What is the level of evidence for the use of currently available technologies in facilitating the self-management of difficulties associated with ADHD in children and young people? A systematic review

A number of technologies to help self-manage Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and young people (YP) have been developed. This review will assess the level of evidence for the use of such technologies. The review was undertaken in accordance with the general principles recommended in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. 7545 studies were screened. Fourteen studies of technology that aim to manage difficulties associated with ADHD in children and YP were included. Primary outcome measures were measures that assessed difficulties related to ADHD. Databases searched were MEDLINE, Web of Science (Core collection), CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ProQuest ASSIA, PsycINFO and Scopus. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed. This review highlights the potential for the use of technology in paediatric ADHD self-management. However, it also demonstrates that current research lacks robustness; using small sample sizes, non-validated outcome measures and little psychoeducation component. Future research is required to investigate the value of technology in supporting children and YP with ADHD and a focus psychoeducation is needed

Manejo del TDAH en niños en Europa: datos demográficos de los pacientes, características de los médicos y patrones de tratamiento.

This study was a retrospective chart review performed to examine and describe physician practice patterns in managing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across Europe. Physicians treating ADHD in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain were recruited. Each physician abstracted medical records of five patients (aged 6-17 years at time of review) with a documented diagnosis of ADHD made between January 2004 and June 2007. Data provided by the physician via the abstraction included (a) physician characteristics, (b) patient characteristics, (c) ADHD diagnosis and (d) ADHD outcomes (adherence, symptom control and satisfaction). A total of 779 patients met study inclusion criteria. In the overall population, patients' mean (SD) age at time of diagnosis was 8.9 (2.6) years. The predominant treatment choice was long-acting methylphenidate, which was prescribed to more than 56 % of patients. According to physicians, only 30.8 % of patients showed 'complete symptom control' on current treatment and only 31.8 % of physicians reported being 'very satisfied' with their patients' current treatment. Physicians' assessments of complete symptom control and physician satisfaction with treatment were low, indicating unmet needs with current ADHD management in Europe.Shire Development, LLCDepto. de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y PatologíaFac. de MedicinaTRUEpu

Relación entre el impacto de los síntomas y el resultado del tratamiento en niños y adolescentes con trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad: una perspectiva del médico

We evaluated the association between those symptoms/behaviours of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that were present at diagnosis and outcomes of treatment in children and adolescents in six European countries. Physicians abstracted clinical records from patients (6-17 years) diagnosed with ADHD between 2004 and 2007 and treated for ≥2 years. Physicians scored the severity of impairment for core ADHD symptoms and additional (non-core) ADHD symptoms/behaviours at diagnosis and estimated treatment adherence (defined as an estimated >80 % adherence on weekdays and >50 % adherence on weekends). Treatment modalities included pharmacological treatment, behavioural therapy, or both. Pharmacological treatment was further subclassified by medication class. The outcome, optimal treatment success (OTS), was defined as complete symptom control with high satisfaction with treatment. Multivariate logistic regression modelling examined the relationship between OTS and symptom impairment. Of 730 patients, 200 (27 %) achieved OTS. These patients were more likely to demonstrate lower impairment in non-core ADHD symptoms/behaviours and have fewer pre-existing comorbidities. They were also more likely to be adherent and engaged with treatment, with an explicit treatment goal to improve inattention/school performance. Neither core symptoms' severity nor treatment types were associated with OTS. OTS rates were low, with patients having less impairment of non-core ADHD symptoms/behaviours and fewer comorbidities more likely to achieve OTS. Potentially modifiable factors affecting OTS were as follows: treatment adherence, treatment engagement, and a treatment goal to improve inattention/school performance. These data suggest that there may be opportunities to optimize current treatment use, and develop new treatment strategies to improve core and non-core ADHD symptoms/behaviours.Shire Development, LLCDepto. de MedicinaFac. de MedicinaTRUEpu