Clinical and research implications of panic-bipolar comorbidity in children and adolescents

A substantial portion of patients with juvenile bipolar disorder (BD) have a comorbid panic disorder (PD). The aim of our study was to analyze the cross-sectional and longitudinal implications of such comorbidity in children and adolescents with BD. The sample comprised 224 referred children and adolescents with BD, 140 males (62.5%) and 84 females (37.5%), mean age 13.8+/-2.8 years, diagnosed with a clinical interview (K-SADS-PL), and followed up naturalistically for 6 months. Fifty-one BD patients (22.8%) had a lifetime diagnosis of comorbid PD. Subjects with BD+PD and those without BD (BD-noPD) did not differ according to index age, age at onset of BD and bipolar phenotype (episodic vs. continuous course, irritable vs. elated mood). BD+PD was more frequent in females, was less severe at baseline according to the Clinical Global Impression severity score, and was more frequently associated with BD type 2. Moreover, BD+PD presented higher rates of comorbid anxiety disorders (namely separation anxiety disorder) and lower rates of externalizing disorders, namely attention deficit disorder (ADHD) than BD-noPD. However, this different pattern of externalizing comorbidity did not affect severity and improvement. Our findings suggest that PD is frequently comorbid in juvenile BD and can influence severity, pattern of comorbidity and course of BD. The data are compatible with the hypothesis that Panic-BD and ADHD-BD might represent distinct developmental pathways of bipolar disorder. Further research on this question may prove rewarding.     

Comorbidity of obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in referred children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore whether comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects the clinical expression and outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a clinical sample. METHOD: A consecutive series of 94 children and adolescents (mean age, 13.6 +/- 2.8 years) with current diagnosis of OCD were included in the study. Twenty-four (25.5%) patients were diagnosed as having a comorbid ADHD. Subjects with OCD plus ADHD were compared with subjects with OCD but without ADHD. RESULTS: Comorbid ADHD with OCD was significantly associated with a higher rate of males, an earlier onset of OCD, a greater psychosocial impairment, and a heavier comorbidity, namely, with bipolar disorder, tic disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder. Phenomenology of obsessions and compulsions and outcome were not affected by ADHD comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: A screening for ADHD should be performed in patients with OCD, as these patients and their parents are frequently not aware that the impairment may be partly due to a comorbid ADHD.     

Externalizing disorders in consecutively referred children and adolescents with bipolar disorder

We describe a consecutive clinical sample of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD), in order to define the pattern of comorbid externalizing disorders and to explore the possible influence of such a comorbidity on their cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical characteristics. The sample consisted of 59 bipolar patients: 35 males and 24 females, with a mean age 14.6 +/- 3 years (range, 7 to 18 years), diagnosed as either type I or II according to DSM-IV. All patients were screened for psychiatric disorders using historical information and a clinical interview, the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents-Revised (DICA-R). Severity and subsequent outcome of the symptomatology were recorded with the Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Severity and Improvement Scales, at the baseline and thereafter monthly for a period up to 48 months. BD disorder type I was present in 37 (62.7%) of the patients; 14 (23.7%) were affected by attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 10 (16.9%) by conduct disorder (CD). Comorbid ADHD was associated with an earlier onset of BD, while CD was highly associated with BD type I. Anxiety disorders appeared more represented in patients without CD. At the end of the observation, a lower clinical improvement was recorded in patients with CD. In our children and adolescents with BD, comorbidity with externalizing disorders such as ADHD and CD is common. The clinical implications of comorbid ADHD and CD are rather different. ADHD can be viewed as a precursor of a child-onset subtype of BD, while CD might represent a prodromal or a concomitant behavioral complication that identifies a more malignant and refractory form of BD.     

Differences between prepubertal- versus adolescent- onset bipolar disorder in a Spanish clinical sample

Objective To examine patients attended and diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) at a child and adolescent psychiatry service; to record age of diagnosis and age of onset, and to study clinical differences between prepubertal and adolescent onset groups. Methods All patients currently attended for BD type I, type II or non specified BD were reviewed and divided into two age groups: prepubertal onset (beginning before age 13) and adolescent onset (beginning at or above age 13). Results The sample were 43 patients with BD. Fourteen (32.6%) with prepubertal onset and 29 (67.4%) with adolescent onset. Time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was longer in the prepubertal onset group (1.2 years versus 0.8 years respectively, P = .05). Patients with prepubertal onset BD more frequently presented previous symptoms such as irritability and conduct problems and had a higher rate of comorbidity (more frequently attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder–ADHD). The adolescent onset group more often presented psychotic symptoms. Conclusion The clinical characteristics of patients with bipolar disorder differ according to whether onset is prepubertal or adolescent.     

Comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in juvenile bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVE: There is some evidence to suggest that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and juvenile bipolar disorder could be related. This is based on studies of comorbidity and some preliminary family study data. However, doubts continue to be raised about the relationship between the two disorders. This study examined the comorbidity of disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) that include ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) in juvenile bipolar disorder. METHOD: Seventy-three subjects with onset of bipolar disorder at age 18 years or younger were evaluated using structured interviews (Missouri Assessment of Genetics Interview for Children, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders--Clinician Version, and Operational Criteria Checklist for Psychotic Disorders version 3.4). Information was collected from subjects as well as from their parents. Patients with comorbid DBD were compared with patients without DBD. RESULTS: Ten subjects (14%) had one or more comorbid DBD. ADHD, CD, and ODD were present in three (4%), two (3%), and eight (11%) subjects, respectively. Those with DBD had earlier onset of bipolar disorder and spent more time ill compared to those without DBD. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of comorbid DBD in juvenile bipolar disorder are low. The study does not support a definite relationship between ADHD and juvenile bipolar disorder. Higher rates reported previously may be due to differing methods of subject ascertainment. Samples recruited from community and general psychiatric settings may help to clarify the relationship between bipolar disorder and ADHD.     

Comorbidity of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and bipolar disorder: prevalence and clinical correlates

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity with lifetime bipolar disorder, and the influence of this comorbidity on various demographic and clinical variables in patients. Patients (n = 159) with a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder (79 female, 80 male) were included in this study. All patients were interviewed for the presence of current adult and childhood ADHD diagnosis and other axis I psychiatric disorder comorbidities using the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children—Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). The subjects also completed a Wender Utah rating scale (WURS-25) and a Current Symptoms Scale for ADHD symptoms. In particular, patients’ clinical characteristics, the age of onset of bipolar disorder, and the number of episodes were noted. Twenty-six of the 159 bipolar patients (16.3%) were diagnosed with adult ADHD, while another subgroup of patients (n = 17, 10.7%) received a diagnosis of childhood ADHD but did not fulfill criteria for adult ADHD. Both of these two subgroups (patients with adult ADHD, and patients with only childhood ADHD) had an earlier age of onset of the disease and a higher number of previous total affective or depressive episodes than those without any lifetime ADHD comorbidity. However only bipolar patients with adult ADHD comorbidity had higher lifetime comorbidity rates for axis I psychiatric disorders, such as panic disorder and alcohol abuse/dependence, compared to patients without lifetime ADHD. Bipolar patients with comorbid adult ADHD did not differ from bipolar patients with comorbid childhood ADHD in terms of any demographic or clinical variables except for adult ADHD scale scores. In conclusion, ADHD is a common comorbidity in bipolar patients, and it adversely affects the course of the disease and disrupts the social adjustment of the patients. Regular monitoring of ADHD will help to prevent problems and complications that could arise in the course of the disease, particularly in patients with early onset bipolar disorder.     

Early age at onset of bipolar disorder is associated with more severe clinical features but delayed treatment seeking

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to obtain a comprehensive view of differences between bipolar disorder (BD) patients with onset at early versus adult age in a representative study cohort. METHODS: In the Jorvi Bipolar Study (JoBS), 1,630 psychiatric in- and outpatients were systematically screened for BD using the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). A total of 191 bipolar I and II patients with a current DSM-IV episode were interviewed to obtain information about age at onset of mood symptoms, clinical course, treatment, comorbidity, and functional status. The patients were classified as either early onset (<18 years) or adult onset. RESULTS: One-third of subjects with BD (58/191, 30%) had early onset. This was associated with female gender, more lifetime psychotic symptoms, greater overall comorbidity, and a greater length of time from first episode to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although BD patients with early age at onset have more severe clinical features and illness course, the delays from first episode to treatment and to correct diagnosis are longer than for those with adult onset disorder. To reduce morbidity rates related to the most severe forms of BD, the recognition and diagnosis of BD during adolescence needs to be improved.     

Clinical implications of DSM-IV subtyping of bipolar disorders in referred children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE: According to DSM-IV, bipolar disorders (BDs) include four subtypes, BD I, BD II, cyclothymic disorder, and BD not otherwise specified (NOS). We explore the clinical implications of this subtyping in a naturalistic sample of referred youths with BD I, BD II, and BD-NOS. METHOD: The sample consisted of 217 patients, 135 males and 82 females, ages between 8 and 18 years (mean age, 13.6 +/- 2.9 years), diagnosed according to historical information, prolonged observations, and a structured clinical interview (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime version). The location of the study was the Stella Maris Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry of Pisa (Italy). RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (35.9%) had BD I, 97 (44.7%) had BD II, and 42 (19.4%) had BD-NOS. Patients with BD I presented more frequently psychotic symptoms and elated rather than irritable mood. Patients with BD II were less severely impaired, presented more frequently depression as the intake affective episode, and had the highest comorbidity with anxiety disorders. Patients with BD-NOS presented an earlier onset of the disorder, a chronic rather than episodic course, an irritable rather than an elated mood, and a more frequent comorbidity with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. CONCLUSIONS: DSM-IV categorization of BD may have meaningful implications in youths, but needs to be detailed further.     

Predictors of treatment nonresponse in bipolar children and adolescents with manic or mixed episodes

Even though juvenile bipolar disorder (BD) is reported to be more treatment-resistant than adult BD, predictors of nonresponse are not well studied. The aim of this study was to address this issue in a naturalistic sample of bipolar children and adolescents with manic or mixed episodes treated under the condition of routine clinical practice. This study was comprised of 40 patients (19 females and 21 males; mean age, 14.2 years; SD = 3.3; range, 7-18) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fourth edition (DSM-IV) diagnosis of manic (n = 23) or mixed episodes (n = 17). The clinical characteristics of 20 patients considered to be treatment responders, according to the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scores, were compared to those of the 20 nonresponders. The effect of predictors on the probability of treatment nonresponse was analyzed using the multiple stepwise logistic regression, backward procedure. Demographic variables (mean age, gender ratio, socioeconomic status), as well as the inpatients-outpatients ratio (75% versus 65%), duration of the follow-up (10.5 +/- 2.5 months versus 9.6 +/- 3.2 months), index episode (manic versus mixed), and rates of pharmacologic hypomania did not differentiate the 2 groups. According to stepwise logistic regression, predictors of nonresponse were the presence of comorbidity with conduct disorder (odd ratio, 3.36; 95% CI, 2.20-4.52), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (odd ratio, 2.30; CI, 1.24-3.26), and the baseline CGI Severity score (odd ratio, 2.31; CI, 1.33-3.29). It is relevant to point out that patient age at the onset of BD, and at the first visit, and comorbid anxiety disorders did not influence treatment response. Follow-up studies with a larger sample size with BD and/or externalizing disorders appropriately managed with different treatment options and/or combinations are warranted.     

Juvenile bipolar disorder in Brazil: clinical and treatment findings.

BACKGROUND: Because few studies were conducted to evaluate bipolar disorder in children and adolescents outside North America, this investigation aims to describe clinical features, pattern of comorbidities, and response to pharmacologic treatment in a sample of youths with bipolar disorder (BD) from a pediatric psychopharmacology outpatient clinic in Brazil. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients under age 15 with BD diagnoses who were evaluated and treated in our clinic from 1998-2001. A comparison sample of subjects with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without BD (n = 362) was also evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of juvenile BD in our sample was 7.2% (36/500) (95% confidence interval = 5.2-9.9). Irritable mood was detected in 91.7% of the bipolar patients. The main comorbidity found was ADHD (58.3%). Children with BD had significantly higher rates of abnormally elevated CBCL scores in the externalizing dimension, anxiety and depression, delinquent behavior, and aggressive behavior scales than ADHD subjects (p <.05). Most BD patients (78%) needed combination drug therapy to achieve symptomatic control. CONCLUSIONS: Our results replicate clinical and treatment findings from U.S. investigations in a different culture demonstrating that juvenile BD is not a rare disorder in clinical samples.     

Impact of behavioral/developmental disorders comorbid with conduct disorder

Aims: The aim of the present study was to verify the comorbidity of conduct disorder (CD) and behavioral/developmental disorders in children and adolescents, and to examine the traits of CD comorbid with them. Methods: Subjects were 64 children (60 boys, four girls) who were resident at three institutions for delinquent children or who were conduct‐disordered outpatients of a university hospital aged under 18 years. A diagnostic interview was carried out by experienced child psychiatrists and the intelligence score and the Adverse Childhood Experiences score were measured by a licensed psychologist. Results: A total of 57 children were diagnosed as having CD, of whom 26 (45.6%) were diagnosed with comorbid attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 12 were diagnosed with comorbid pervasive developmental disorder (PDD, 21,1%), and 19 (33.3%) had no comorbidity of either disorder. Six children (18.8% of CD comorbid with ADHD) met the criteria for both ADHD and PDD. The group with comorbid PDD was significantly younger at onset (F = 6.51, P = 0.003) and included unsocialized type more frequently (χ² = 6.66, P = 0.036) compared with the other two groups. Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware that not only ADHD but also PDD may be comorbid with CD. Establishment of the correct diagnosis is important because recognizing the presence of PDD will enable us to provide appropriate treatment and guidance, which may improve prognosis.     

重性抑郁障碍与双相障碍患者躯体疾病共病调查

目的:了解重性抑郁障碍(MDD)与双相障碍(BD)患者躯体疾病共病情况。方法:对141例MDD和52例BD患者进行一般情况、躯体疾病调查及精神疾病评估。结果:MDD和BD患者躯体疾病的共病率分别为68.1%、46.2%,共病的躯体疾病以慢性病为主,依次为高血压、慢性胃炎、腰椎间盘突出、糖尿病。与非共病患者比较,共病患者年龄及起病年龄大,精神疾病复发次数多(P0.05或P0.01)。MDD共病患者自杀意念风险明显增加(P0.01)。结论:较高龄及较高龄起病的MDD、BD患者更易共病慢性躯体疾病。     

Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients with bipolar I disorder in remission: preliminary study

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a syndrome that typically first appears in early childhood, can occur in individuals of all ages. Prospective studies have demonstrated that at least half of children diagnosed as having ADHD continue to suffer the symptoms of this disorder in their adult life with significant impacts on their social status, achievement level and sense of well-being. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine the rate of ADHD in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and to examine the effects of comorbid ADHD on several clinical and sociodemographic variables of bipolar patients. Forty-four BD-I patients followed up in psychiatric outpatient clinics in two university hospitals, were assessed for the presence of adult ADHD according to DSM-IV. All patients also completed the Wender Utah Rating Scale for objective evaluation of ADHD. Of 44 patients with BD-I, only seven (15.9%) fulfilled criteria for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Bipolar disorder-I patients with comorbid ADHD were more likely to be female, and have more affective episodes (especially depressive episodes) than bipolar patients without comorbid ADHD. Age at onset of affective illness was not significantly different between the two groups. In line with results of several previous reports, the present study also showed higher prevalence of ADHD in patients with BD-I than in normal population. A higher number of affective episode in patients with comorbid ADHD may suggest a more severe clinical course of BD in these patients. A larger group of samples is required to clarify the exact association and interaction between these two clinical entities.     

Social anxiety disorder comorbidity in patients with bipolar disorder: a clinical replication

BACKGROUND: The authors investigated frequency, clinical correlates and onset temporal relationship of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adult patients with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. METHODS: Subjects were 189 patients whose diagnoses were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R-Patient Version. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (12.7%) met DSM-III-R criteria for lifetime SAD; of these, 19 (10.1% of entire sample) had SAD within the last month. Significantly more bipolar patients with comorbid SAD also had substance use disorders compared to those without. On the HSCL-90, levels of interpersonal sensitivity, obsessiveness, phobic anxiety and paranoid ideation were significantly higher in bipolar patients with SAD than in those without. Bipolar patients with comorbid SAD recalled separation anxiety problems (school refusal) more frequently during childhood than those without. Lifetime SAD comorbidity was associated with an earlier age at onset of syndromal bipolar disorder. Pre-existing OCD tended to delay the onset of bipolarity. CONCLUSIONS: Social anxiety disorder comorbidity is not rare among patients with bipolar disorder and is likely to affect age of onset and phenomenology of bipolar disorder. These findings may influence treatment planning and the possibility of discovering a pathophysiological relationship between SAD and bipolarity.     

Bipolar obsessive-compulsive disorder and personality disorders

OBJECTIVES: Relatively few systematic data exist on the clinical impact of bipolar comorbidity in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and no studies have investigated the influence of such a comorbidity on the prevalence and pattern of Axis II comorbidity. The aim of the present study was to explore the comorbidity of personality disorders in a group of patients with OCD and comorbid bipolar disorder (BD). METHODS: The sample consisted of 204 subjects with a principal diagnosis of OCD (DSM-IV) and a Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score>or=16 recruited from all patients consecutively referred to the Anxiety and Mood Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin over a period of 5 years (January 1998-December 2002). Diagnostic evaluation and Axis I comorbidities were collected by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Personality status was assessed by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders (SCID-II). Socio-demographic and clinical features (including Axis II comorbidities) were compared between OCD patients with and without a lifetime comorbidity of BD. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients with OCD (10.3%) met DSM-IV criteria for a lifetime BD diagnosis: 4 (2.0%) with BD type I and 17 (8.3%) with BD type II. Those without a BD diagnosis showed significantly higher rates of male gender, sexual and hoarding obsessions, repeating compulsions and lifetime comorbid substance use disorders, when compared with patients with BD/OCD. With regard to personality disorders, those with BD/OCD showed higher prevalence rates of Cluster A (42.9% versus 21.3%; p=0.027) and Cluster B (57.1% versus 29.0%; p=0.009) personality disorders. Narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders were more frequent in BD/OCD. CONCLUSIONS: Our results point towards clinically relevant effects of comorbid BD on the personality profiles of OCD patients, with higher rates of narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders in BD/OCD patients.     

Psychiatric comorbidity in patients with pediatric bipolar disorder – A systematic review

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests that pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) frequently co-occurs with comorbid psychiatric disorders that may impact functioning.

Objective

To review existing literature on the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity and general functioning in patients with a primary diagnosis of PBD.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search on the PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo databases on November 16th, 2022. We included original papers on patients ≤18 years with primary PBD and any comorbid psychiatric disorder, diagnosed according to a validated diagnostic tool. Risk of bias of the individual studies was assessed using the STROBE checklist. We calculated weighted means to assess the comorbidity prevalence. The review complied with PRISMA statement guidelines.

Results

Twenty studies with a total study population of 2722 patients with PBD were included (mean age = 12.2 years). We found an overall high prevalence of comorbidity in patients with PBD. The most common comorbidities were attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (60%) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) (47%). Anxiety disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, conduct disorder, tic disorders and substance-related disorders affected between 13.2% and 29% of patients, while one in 10 had comorbid mental retardation or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prevalence of comorbid disorders was lower in studies that assessed the current prevalence in patients in full or partial remission. General functioning was overall not specifically decreased in patients with comorbidity.

Conclusions

Comorbidity across a broad range of disorders was high in children diagnosed with PBD, especially regarding ADHD, ASD, behavioral and anxiety disorders including OCD. Future original studies should assess current prevalence of comorbidities in patients with PBD who are in remission to obtain more reliable estimates of psychiatric comorbidity in this patient group. The review highlights the clinical and scientific importance of comorbidity in PBD.     

Bipolar disorder and comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A distinct clinical phenotype? Clinical characteristics and temperamental traits1

Abstract

Objectives. It has been suggested that bipolar disorder (BD) with comorbid ADHD represents a distinct clinical phenotype of BD. There are no data regarding potential heterogeneity between BD subjects with a diagnosis of ADHD in childhood whose ADHD remitted in adulthood (cADHD-BD) vs. BD patients with persistent ADHD diagnosis in adulthood (aADHD-BD). This heterogeneity may constitute a confounder in investigations of the nature of the co-occurrence between BD and ADHD. The aim of this paper is to compare BD patients without ADHD, to those with aADHD-BD, and those with cADHD-BD on clinical and temperamental characteristics, hypothesizing that maladaptive temperament will be increased in BD subjects with a stable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood compared to those whose ADHD remitted. We further hypothesize that maladaptive temperament will be associated with the severity of both illnesses. Methods. A total of 100 outpatients (aged 18–30 years) with BD in remission were included. The assessment of ADHD was made according to a procedure aimed to reduce potential recall biases. Subjects had to have a parent available and had never been treated with stimulants. Temperamental traits were assessed with the California Child Q-sort (CCQ) and the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire (EATQ). Results. Rate of co-occurrence of ADHD-BD was 18% lifetime and 10% current diagnosis. Patients with ADHD-BD (aADHD-BD+cADHD-BD) reported a significantly earlier onset of mood disorder, higher number of previous mood episodes, and significantly higher impulsivity than BD patients without ADHD. aADHD-BD showed a significantly earlier BD onset, higher number of previous mood episodes, higher impulsivity, decreased Reactive Control and higher Negative Emotionality temperamental scores than cADHD patients. Conclusion. Findings suggest that patients with aADHD-BD present a clinical phenotype distinct from that of patients with BD without ADHD or with a childhood ADHD diagnosis that remitted with the age. This appealing hypothesis of a BD-distinct phenotype that can be detected early due to its associated maladaptive temperamental traits requires further investigation in larger samples, supported by neuropsychological, genetic and imaging data.     

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in an Anxiety Disorders Population

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a life‐long, chronic disorder, which has its onset in childhood and is associated with significant functional impairment. ADHD appears to be highly comorbid with other psychiatric disorders, however, literature is lacking concerning ADHD/anxiety comorbidity. To that end, we examined the prevalence of ADHD in an anxiety disorder sample. Consecutive patients referred to an anxiety disorders clinic completed a variety of anxiety disorder self‐report measures as well as the Adult ADHD self‐report scale and were clinically assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV, and the ADHD module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Of the 129 patients assessed, the rate of adult ADHD was 27.9%. The mean age of the sample was 33.1 ± 12.5 years, and the mean baseline CGI‐S was 4.6 ± 1.1 (moderate to marked severity). The majority of the sample was female (63.6%) and single (49.5%). The most common comorbid disorders associated with ADHD were major depressive disorder (53.8%), social phobia (38.5%), generalized anxiety disorder (23.1%), and impulse control disorders (30.8%). Individuals with ADHD had higher symptom severity scores for obsessive‐compulsive disorder, (P≤ 0.05) and for GAD (P≤ 0.05) and reported a significantly earlier age of onset for depression as compared to those without (P≤ 0.05). The prevalence of adult ADHD was higher in our anxiety disorders clinic sample than found in the general population. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Developmental differences according to age at onset in juvenile bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND: This study on a large sample of unselected, consecutive children and adolescents referred to a third-level hospital who received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) was aimed at exploring whether childhood-onset BD, as compared with adolescent-onset BD, presents specific clinical features in terms of severity, functional impairment, course, prevalent mood, pattern of co-morbidity, and treatment outcome. METHODS: A total of 136 patients, 81 males (59.6%) and 55 females (40.4%), mean age 13.5 +/- 2.9 years, meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) diagnosis of BD according to a structured clinical interview Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (KSADS-PL), were included in the study. RESULTS: Eighty patients (58.8%) had a childhood-onset BD (before 12 years of age) and 56 (41.2%) had an adolescents-onset BD. Compared with the adolescent-onset BD, patients with childhood-onset were more frequently males and had a more frequent co-morbidity with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). An episodic course was found in only 42.5% of bipolar children, but 76.8% of youngsters with adolescent-onset BD. Severity, 6-month treatment outcome, prevalent mood (elated versus irritable), and co-morbid anxiety did not differentiate the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a very early age at onset may identify a form of BD with a more frequent subcontinuous course and a heavy co-morbidity with ADHD.     

The International ADHD in Substance Use Disorders Prevalence (IASP) study: background,methods and study population

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly recognized comorbid condition in subjects with substance use disorders (SUDs). This paper describes the methods and study population of the International ADHD in Substance Use Disorders Prevalence (IASP) study. Objectives of the IASP are to determine the prevalence of ADHD in adult treatment seeking patients with SUD in different countries and SUD populations, determine the reliability and validity of the Adult ADHD Self‐report Scale V 1.1 (ASRS) as ADHD screening instrument in SUD populations, investigate the comorbidity profile of SUD patients with and without ADHD, compare risk factors and protective factors in SUD patients with and without a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD, and increase our knowledge about the relationship between ADHD and the onset and course of SUD. In this cross‐sectional, multi‐centre two stage study, subjects were screened for ADHD with the ASRS, diagnosed with the Conner's Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM‐IV (CAADID), and evaluated for SUD, major depression, bipolar disorder, anti social personality disorder and borderline personality disorder. Three thousand five hundred and fifty‐eight subjects from 10 countries were included. Of these 40.9% screened positive for ADHD. This is the largest international study on this population evaluating ADHD and comorbid disorders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.