[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents]

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children and adolescents.
• Adaptive functioning, encompassing daily life skills, is crucial for overall well-being and successful development.
• Impairments in adaptive functioning are recognized in ADHD but require detailed evaluation across various life domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent of adaptive functioning deficits in a cohort of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD.
• To investigate how ADHD severity influences adaptive functioning across different life domains.
• To examine the impact of comorbid disorders on adaptive functioning in individuals with ADHD.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 100 children and adolescents with ADHD (79 males, 21 females) was evaluated.
• The M. Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS) was utilized to measure adaptive functioning.
• Participants met diagnostic criteria for ADHD (DSM-IV score ≥ 24) and were categorized by severity (Moderately Ill or Markedly Ill on CGI-S-ADHD).

Main Results:

• Adaptive functioning difficulties were most pronounced in the "Family," "Learning and school," "Life skills," and "Social activities" domains for "Markedly ill" ADHD patients compared to "Moderately ill" patients.
• Adaptive functioning impairments increased with age, particularly during the transition from childhood to adolescence.
• Comorbid oppositional defiant disorder and anxiety disorders significantly exacerbated impairments in multiple domains, including "Family," "Learning and school," "Child's self concept," "Social activities," and "Risky activities."

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive ADHD management requires assessing not only core symptoms but also comorbid conditions.
• Evaluating functional impairment across key life domains is essential for effective ADHD patient follow-up.
• Interventions should address the multifaceted impact of ADHD and its comorbidities on adaptive functioning.