We have examined the predictive utility of motor activity in infancy towards diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in later childhood. We conducted a nested case-control study using videos of infants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Sixty videos of children who received any Development and Well-being Assessment (DAWBA) psychiatric diagnosis at age 91 months (including 16 with ADHD) plus two controls per case were selected for data analysis. Body movements were measured at age one year: associations between motor activity-derived variables using factor analysis, and later ADHD diagnoses were sought. No significant association was found between infant motor activity and later ADHD. A positive association between motor activity and inattentive ADHD was found in males. Motor activity at age one year did not predict ADHD at age seven years. The positive association with inattentive ADHD in males requires further investigation.
SummaryInfant mental health is a growing research area, but findings have not generally translated into new service developments. Recognising mental health problems in young infants is relevant for clinicians in all mental health specialties, but it can be a particular challenge to make diagnoses in very young children. Mental health classification systems are fraught with the difficulties of standardising diagnoses for infants, while trying to provide a clinically useful and relevant framework. The diagnostic classification DC:0–3 appears to have strengths, for example, a clear space to consider relationship disorders, and therefore encouraging a broad assessment of the child and family. More information is beginning to gather regarding infant mental health services around the world and assessment of this patient group in clinical practice. This commentary aims to help inform clinicians about this developing field.
Background Writing directly to patients or copying letters to them is common practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). If the intention is to increase young people's understanding and collaboration in their health care, then the readability of such letters is important. The aim of this study was to reassess the readability of letters sent to patients from the Young People's Department at Royal Cornhill Hospital since it adopted the choice and partnership approach (CAPA). Method Readability of clinical letters was measured using indices available in Microsoft Word. Results were compared to readability thresholds. Results Most letters sent to patients were still not easily readable. Conclusions Awareness of easily accessible readability formulae has not led to acceptable levels of readability in letters. More needs to be done to investigate patients’ views and improve communication.
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