Comorbidities and functional impairments in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in China: a hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess comorbidity patterns and functional impairment in children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).DesignHospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study; data collection occurred between 2016 and 2019.Settings and patientsA total of 8256 children and adolescents, 6–17 years of age, with suspected ADHD agreed to participate in this hospital-based cross-sectional study over a 4-year period in China. Comorbidities and social functions were assessed according to the scales Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale and Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Parent Form, which were completed by the parents of the study participants.ResultsOf the 8256 children, 5640 were diagnosed with ADHD. Other 2616 children who did not meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria were classified as the N-ADHD group . The proportion of comorbidities (47.4%) and functional impairments (84.5%) in the ADHD group were higher than the N-ADHD group (p≤0.001). The functional impairment scores in all of the six domains, including family, academic, life skills, self-concept, social activities and risky activities, were significantly higher in the ADHD group than the N-ADHD group (p≤0.001). The functional impairment in ADHD group with comorbidities was more severe than those without comorbidities (p≤0.001). Comorbidities and core symptoms both can affect the functions of children with ADHD. Logistics regression analysis indicated that in all of the six functional domains, the effect of comorbidities on functional impairment exceeded the effects of ADHD core symptoms.ConclusionsComorbidities had the greatest influence on different areas of adaptive functioning in children with ADHD. Clinical management of children suspected to have ADHD should address multiple comorbidities and functional impairments assessment, as well as core symptom analysis.

Family oriented intervention for families of adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A feasibility study

“…This developmental neurobiological disorder reduces specific brain functions related to planning, initiating, and completing tasks and assignments (Barkley, 2022; Posner et al, 2020), as genomic data have confirmed (Faraone & Larsson, 2019; Grimm et al, 2020). Furthermore, approximately 50%–70% of those diagnosed with ADHD have one or more comorbidities, such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems (Mitchison & Njardvik, 2019; Mohammadi et al, 2021; Shi et al, 2021), which untreated can aggravate other hyperactivity symptoms (Barkley, 2022). Due to the multifaceted and often complex nature of ADHD, ongoing research on appropriate collaborative family support is needed (Babinski & Sibley, 2022; Gisladottir & Svavarsdottir, 2017).…”

A Prospective Study of an Early Prediction Model of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Based on Artificial Intelligence

“…Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as hyperactivity disorder, is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by stunted growth and inattention, hyperactivity of movement, and impaired impulsivity (Thapar & Cooper, 2016). Recent studies have shown that the global prevalence of ADHD ranges from 1.4% to 3.0% (Thapar & Cooper, 2016), is more common in boys than girls, and is as high as 5.7% to 6.5% in China (Liu et al, 2018; X. Shi et al, 2021; Wang et al, 2017).…”

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“…6 About 40%-80% of children and 80% of adults experience at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder such as anxiety, mood disorders and substance use disorders. [7][8][9][10] Those diagnosed with ADHD also have a higher risk of school failure, antisocial behaviour, accidental injuries, and premature death including attempted and completed suicide. 11 Given the significant impairments of ADHD on academic, social, occupational, and mental functions, it is imperative to conduct surveillance of the prevalence and incidence trends of ADHD over time for planning healthcare services and resource allocation.…”

“…6 About 40%–80% of children and 80% of adults experience at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder such as anxiety, mood disorders and substance use disorders. 7–10 Those diagnosed with ADHD also have a higher risk of school failure, antisocial behaviour, accidental injuries, and premature death including attempted and completed suicide. 11…”