What's in the pipeline? Drugs in development for autism spectrum disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with both core symptoms and associated symptoms (eg, irritability, aggression, and comorbidities) that affect both the individual and the family/systems around them. There have been recent advances in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of ASD pertaining to genetics, epigenetics, neurological, hormonal, and environmental factors that contribute to the difficulties found in individuals with ASD. With this improved understanding, there has been a shift in the application of psychopharmacology in ASD and its related disorders.

Co-existing symptoms and risk factors among African school children with hyperactivity-inattention symptoms in Kinshasa, Congo.

Unlabelled: The aims of the study were to explore hyperactivity-inattention (HI) symptoms and co-existing symptoms of emotional and behavioural problems among African school children and their relationship with health status, socio-demographic factors, and school performance.

Method: A case-control approach was used. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to explore the co-existing emotional and behavioural symptoms and a semi-structured interview with parents to explore the socio-demographic variables.

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder among school children in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and determinants of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms among school children in Kinshasa, an African urban setting.

Methods: The 18-items of the Disruptive Behaviour Disorder rating scale (DBD), which is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental disorders 4(th) edition (DSM-IV), were used to investigate the presence of ADHD symptoms. Parents interviews, using a questionnaire specially designed for the study, were performed to identify socio-demographic characteristics.

Cognition in African children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The aims of the study were: (1) to describe the performance of African children with symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder on selected neuropsychologic tests and compare it with performance among peers of the same age without symptoms; (2) to explore through a factor analysis if the selected tests cover the same functions as known from studies in Europe and North America. A nested case-control approach was used to select the two groups of children. The tests were selected to measure aspects of executive functions, attention and memory functions as well as motor skills.

Teacher ratings of mental health among school children in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Aim: In Africa, little is known about child mental health. This study piloted the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Kinshasa, investigated mental health problems and the association between these problems and school performance, demographic factors, illness and nutrition.

Methods: An epidemiological survey was conducted with 1,187 children, 7-9 years old, recruited from randomly selected schools.