jeremy Turk
pp 4-8
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
is well established as a potentially debilitating
neurodevelopmental disability. Its primarily genetic basis is confirmed by population genetic
studies. Research has highlighted the potential
importance of the dopamine transporter and receptor genes, and the genetic microsatellite synaptosome-associated protein of 25,000 daltons (SNAP-25). Intervention studies demonstrate the clinical benefits of dopaminergic
agents. Brain neural circuitry activation and cerebral regional blood flow have been shown to be normalised following dopaminergic administration in individuals with ADHD.
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Improving ADHD referral pathways following audit
Inyang Takon
pp 9-12
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
is a highly complex condition that is of particular
importance as it sits at the crossroads of developmental
and psychiatric pathology. ADHD is characterised by attention difficulties, impulsivity, overactivity, inappropriate social behaviour
and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
The prevalence of ADHD varies in different countries, and ranges from 1.7–17.8% depending
on the criteria used.
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ADHD and restless legs syndrome: a critical review
Samuele Cortese
pp 13-15
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder characterised by an irresistible urge to
move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable
sensations in the legs or, less frequently, in other body parts. These sensations are
relieved by movement, and are worse in the evening, or at night and when at rest. The diagnosis of RLS is based on the revised RLS criteria
developed by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). Although
RLS has traditionally been considered a disorder
of middle to older age, several case reports have
shown that it may occur in childhood. Since children may report RLS symptoms differently
than adults, in part because of their limited ability
to describe RLS sensations, the IRLSSG has proposed a set of criteria specific for childhood diagnosis. Polysomnographically, RLS may be associated with periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) in about 80% of patients, both in adults and in children.
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ADHD: managing transitions
Paul Millard
pp 16-18
The recently published National Institute for
Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines provide guidance on the transition
of patients with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult services, and the particular difficulties associated
with, but not limited to, this transition.
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‘How I started the ADD-ADHD Cyprus parent support group’
Susan J Chrysostomou
pp 19-21
No matter what life you lead, or what type of person you are, there will most probably come a time when you need the support of a person, group or a larger organisation offering information, education and advocacy.
My journey to running such an organisation began in London, England, where I was born and
grew up. I met and married a charming young Cypriot and, before long, the sunshine beckoned us to his homeland. For more than 30 years, we
faced whatever life threw at us: difficulties with language, religion, culture and even a multitude of medical problems. Through these bittersweet experiences we always counted our blessings, drew strength from each other and raised two
adopted children with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). Andria was born in 1987 with ADHD inattentive-type and Aaron was born in 1992 with ADHD combined-type.
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