Objective: Temporal lobe resection is an established treatment for medication-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy, which in recent years has increasingly been performed in children. However, little is known about the long-term outcome in these children. The aim of this study was to characterize intellectual and psychosocial functioning of children after temporal lobe resection as they progress into late adolescence and adulthood. Methods:We report the long-term follow-up of 42 children who underwent temporal lobe surgery after an average postoperative period of 9 years. Longitudinal change in IQ was documented, psychosocial outcome including quality of life was assessed, and preoperative and postoperative T1-weighted MRI brain scans were evaluated quantitatively. A well-matched nonsurgical comparison group of 11 children with similar clinical characteristics was also assessed.Results: At follow-up, 86% of the surgical group were seizure-free, and 57% were no longer taking antiepileptic medication. A significant increase in IQ was found in the surgical group after an extended follow-up period of Ͼ5 years. This IQ change was not found in the nonsurgical comparison group. IQ increases were associated with cessation of antiepileptic medication and changes in MRI-derived gray matter volume. The surgical group also reported better psychosocial outcome including quality of life, which was more strongly associated with seizure freedom rather than surgery per se. Conclusions:Surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy performed in childhood results in excellent long-term seizure control and favorable cognitive outcome along with positive effects on brain development. Classification of evidence:This study provides Class III evidence that temporal lobectomy in children with temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with improved long-term intellectual outcomes compared with those undergoing standard medical treatment. Neurology Medication-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is often caused by brain abnormalities such as tumors or hippocampal sclerosis. Surgical removal of such lesions results in excellent seizure control.1 When surgical treatment for TLE in children is considered, factors such as the impact of seizures and medication on brain development and function have to be taken into account.2 Because children with poor seizure control show a decrease in intellectual functioning over time, 3 it is thought that early surgical intervention could reduce the severity of cognitive impairment.
Background There is evidence to suggest that the broad discrepancy in the ratio of males to females with diagnosed ADHD is due, at least in part, to lack of recognition and/or referral bias in females. Studies suggest that females with ADHD present with differences in their profile of symptoms, comorbidity and associated functioning compared with males. This consensus aims to provide a better understanding of females with ADHD in order to improve recognition and referral. Comprehensive assessment and appropriate treatment is hoped to enhance longer-term clinical outcomes and patient wellbeing for females with ADHD. Methods The United Kingdom ADHD Partnership hosted a meeting of experts to discuss symptom presentation, triggers for referral, assessment, treatment and multi-agency liaison for females with ADHD across the lifespan. Results A consensus was reached offering practical guidance to support medical and mental health practitioners working with females with ADHD. The potential challenges of working with this patient group were identified, as well as specific barriers that may hinder recognition. These included symptomatic differences, gender biases, comorbidities and the compensatory strategies that may mask or overshadow underlying symptoms of ADHD. Furthermore, we determined the broader needs of these patients and considered how multi-agency liaison may provide the support to meet them. Conclusions This practical approach based upon expert consensus will inform effective identification, treatment and support of girls and women with ADHD. It is important to move away from the prevalent perspective that ADHD is a behavioural disorder and attend to the more subtle and/or internalised presentation that is common in females. It is essential to adopt a lifespan model of care to support the complex transitions experienced by females that occur in parallel to change in clinical presentation and social circumstances. Treatment with pharmacological and psychological interventions is expected to have a positive impact leading to increased productivity, decreased resource utilization and most importantly, improved long-term outcomes for girls and women.
Findings suggest excessive MW is a common co-occurring feature of adult ADHD that has specific implications for the functional impairments experienced. The MEWS has potential utility as a screening tool in clinical practice to assist diagnostic assessment.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and motor restlessness. Consistently noted alongside these symptoms is mood instability in the form of irritability, volatility, swift changes in mood, hot temper and low frustration tolerance. The current diagnostic classification systems do not include mood instability as a core aspect of ADHD, but rather as an associated feature of the disorder. However, the literature suggests that overlapping cognitive deficits and neuroanatomical substrates may underlie both the classical ADHD symptoms and mood instability. Furthermore, common neurotherapeutic interventions in the form of stimulant medications or atomoxetine may help to alleviate both types of symptoms when they co-occur. This research suggests that mood instability and symptoms of ADHD may be interlinked and that mood instability may be better understood as a core feature of the ADHD syndrome.
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