ADHD and sleep in homicidal men with antisocial personality disorder

A history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly found in subjects with antisocial personality disorder (ASP). Besides ASP, childhood ADHD also predicts drug abuse disorders and criminal activity in adulthood. Childhood ADHD and ASP appear to be the only psychiatric disorders reported to be associated with an increase in deep sleep. The aims of the present study were to retrospectively measure the childhood ADHD of habitually violent men with ASP and Cloninger type 2 alcoholism, and to characterize the possible relationship between childhood ADHD and sleep architecture in these men. The subjects of the study consisted of 14 homicidal offenders recruited from a forensic psychiatric examination. Ten age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers served as controls. Childhood ADHD symptoms were measured using the Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS). The main findings were that violent offenders with ASP had significantly higher mean WURS scores compared with controls, and both the absolute and percentage amount of stage 4 sleep as well as delta and theta powers in this sleep stage were positively correlated with the WURS scores. The present study supports the idea that childhood ADHD is associated with the abnormal sleep architecture in habitually violent men with ASP. These two disorders seem to share, at least partly, the same central nervous system deficit.     

Self-reported childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms are not specific to the disorder

Objective

The present study examined the specificity of self-reported childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms using the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) in young adults with (1) a previous diagnosis of ADHD, (2) comorbid ADHD and psychological symptoms or diagnoses, (3) psychological diagnoses or symptoms without comorbid ADHD, and (4) controls.

Method

One thousand four hundred thirty-one non-treatment-seeking individuals (508 males), aged 18 to 25 years, were assigned to 1 of 4 groups (psychological controls, controls, ADHD, ADHD comorbid), based on responses to psychological, demographic, and health history questionnaires completed as part of a larger study. Responses to the WURS were analyzed at the individual item and subtest levels for their specificity to ADHD using area under the curve analyses.

Results

The standard WURS cutoff score of 46 was neither sensitive nor specific to ADHD, with a high rate of false positives in psychological controls. Factor analyses supported a 5-factor model (conduct problems, impulsivity problems, mood difficulties, inattention/anxiety symptoms, poor academic functioning) that accounted for 62% of the total variance; these factors were used to generate factor-based WURS subscales. Three subscales (impulsivity, poor academic functioning, and inattention/anxiety symptoms) showed potential for discriminating ADHD from controls among females. No subscales showed adequate sensitivity or specificity for discriminating ADHD from psychological controls among the males.

Conclusions

Results provide further evidence that retrospective self-report of childhood ADHD symptoms is not specific to ADHD and highlight concerns about the reliance on self-report of childhood ADHD symptoms for diagnostic purposes. Results suggest consideration of specific types of symptoms, and sex differences might increase diagnostic use of self-reported childhood symptoms.     

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.     

Clinical assessment and diagnosis of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent disorder in adult psychiatry, particularly in out-patient settings. There are no objective, laboratory-based tests that can establish this diagnosis. Present diagnostic criteria for ADHD are formulated primarily according to behavior in childhood, based on age inappropriate and impairing levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Other symptoms, such as mood instability and frustration intolerance, are not included in current criteria for ADHD, but are very prevalent in this patient group. ADHD is often comorbid with alcohol and substance abuse and other psychiatric disorders, in particular anxiety and personality disorders. Thus, the diagnostic assessment should both include a comprehensive clinical interview, rating scales for past and present symptoms and collateral information from multiple informants, as well as assessment of a broader spectrum of psychiatric and somatic conditions. As ADHD is associated with changes in brain function mediating different aspects of neuropsychological functions, assessment of those functions is important to understand the symptom patterns and to develop targeted treatment programs. Some topics for further research and for future developments of diagnostic criteria and tools are highlighted.     

Functional consequences of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder on children and their families

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with core symptoms that include hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention, and it is the most common psychiatric disorder among children and adolescents. These core symptoms are continuously recognized throughout the day from childhood to adulthood. Furthermore, children with ADHD from childhood to adulthood might also have various comorbid psychiatric disorders. Recently, bipolar disorder and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, a new clinical issue, have been discussed as comorbid disorders or differential disorders associated with ADHD. Furthermore, comorbid disorders of ADHD are related to quality of life and family burden. Children with ADHD have poorer long‐term outcomes than controls with respect to: academic achievement and attainment, occupational rank and job performance, risky sexual practices and early unwanted pregnancies, substance use, relationship difficulties, marital problems, traffic violations, and car accidents. Irritability of children with ADHD has been a key symptom that clinicians and researchers have used to evaluate the developmental condition of children with ADHD. ADHD is sometimes a chronic disorder that occurs over a long period, increasing the family burden of these children (including health‐care costs), which will increase with aging for unremitted children with ADHD. Therefore, clinicians should evaluate not only the mental condition of the child but also the family burden. Children with ADHD should be treated during childhood to reduce their clinical symptoms and family burden.     

Co-occurrence of conduct disorder and its adult outcomes with depressive and anxiety disorders: a review.

Child and adult general population studies of psychiatric disorder were systematically reviewed for data on the co-occurrence of conduct disorder and its adult outcomes with depressive and anxiety disorders. For both sexes, both depressive and anxiety disorders co-occurred with conduct disorder (and its adult outcomes) far more than expected by chance in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Most women with conduct disorder and an antisocial adult outcome also developed a depressive or anxiety disorder by early adulthood. For both sexes, increasing severity of antisocial behavior was associated with an increasing risk of an emotional disorder. Age and sex affected the rates of co-occurrence. Possible reasons for this co-occurrence and implications for classification and the nature of conduct disorder are discussed.     

Borderline Personality Pathology in Major Depressive Disorder,Bipolar I and II Disorder,and Its Relationship With Childhood Trauma

Objective Mood disorder and borderline personality pathology (BPP) are frequently comorbid and relate to childhood trauma. We investigated the relationship between childhood trauma and BPP features in mood disorder patients versus controls. Methods A total of 488 mood disorder patients, particularly major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar I disorder (BD I), and bipolar II disorder (BD II), and 734 controls were included. We examined between-group BPP-related differences and correlated between BPP and childhood trauma using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ) and the Personality Assessment Inventory–Borderline Features Scale. Results BD II patients showed significantly higher BPP. Emotional abuse and neglect were prominently associated with BPP, while affective instability and negative relationships exhibited a stronger association with childhood trauma. We also found a positive relationship between childhood trauma and BPP in MDD, BD I, and BD II patients. Conclusion The findings of the present study imply that BPP features are more likely to be found in patients with BD II than BD I or MDD. Mood disorder patients with severe childhood trauma may have higher BPP features. Thus, further study of the relationship between childhood trauma and BPP features could improve the therapeutic approaches and help understand patients with mood disorders.     

Associations between bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders during adolescence and early adulthood: a community-based longitudinal investigation

OBJECTIVE: The study investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders during adolescence and early adulthood. METHOD: Psychiatric interviews were administered to a representative community sample of 717 youths and their mothers in 1983 (mean age of youths=14 years) and again in 1985-1986, and 1991-1993. RESULTS: A wide range of psychiatric disorders co-occurred with bipolar disorder during adolescence and early adulthood. Adolescent anxiety disorders were uniquely associated with increased risk for early adulthood bipolar disorder after adolescent bipolar disorder was accounted for. Manic symptoms during adolescence were associated with increased risk for anxiety and depressive disorders during early adulthood after adolescent anxiety and depressive disorders were accounted for. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with anxiety disorders may be at increased risk for bipolar disorder or clinically significant manic symptoms during early adulthood. Adolescents with manic symptoms may be at increased risk for anxiety and depressive disorders during early adulthood.     

Childhood and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in fibromyalgia: associations with depression,anxiety and disease impact

Abstract

Objective: The first aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of childhood and current attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. The second aim is to assess the role of depression and anxiety on the relationship between childhood and adult ADHD symptoms with disease impact in this population.

Methods: Sixty-four patients with fibromyalgia were compared to matched 58 healthy controls. All participants completed the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).

Results: Patients with fibromyalgia had significantly higher mean scores of depression (BDI), anxiety (BAI), childhood ADHD symptoms (WURS) and adult ADHD symptoms (ASRS total, ASRS hyperactivity/impulsivity subscale and ASRS attention deficit subscale) than the control group. Fibromyalgia impact (FIQ) was significantly correlated with depression (BDI; r?=?0.57, p < .001), anxiety (BAI; r?=?0.56, p < .001) and childhood ADHD symptoms (WURS; r?=?0.41, p < .001) in fibromyalgia group. There was no significant correlation between fibromyalgia impact (FIQ) and adult ADHD symptoms (ASRS total or sub-scale scores). Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that childhood ADHD symptoms (WURS), anxiety (BAI) and depression (BDI) predicted fibromyalgia impact. Both anxiety (BAI) and depression (BDI) mediated the relationship between childhood ADHD symptoms (WURS) and fibromyalgia impact (FIQ).

Conclusion: Childhood ADHD symptoms may be a contributory factor to poorer functioning in the patients with fibromyalgia. The relationship was more pronounced in the presence of depression and anxiety symptoms. Evaluation of childhood and adult ADHD symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia is important for recognition and treatment of ADHD comorbidity and also for attenuating the severity of the disease.     

The relationship of major depressive disorder to bipolar disorder: Continuous or discontinuous?

Recent studies have questioned current diagnostic systems that split mood disorders into the independent categories of bipolar disorders and depressive disorders. The current classification of mood disorders runs against Kraepelin’s unitary view of manic-depressive insanity (illness). The main findings of recent studies supporting a continuity between bipolar disorders (mainly bipolar II disorder) and major depressive disorder are presented. The features supporting a continuity between bipolar II disorder and major depressive disorder currently are 1) depressive mixed states (mixed depression) and dysphoric (mixed) hypomania (opposite polarity symptoms in the same episode do not support a splitting of mood disorders); 2) family history (major depressive disorder is the most common mood disorder in relatives of bipolar probands); 3) lack of points of rarity between the depressive syndromes of bipolar II disorder and major depressive disorder; 4) major depressive disorder with bipolar features such as depressive mixed states, young onset age, atypical features, bipolar family history, irritability, racing thoughts, and psychomotor agitation; 5) a high proportion of major depressive disorders shifting to bipolar disorders during long-term follow-up; 6) a high proportion of major depressive disorders with history of manic and hypomanic symptoms; 7) factors of hypomania present in major depressive disorder episodes; 8) recurrent course of major depressive disorder; and 9) depressive symptoms much more common than manic and hypomanic symptoms in the course of bipolar disorders.     

The relationship of major depressive disorder to bipolar disorder: Continuous or discontinuous?

Recent studies have questioned current diagnostic systems that split mood disorders into the independent categories of bipolar disorders and depressive disorders. The current classification of mood disorders runs against Kraepelin’s unitary view of manic-depressive insanity (illness). The main findings of recent studies supporting a continuity between bipolar disorders (mainly bipolar II disorder) and major depressive disorder are presented. The features supporting a continuity between bipolar II disorder and major depressive disorder currently are 1) depressive mixed states (mixed depression) and dysphoric (mixed) hypomania (opposite polarity symptoms in the same episode do not support a splitting of mood disorders); 2) family history (major depressive disorder is the most common mood disorder in relatives of bipolar probands); 3) lack of points of rarity between the depressive syndromes of bipolar II disorder and major depressive disorder; 4) major depressive disorder with bipolar features such as depressive mixed states, young onset age, atypical features, bipolar family history, irritability, racing thoughts, and psychomotor agitation; 5) a high proportion of major depressive disorders shifting to bipolar disorders during long-term follow-up; 6) a high proportion of major depressive disorders with history of manic and hypomanic symptoms; 7) factors of hypomania present in major depressive disorder episodes; 8) recurrent course of major depressive disorder; and 9) depressive symptoms much more common than manic and hypomanic symptoms in the course of bipolar disorders.     

TDA/H,trouble de l’enfance ou de l’âge adulte ?

ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder of childhood. It is considered to be a neurodevelopmental disorder that may persist from chilhood into adulthood. In childood it is associated with several outcomes such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Symptoms may change as a person gets older with an increased risk of developing psychiatric comorbidities such as depression, anxiety and substance addiction. However, recent studies diverge from the traditional perspective. These authors hypothesized that ADHD may appear in adulthood, not as a continuation of child ADHD, but some limitations have to be considered. Firstly, ADHD often goes unrecognized throughout childhood. Secondly, families may help the children to develop compensation strategies and adaptative behaviors. The purpose of this report is to better investigate these different and innovative clinical results and understand if adult ADHD could really be considered as a distinct, different pathology, as a late-onset disorder. We conducted a brief review of literature and included the most recent scientific longitudinal follow-up cohort studies. We conclude that, while adult ADHD is still considered a continuation from childhood, many questions of late-onset ADHD remain and further research is necessary to better understand and explain the etiology, the development, the clinical impact, and the psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic treatment of this late-onset disorder.     

Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder: a neglected comorbidity.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a consecutive clinical sample of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder to define the pattern of comorbid anxiety and externalizing disorders (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] and conduct disorder [CD]) and to explore the possible influence of such a comorbidity on their cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical characteristics. METHODS: The sample comprised 43 outpatients, 26 boys and 17 girls, (mean age 14.9 years, SD 3.1; range 7 to 18), with bipolar disorder type I or II, according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. All patients were screened for psychiatric disorders using historical information and a clinical interview, the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents-Revised (DICA-R). To shed light on the possible influence of age at onset, we compared clinical features of subjects whose bipolar onset was prepubertal or in childhood (< 12 years) with those having adolescent onset. We also compared different subgroups with and without comorbid externalizing and anxiety disorders. RESULTS: Bipolar disorder type I was slightly more represented than type II (55.8% vs 44.2%). Only 11.6% of patients did not have any other psychiatric disorder; importantly, 10 subjects (23.5%) did not show any comorbid anxiety disorder. Comorbid externalizing disorders were present in 12 (27.9%) patients; such comorbidity was related to the childhood onset of bipolar disorder type II. Compared with other subjects, patients with comorbid anxiety disorders more often reported pharmacologic (hypo)mania.     

Maternal parenting styles and mother–child relationship among adolescents with and without persistent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

We investigated mothering and mother–child interactions in adolescents with and without persistent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a sample of 190 adolescents with persistent DSM-IV ADHD, 147 without persistent ADHD, and 223 without ADHD. Both participants and their mothers received psychiatric interviews for diagnosis of ADHD and other mental disorders; and reported on the Parental Bonding Instrument about mother's parenting style, the Social Adjustment Inventory for Children and Adolescents for interactions with mothers and home behavioral problems. The mothers also reported on their ADHD and neurotic/depressive symptoms. Our results based on both informants showed that both ADHD groups obtained less affection/care and more overprotection and control from the mothers, and perceived less family support than those without ADHD. Child's inattention and comorbidity, and maternal depression were significantly correlated with decreased maternal affection/care and increased maternal controls; child's hyperactivity–impulsivity and maternal neurotic trait were significantly correlated with maternal overprotection; and child's inattention and comorbidity, and maternal neurotic/depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with impaired mother–child interactions and less family support. Our findings suggested that, regardless of persistence, childhood ADHD diagnosis, particularly inattention symptoms and comorbidity, combining with maternal neurotic/depressive symptoms was associated with impaired maternal process.     

Patterns of psychiatric comorbidity with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently comorbid with a variety of psychiatric disorders. These disorders include oppositional defiant (ODD) and conduct disorders (CD), and affective, anxiety, and learning disorders. Studies which have examined the comorbidity of these disorders with ADHD are reviewed. ADHD and ADHD with CD seem to be distinct subtypes; children with ADHD/CD are at higher risk of antisocial personality as adults. Coexisting anxiety may attenuate impulsivity in ADHD. Studies examining stimulant response in children with ADHD/anxiety have recently yielded conflicting results. Anxiety and ADHD seem to be inherited independently. The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder among children with ADHD is controversial, but there clearly exists a subgroup of severely emotionally labile children with ADHD who present serious management issues for the clinician. About 20% to 25% of children with ADHD meet criteria for a learning disorder (LD), but LD seems to be independent of ADHD.     

Diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults in primary care

The prevalence rate of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) indicates that 4.5% of adults continue to exhibit ADHD from childhood. Most adult sufferers of ADHD have not been properly diagnosed or treated. The majority of adults with ADHD exhibit at least 1 comorbid psychiatric disorder, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, personality disorder, substance abuse disorder, or bipolar disorder. In many instances, such a disorder may offer the first clue to diagnosing an adult with ADHD. Comorbidities may, however, confound a proper ADHD diagnosis, so it is important to look for and establish an early (childhood) and persistent (lifelong) history of inattention or hyperactivity. The use of available standardized ADHD rating scales and checklists will then help the physician to differentiate between ADHD and other comorbid psychiatric disorders commonly seen in primary care. At present, there is no universally accepted and efficient standardized assessment tool for identifying adult ADHD in primary care. However, the Adult Self-Report Scale Screener may represent such a tool and may be used with ease in a busy office setting. Using such strategies, primary care providers are still able and encouraged to identify and treat adults with ADHD.     

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in major depressed and bipolar subjects: role of personality traits and clinical implications

A significant comorbidity between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and affective disorders has been consistently reported in adults. Less data regarding the role of personality traits and the influence of ADHD co-occurrence on clinical characteristics and outcome of mood disorders are currently available. One hundred and six remitted major depressed, 102 euthymic bipolar subjects, and 120 healthy controls, homogeneous with respect to demographic characteristics, were included in the study. ADHD diagnosis was based on DSM-IV-TR criteria. Childhood and adult ADHD features were measured with the Wender Utah Rating Scale, the Adult ADHD Self-rating Scale, and the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scale. The Revised NEO Personality Inventory was also administered to the clinical groups, in order to investigate personality dimensions. The occurrence of adult ADHD in subjects with bipolar disorders (BD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) was 15.7 and 7.5 %, respectively, compared to 3.3 % in healthy controls (HC). Significant associations (p < .001) between personality traits (neuroticism, conscientiousness, and extraversion) and ADHD features were observed. Logistic regression analysis of all clinical subjects (n = 208) showed that those with lower levels of neuroticism (OR = 1.031; p = .025) had a lower frequency of ADHD comorbidity. The present study emphasizes the close relationship between affective disorders, especially BD, and ADHD in adults. Our findings support the need to assess subjects with mood disorders in the clinical setting for possible coexisting ADHD and to further investigate personality traits to better understand the etiology of affective disorders and ADHD co-occurrence.     

Fluoxetine Monotherapy in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Comorbid Non-Bipolar Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk for developing comorbid non-bipolar mood disorders. Fluoxetine monotherapy is an established treatment for pediatric mood disorders; however its efficacy in ADHD and comorbid mood disorder is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated 30 children who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD and comorbid non-bipolar mood disorders in a prospective, 6–12-week open-label, study of fluoxetine monotherapy. Fluoxetine was associated with significant decreases in the severity of depressive symptoms, and also, associated with significant decreases on subscales of inattention/overactivity and aggression/defiant symptoms—47% of participants were much or very much improved without observed adverse effects.     

Mood patterns and classification in bipolar disorder

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to highlight recent studies that have questioned the current split of mood disorders into the categories of bipolar and depressive disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: A continuity between bipolar disorders (mainly bipolar II disorder) and major depressive disorder was supported by several lines of evidence: depressive mixed states (mixed depression) and dysphoric (mixed) hypomania (opposite polarity symptoms in the same episode do not support the splitting between mania/hypomania and depression); family history, major depressive disorder is the most common mood disorder in relatives of bipolar probands; lack of points of rarity between the depressive syndromes of bipolar II disorder and major depressive disorder; bipolar features in major depressive disorder; major depressive disorder shifting to bipolar disorders; history of manic/hypomanic symptoms in major depressive disorder and correlation between lifetime manic/hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder; factors of hypomania inside major depressive disorder; recurrent course of major depressive disorder; depression more common than mania and hypomania in bipolar disorders; trait mood lability in major depressive disorder. SUMMARY: This review of the recent findings on the relationship between bipolar disorders (especially bipolar II disorder) and depressive disorders seems to support a continuity among mood disorders, and runs against the current classification of mood disorders dividing them into independent categories. Further research is needed in the area, in part because of its possible treatment impact.