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Published on: June 12, 2020
Screening for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a select sample of injured and uninjured pediatric patients
R Todd Maxson1, Karla A Lawson, Rodica Pop
1Trauma Services, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Austin, TX 78723, USA.
Insights
Injured children are more likely to screen positive for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Early ADHD identification and treatment in pediatric trauma patients may prevent recurrent injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric trauma
- Childhood injury prevention
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
Background:
- Injury is a primary cause of child morbidity and mortality.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
- The relationship between pediatric injury and ADHD requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ADHD screening results between pediatric patients with injuries and those with appendicitis.
- To identify potential links between specific injury mechanisms and ADHD.
- To inform targeted screening and intervention strategies for injured children.
Main Methods:
- Parents of children aged 6-12 years were enrolled.
- Two groups were compared: patients admitted for injury (n=133) and appendicitis (n=157).
- Demographic data, medical history, and ADHD screening tool results were analyzed using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Injured patients were 3.25 times more likely to screen positive for ADHD compared to the appendicitis group (OR, 3.25; P=.002).
- Among injured patients who screened positive for ADHD, only 34% were receiving treatment.
- A significant association was found between injury mechanisms and ADHD screening results.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients with certain injuries may benefit from ADHD screening and referral.
- Identifying and treating undiagnosed ADHD could potentially decrease injury recurrence.
- Evaluating ADHD screening and referral within trauma services is recommended for injury prevention.
Purpose:
Injury is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality to children. The purpose of this study is to compare attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) screening results in a select group of injured pediatric patients to noninjured patients.
Methods:
Parents of patients 6 to 12 years of age were enrolled in the study. Patients were either admitted for specific injury mechanisms (n = 133) or appendicitis (n = 157). Demographic and medical data were collected, and an ADHD screening tool was administered. Logistic regression models were used to compare screening results between groups.
Results:
The injured patient group was 3.25 times more likely to screen positive for ADHD (odds ratio, 3.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.57-6.72; P = .002) than the appendicitis group. Among the injured patients who screened positive for ADHD, only 34.0% reported currently receiving treatment.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that pediatric patients with certain injury mechanisms may warrant screening and referral for ADHD. Appropriate identification and treatment of undiagnosed ADHD may reduce the burden of injury recidivism. Screening and referral for ADHD within a trauma service should be evaluated for effectiveness as an injury prevention initiative.
