The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness training for children aged 8–12 with ADHD and parallel mindful parenting training for their parents. Parents (N = 22) completed questionnaires on their child’s ADHD and ODD symptoms, their own ADHD symptoms, parenting stress, parental overreactivity, permissiveness and mindful awareness before, immediately after the 8-week training and at 8-week follow-up. Teachers reported on ADHD and ODD behavior of the child. A within-group waitlist was used to control for the effects of time and repeated measurement. Training was delivered in group format. There were no significant changes between wait-list and pre-test, except on the increase of teacher-rated ODD behavior. There was a significant reduction of parent-rated ADHD behavior of themselves and their child from pre-to posttest and from pre- to follow-up test. Further, there was a significant increase of mindful awareness from pre-to posttest and a significant reduction of parental stress and overreactivity from pre-to follow-up test. Teacher-ratings showed non-significant effects. Our study shows preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness for children with ADHD and their parents, as rated by parents. However, in the absence of substantial effects on teacher-ratings, we cannot ascertain effects are due to specific treatment procedures

Genetic Epidemiology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD Index) in Adults

Context: In contrast to the large number of studies in children, there is little information on the contribution of genetic factors to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults. Objective: To estimate the heritability of ADHD in adults as assessed by the ADHD index scored from the CAARS (Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales). Design: Phenotype data from over 12,000 adults (twins, siblings and parents) registered with the Netherlands Twin Register were analyzed using genetic structural equation modeling. Main outcome measures: Heritability estimates for ADHD from the twin-family study. Results: Heritability of ADHD in adults is estimated around 30 % in men and women. There is some evidence for assortative mating. All familial transmission is explained by genetic inheritance, there is no support for the hypothesis that cultural transmission from parents to offspring is important. Conclusion: Heritability for ADHD features in adults is present, but is substantially lower than it is in children

Ottawa Institute of Cognitive: Understanding, Assessing & Treating Adult ADHD

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Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment: Explanation of and tools for diagnostic assessment of ADHD in adults

Adult ADHD: Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment, Third Edition covers not only diagnostic assessment, but also comorbidity patterns as well as differential diagnosis of ADHD with for example bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. The symptom overlap and misdiagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome in girls and women with the inattentive subtype of ADHD, ADD is explored. The chronic delayed sleep phase syndrome associated with ADHD based on disturbances in the circadian rhythm, and the possible consequences for general health (obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer) are discussed. There are sections on ADHD and intelligence, criminality, sexuality, dyslexia and autism. Adult ADHD can be treated effectively but as yet the disorder is not always recognised by professionals and this book aims to help correct this. Diagnostic tools are included, such as the structured Diagnostic Interview for Adult ADHD (DIVA), and an ultra-short and somewhat longer screening tool, all based on the DSM-IV criteria for ADHD. Treatment options cover psychoeducation and motivation and individual and group coaching; long-acting stimulants and other new drugs for treating ADHD; use of melatonin to treat the delayed sleep-phase disorder. Useful information is included on the setting up and organisation of a department for adult ADHD with a multidisciplinary team. References, websites and useful international addresses have all been updated. Adult ADHD: Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment, Third Edition is intended for students, junior doctors/residents, psychologists, psychiatrists, other mental healthcare professionals and interested parties and provides a quick overview of the current state of the science and of the methods used in diagnosis and treatment. Adult ADHD: Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment, Third Edition was originally published by Pearson Assessment and Information BV, The Netherlands