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Attention deficits and clumsiness in Swedish 7-year-old children
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University of Göteborg, Sahlgren University Hospital, Sweden.
Insights
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affect 6.1% of children, with boys more impacted. The combined diagnosis of deficits in attention, motor control, and perception (DAMP) shows strong clinical validity.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are common neurodevelopmental conditions.
- There is significant overlap and comorbidity between ADHD and DCD.
- The diagnostic construct of deficits in attention, motor control, and perception (DAMP) requires further clinical validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of ADHD, DCD, and DAMP in a population of 7-year-old children.
- To examine the overlap and stability of these conditions over an 8-month period.
- To assess the clinical validity of the DAMP diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study of 409 seven-year-old children in Sweden.
- Comprehensive evaluations including parent interviews, motor assessments, and teacher reports.
- Follow-up assessment conducted 8 months after the initial evaluation.
Main Results:
- The overall rate of severe ADHD, DCD, or DAMP was 6.1%, with a higher prevalence in boys.
- Significant overlap was observed between ADHD and DCD diagnoses.
- Attention deficits and clumsiness demonstrated stability over time.
- The DAMP diagnosis, especially severe DAMP, showed a stronger association with classroom dysfunction and high Conners scores.
Conclusions:
- DAMP may represent a clinically valid diagnostic construct.
- The findings support the recognition of DAMP as a distinct diagnostic entity.
- Early identification and intervention for children with DAMP are crucial.
Abstract:
A population study of 409 seven-year-old children in a middle-sized Swedish town was performed. All children were examined by the same doctor and evaluated by means of parent interview, motor examinations, and teacher reports on behaviour in the classroom. Follow-up was carried out 8 months later. The rate of severe problems in the fields of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and deficits in attention, motor control, and perception (DAMP) (the combination of ADHD and DCD) was 6.1%, with boys being affected more frequently than girls. There was considerable overlap between ADHD and DCD, with about half of each diagnostic group also meeting criteria for the other diagnosis. Attention deficits at diagnosis strongly predicted attention deficits at follow-up. If parents had noted attention deficits in the home setting, then teachers almost always independently agreed that there were similar problems in the classroom. However, the reverse did not always apply. Clumsiness also showed striking stability over time. The diagnosis of DAMP, particularly severe DAMP, had a stronger association with classroom dysfunction and with high Conners scores than did diagnoses of ADHD or DCD. It is concluded that DAMP may be a clinically valid diagnostic construct.