ADHD in practice - 2015

Comment: Slow progression
Rob Rodrigues Pereira
pp 3-3
Although research has yielded many new insights into genetics, neuroimaging and neurophysiology, practitioners have seen slow progression in the diagnosis and clinical management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Evaluation of a post-diagnosis ADHD parenting programme
Rachel Denton, Amy Lievesley, Emma Cook, Hla K Htin and Elaine Atkinson
pp 4-6
Parenting a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can lead to increased stress when social support is lacking. A recent meta-analysis of 44 studies found that parents of children with ADHD experienced significantly more stress than both a non-clinical control group and parents of children with other disorders, including learning disability, developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder. Parenting stress was divided into two domains: characteristics of the child and parental functioning. As it was the child domain that was elevated, it is likely to be the symptoms and characteristics of ADHD that lead to increased levels of stress.

Breakfast habits of children with ADHD
Ingrid Rours
pp 7-10
For children and adolescents, breakfast is important for good cognitive functioning and maintenance of a healthy weight. Every year in the Netherlands, advice on eating a healthy breakfast is brought to the attention of children and parents through a National School Breakfast, when teachers and children prepare breakfast in the classroom. In 2013, a survey conducted by the National School Breakfast revealed that 15% of primary school children do not eat breakfast every day.

The value of objective measures for the diagnosis of ADHD
Salim Jakhra
pp 11-14
Unlike many other medical disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be diagnosed without the observation or objective evidence of any abnormality. Subjective descriptions from parents and teachers are often sufficient for diagnosis.

Abstract watch: Cognitive performance and academic achievement in ADHD
Nigel Humphrey
pp 15-15
In this issue, we examine Solovieva and Rojas’ neuropsychological screen for preschool children, which highlights specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses. A review by Gow et al examines the current evidence for omega-3 fatty acids in ADHD, and Piepmeier et al explore the specific executive functioning benefits that can be gained through exercise. Finally, Arnold et al compare the differences in academic outcomes between untreated and treated ADHD, providing further evidence to support early intervention.

Advances in the pharmacological treatment of ADHD
Robert Doyle
pp 16-19
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 3–10% of the school-aged population and 2–5% of adults. ADHD begins in childhood, but often persists into adulthood, making treatment across the life cycle crucial.