Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children With Sickle Cell Disease Referred for an Evaluation
Melissa A Acquazzino1, Meghan Miller, Matthew Myrvik
1*Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sanford Children's Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD †Section of Pediatric Hematology ‡Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine §Department of Neurology ∥Section of Hematology/Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 25% of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) referred for evaluation. Most children with SCD and ADHD do not receive medication treatment, highlighting a need for routine screening.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Hematology
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) often exhibit neuropsychological deficits, particularly attention difficulties.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is understudied in pediatric SCD populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ADHD among children with SCD undergoing neuropsychological evaluation.
- To assess ADHD medication usage in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, cross-sectional study of 89 children (ages 4-18) with SCD referred for neuropsychological evaluation.
- ADHD diagnosis based on DSM-IV/V criteria by a neuropsychologist.
- Medication usage reviewed via medical records.
Main Results:
- 25% (95% CI, 16%-35%) of referred children with SCD met ADHD diagnostic criteria.
- Only 21% of children with SCD and ADHD were prescribed ADHD medication.
- Significant gap exists between diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment.
Conclusions:
- Routine ADHD screening is recommended for children with SCD experiencing school performance or behavioral issues.
- The majority of children with SCD and ADHD are undertreated, despite available pharmacologic options.
- Further research into barriers and facilitators of ADHD treatment in pediatric SCD is warranted.
