Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with Multiple Sclerosis
Roy Aloni1,2, Alon Kalron2,3, Assaf Goodman4
1Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Israel.
Insights
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is common in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS), with nearly half of patients diagnosed. Those with both ADHD and cognitive impairment experienced longer disease duration, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention in POMS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) affects children and adolescents, impacting the central nervous system.
- Attention difficulties are common in POMS, but the relationship with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and cognitive performance is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of ADHD in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS).
- To examine the relationship between ADHD, cognitive performance, and disease characteristics in POMS patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of 66 pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2021.
- Assessment for ADHD diagnosis by a pediatric neurologist and collection of sociodemographic, disease-related, and cognitive data.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of POMS patients (47%) received an ADHD diagnosis, and 44% had cognitive impairment.
- Four patient profiles emerged: ADHD only (26%), cognitive impairment only (23%), ADHD with cognitive impairment (21%), and POMS only (30%).
- Patients with both ADHD and cognitive impairment had a significantly longer disease duration.
Conclusions:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is notably prevalent in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis.
- Early diagnosis of ADHD in POMS is critical for timely interventions and supportive care.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological autoimmune disease; pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) represents 5% to 10% of total MS population. Children with POMS may experience attention difficulties due to the disease's impact on the central nervous system. However, little is known regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in POMS, and its relation to cognitive performance.
Methods:
A retrospective case review was conducted using medical records of 66 children and adolescent patients diagnosed with POMS between 2012 and 2021 in a MS center of a tertiary medical center. All patients had undergone routine clinical neurological examinations and had been assessed for a diagnosis of ADHD by a department pediatric neurologist. In addition, sociodemographic data, disease-related variables, and cognitive performance were collected.
Results:
Of the 66 patients, 31 (47%) had a diagnosis of ADHD; 29 (44%) had cognitive impairment. Moreover, we identified four different profiles of POMS: those with only ADHD (17, 26%); only cognitive impairment (15, 23%), ADHD and cognitive impairment (14, 21%), and only POMS (20, 30%). A significant difference in disease duration was found among the four profiles [F(3,65) = 8.17, p < .001, η² = 0.29], indicating that patients with ADHD and cognitive impairment were characterized by longer disease duration.
Conclusions:
ADHD may be prominently involved in POMS, even during the early stages of the disease and early diagnosis is crucial in order to provide appropriate interventions and support.
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