Using a Digital Meditation Application to Mitigate Anxiety and Sleep Problems in Children with ADHD.

ADHD affects 11% of children in the United States and is associated with significant levels of anxiety. Although the literature supports mindfulness-based interventions as a promising strategy for managing anxiety, it falls short in the feasibility of digital mindfulness interventions. This study investigated the usefulness of the pediatric version of Headspace, a digital mindfulness program, for reducing stress in 18 children with ADHD.

Further evidence of low adherence to stimulant treatment in adult ADHD: an electronic medical record study examining timely renewal of a stimulant prescription.

Rationale: ADHD is a prevalent and morbid neurobiological disorder affecting up to 5% of adults. While stimulants have been documented to be safe and effective in adults with ADHD, uncertainties remain about adherence to these treatments.

Objectives: The main aim of this article was to evaluate contemporaneous rates and correlates of adherence to stimulants in adults with ADHD using data from electronic medical records from a large healthcare organization focusing on timely renewal of an initial prescription.

A novel digital health intervention to improve patient engagement to stimulants in adult ADHD in the primary care setting: Preliminary findings from an open label study.

Aims: We piloted the effectiveness and acceptability of a novel text messaging-based (SMS) digital health intervention aimed at addressing the previously documented poor rate of patient engagement in stimulant treatment in the primary care setting.

Methods: 117 adults ages 18-55 from primary care and psychiatric practices who were prescribed a stimulant medication for ADHD treatment received the SMS intervention. Comparators were age-, race-, and sex-matched patients from the same health care organization's electronic medical record who had been prescribed stimulant medications over a similar time period.

Toward operationalizing deficient emotional self-regulation in newly referred adults with ADHD: A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis.

Background: A growing body of research suggests that deficient emotional self-regulation (DESR) is common and morbid among attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients. The main aim of the present study was to assess whether high and low levels of DESR in adult ADHD patients can be operationalized and whether they are clinically useful.

Methods: A total of 441 newly referred 18- to 55-year-old adults of both sexes with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fifth Edition (DSM-5) ADHD completed self-reported rating scales.

An innovative SMS intervention to improve adherence to stimulants in children with ADHD: Preliminary findings.

Background: Although large datasets document that stimulants decrease the risk for many adverse ADHD-associated outcomes, compliance with stimulants remains poor.

Aims: This study examined the effectiveness of a novel ADHD-centric text messaging-based intervention aimed to improve adherence to stimulant medications in children with ADHD.

Methods: Subjects were 87 children aged 6-12, who were prescribed a stimulant medication for ADHD treatment.

A literature review and meta-analysis on the effects of ADHD medications on functional outcomes.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature from large databases and registries to assess the effects of ADHD medication on associated functional outcomes.

Study Design: A literature search was performed in PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Web of Science for articles published prior to January 2019. Sample size, age range, country of origin, medication type, number of functional events and non-events, odds ratios and hazard ratios, and means and standard deviations were extracted.

A prospective open-label trial of long-acting liquid methylphenidate for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in intellectually capable adults with autism spectrum disorder.

This treatment trial is aimed at assessing the short-term tolerability and efficacy of liquid-formulation extended-release methylphenidate (MPH-ER) for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HF-ASD). A 6-week open-label trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02096952) was conducted in 15 HF-ASD adults (mean age 24.

Predictive utility of autistic traits in youth with ADHD: a controlled 10-year longitudinal follow-up study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the stability and predictive utility of autistic traits (ATs) in youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were referred youth with and without ADHD, without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and their siblings, derived from identically designed longitudinal case-control family studies of boys and girls with ADHD. Subjects were assessed with structured diagnostic interviews and measures of social, cognitive, and educational functioning.

Quantifying the Protective Effects of Stimulants on Functional Outcomes in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Focus on Number Needed to Treat Statistic and Sex Effects.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to help quantify the protective effects of stimulant treatment on important functional outcomes in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using the number needed to treat (NNT) statistic and examine whether these effects are moderated by sex.

Methods: Subjects were derived from three independent samples, two similarly designed case-control, 10-year prospective follow-up studies of boys and girls with and without ADHD grown up and a cross-sectional randomized clinical trial of lisdexamfetamine on driving performance and behavior. For all studies, subjects were evaluated with structured diagnostic interviews.

Can the CANTAB identify adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? A controlled study.

We examined the diagnostic utility of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) for identifying adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The sample consisted of clinically referred adults aged 18 to 60 years old, with ( = 474) and without ( = 163) DSM-IV diagnosis of ADHD. All subjects were administered seven subtests from the CANTAB that targeted domains of executive functioning and verbal memory.

Clinical correlates of mind wandering in adults with ADHD.

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical correlates of ADHD patients with mind wandering. 255 consecutively referred 18- to 55-year-old adults of both sexes with ADHD were assessed. Subjects completed a demographic interview, the Mind Wandering Questionnaire (MWQ), the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD RS), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version (BRIEF-A), the Social Responsiveness Scale - Second Edition (SRS-2) Adult Self-Report Form, the Adult Self-Report (ASR), the Barkley Emotional Dysregulation Scale, and the Quality of Life Enjoyment & Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q).

Evidence of Low Adherence to Stimulant Medication Among Children and Youths With ADHD: An Electronic Health Records Study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate rates and correlates of stimulant medication adherence in a sample of pediatric patients using data derived from electronic medical records (EMRs) from a large health care organization in a large metropolitan area. The study relied on a novel definition of medication adherence as a timely renewal of an index prescription determined using the electronically recorded issuance of a stimulant prescription in the EMR ("refill").

Methods: Prescription and sociodemographic data were extracted from the Partners HealthCare Research Patient Data Registry to calculate adherence to stimulant medication treatment.

A Novel Text Message Intervention to Improve Adherence to Stimulants in Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurobiological disorder associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes. Although large data sets document that stimulants decrease the risks for many ADHD-associated adverse outcomes, compliance with stimulants remains very poor. The main aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a novel text messaging-based intervention aimed at improving the poor rate of adherence to stimulant medications in adults with ADHD.

A Retrospective Chart Review of Buspirone for the Treatment of Anxiety in Psychiatrically Referred Youth with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Objectives: Anxiety disorders (ADs) are commonly associated with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HF-ASD) and often worsen with age. Buspirone is a commonly prescribed anxiolytic drug with a favorable tolerability profile that may offer potential benefits in anxiety management for patients with HF-ASD. This study examines inadequately explored tolerability and effectiveness of buspirone in treating ADs comorbid with high-functioning ASD.

Neuropsychological changes in patients with substance use disorder after completion of a one month intensive outpatient treatment program.

Background And Objectives: Data suggest individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) exhibit high rates of executive functioning (EF) impairment, and that EF level can predict treatment retention. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if patients who completed a 1 month intensive outpatient program (IOP) for SUD demonstrated recovered EF.

Methods: Baseline and follow-up neurocognitive functioning was assessed by the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and the self-reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF-A) questionnaire.

Towards operationalising internal distractibility (Mind Wandering) in adults with ADHD.

Objective: To investigate whether specific symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can help identify ADHD patients with mind wandering.

Methods: Subjects were adults ages 18-55 of both sexes (n=41) who completed the Mind-Wandering Questionnaire (MWQ) and the ADHD module of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Epidemiologic Version. We used Spearman's rank correlation and Pearson's χ2 analyses to examine associations between the ADHD module and the MWQ and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of the ADHD module.

Do Pharmaceuticals Improve Driving in Individuals with ADHD? A Review of the Literature and Evidence for Clinical Practice.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined as a disorder of impaired attention and/or behavioral control. Studies suggest that the condition can dispose individuals to a higher risk of automobile accidents. ADHD symptoms respond to pharmacotherapy in a majority of uncomplicated cases.

Factors associated with attrition in substance using patients enrolled in an intensive outpatient program.

Background And Objectives: Data suggest individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) have high rates of attrition from treatment and exhibit impairments on measures of executive functioning (EF). The primary aim of this pilot study was to investigate if EF is associated with attrition from a 1 month intensive outpatient program (IOP) for SUD, and examine the feasibility of implementing the project.

Methods: Baseline neurocognitive functioning was assessed by the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and the self-reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF-A) questionnaire.

Does Working Memory Impact Functional Outcomes in Individuals With ADHD: A Qualitative and Comprehensive Literature Review.

Objective: Working Memory (WM) is a domain of executive functioning often impaired in individuals with ADHD. Although assumed to cause difficulties across functioning, the scope of impairments from WM deficits in ADHD has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine outcomes associated with WM deficits in ADHD.

Neuropsychological functioning in college students who misuse prescription stimulants.

Background And Objectives: Relatively little is known about the neuropsychological profiles of college students who misuse prescription stimulant medications.

Methods: Data presented are from college students aged 18-28 years who misused prescription stimulants prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and controls (no prescription stimulant misuse). Students were assessed neuropsychologically using the self-report Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF-A), the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test and Battery (CANTAB), and other tests of cognitive functioning.

Further Evidence for Smoking and Substance Use Disorders in Youth With Bipolar Disorder and Comorbid Conduct Disorder.

Objective: Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a highly morbid disorder increasingly recognized in adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the relative risk for substance use disorders (SUDs; alcohol or drug abuse or dependence) and cigarette smoking in adolescents with BPD.

Methods: We evaluated the relative risk for SUDs and cigarette smoking in a case-controlled, 5-year prospective follow-up of adolescents with (n = 105, mean ± SD baseline age = 13.

A Prospective Open-Label Trial of Memantine Hydrochloride for the Treatment of Social Deficits in Intellectually Capable Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This prospective 12-week open-label trial evaluates the tolerability and efficacy of memantine hydrochloride for the treatment of core social and cognitive deficits in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Measures for assessment of therapeutic response included the Social Responsiveness Scale-Adult Research Version (SRS-A), disorder-specific Clinical Global Impression scales, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Adult Self-Report, Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy Scale, and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Eighteen adults (mean age, 28 ± 9.

A study of the neuropsychological correlates in adults with high functioning autism spectrum disorders.

Objective: To examine the unique neuropsychological presentation in adults with high functioning autism spectrum disorders (HF-ASD) by comparison with adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods: Adults with ASD referred to a specialty clinic (n=26) were compared to two non-ASD groups with (n=52) and without (n=52) ADHD of similar age and sex.

Results: No differences in IQ were found.

Clinical correlates of working memory deficits in youth with and without ADHD: A controlled study.

Objective: Both working memory (WM; a brain system that provides temporary storage and manipulation of the information) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been associated with educational deficits. Since WM deficits are prevalent in children with ADHD, the main aim of the present study was to examine whether educational deficits are driven by working memory deficits or driven by the effect of ADHD itself.

Method: Participants were referred youth with (N = 276) and without (N = 241) ADHD ascertained from pediatric and psychiatric sources.