Multimodal intervention improves core symptoms in preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (11) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Yan Qin

I tested the effect of a psychobehavioral intervention combined with electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback on the core symptoms of preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were 42 preschool children with attention-deficit, hyperactive-impulsive, or compound-type ADHD. They were randomly divided into the control group, a psychobehavioral intervention group, an EEG biofeedback intervention group, or a psychobehavioral + EEG biofeedback intervention group (i. e., comprehensive). After 4 months of intervention, I assessed (a) attention concentration time and (b) impulsivity and hyperactivity scores using Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire. Results show that the multimodal intervention significantly improved participants' concentration time and behavioral hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. The multimodal (vs. single-modal) intervention was more effective in improving core symptoms. My results provide a reference for related research and practical application.

Author(s):  
Jinsong Zhang ◽  
Wei Li ◽  
Huifeng Zhang ◽  
Amanda Wilson ◽  
Lan Shuai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Children with early onset of Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits are at a higher risk for long-term, persistent psychosocial problems. The current study aimed to explore the characteristics of CU in preschool children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the diagnostic significance of CU traits in ADHD. Methods A total of 176 preschool children (89 with ADHD and 87 Typically Developing Children [TDC]) aged 4–5 years old were recruited to the study. The participants were assessed for CU traits, emotional and behavioral problems, and how their executive functioning was associated with ADHD using multiple assessment scales. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the incremental validity of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU), adjusting for possible covariates by child’s sex, conduct problems, and oppositional defiant symptoms. Results The results showed that there was a significant difference of ICU scores between the ADHD and TDC groups (F = 30.12, P < 0.001). In terms of callousness, ADHD + Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) group showed a significant high score, and the ADHD only group scored significantly higher than the TDC group (F = 20.42, P < 0.001). The ICU was negatively associated with the prosocial behaviour subscale (γ = − 0.57, P < 0.01) and showed low to moderate positive correlations with emotional and behavioural problems, as well as executive function (γ = 0.24–0.67, P < 0.05). The ICU scores explained 6% of the incremental validity in ADHD symptoms. The diagnostic value of the ICU for ADHD was medium and acceptable. Conclusions The current study indicated that early identification of CU traits may help clinicians better understand symptoms and behavioural problems in children with ADHD. CU traits therefore could be considered as a useful assessment tool for ADHD.


2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. K. Conners

This paper reviews approximately 40 years of stimulant drug treatment of children with behavior and learning problems. These patients generally fall under the rubric of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with core symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention being the most studied and most robust of the targets for stimulant treatment. In addition, the drug effects on other targets, such as cognitive and academic function, are included. The largest selection of studies involves methylphenidate. Both qualitative studies and meta-analytic studies from major reviews are examined. Variations in the methodology of the reviews are described and some of the discrepancies in interpretation examined. Despite wide variations in subject selection, types of trials, degree of methodological rigor, and the decade in which the studies took place, the evidence is remarkably consistent. The overall results suggest significant clinical impact upon the core features of ADHD. More studies of long-term effects and special populations such as older adolescents and adults will be necessary, though existing evidence strongly supports similar findings as for the younger patients with a diagnosis of ADHD.


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