Journal of Attention Disorders current issue

ADHD Psychosocial Treatments: Generalization Reconsidered

Abikoff, H. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

ADHD in the Arab World: A Review of Epidemiologic Studies

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Objective: Epidemiological studies on psychiatric disorders are quite rare in the Arab World. This article reviews epidemiological studies on ADHD in all the Arab countries. Method: All epidemiological studies on ADHD conducted from 1966 through th present were reviewed. Samples were drawn from the general community, primary care clinical settings, and populations of traumatized children. Data on prevalence, gender differences, risk factors, comorbidity, and burden of ADHD were reviewed. Results: ADHD rates in Arab populations were similar to those in other cultures. Comparisons within Arab studies were difficult given the variability of methodology and instruments used. Conclusion: There is an important need for research on ADHD in the Arab World, not only to assess the national prevalence in children and adolescents, but also to look at the differential burden and treatment of this disorder, which has high levels of mental comorbidities and high impact across the life span. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 13(3) 211-222)

Editor's Note

Goldstein, S. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Hyper-activity in Children Having Behavior Disorders

Childers, A.T. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Commentary on Hyper-activity in Children Having Behavior Disorders (Childers, 1935)

Barkley, R. A. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Introduction to Special Series on College Students With ADHD

DuPaul, G. J., Weyandt, L. L. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

College Students With ADHD: Current Status and Future Directions

DuPaul, G. J., Weyandt, L. L., O'Dell, S. M., Varejao, M. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Approximately 2 to 8% of the college population reports clinically significant levels of ADHD symptomatology and at least 25% of college students with disabilities are diagnosed with ADHD. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted with findings consistently indicating academic deficits associated with ADHD in college students. It is less clear whether this disorder significantly impacts social, psychological, and neuropsychological functioning. Although several self- and parent-report measures have been developed for this population, very few studies of assessment methods have been conducted. Similarly, no controlled studies of psychopharmacological, psychosocial, or educational interventions have been completed in samples of college students with ADHD. Non-prescribed use (i.e., diversion) of stimulant medication is a growing problem with approximately 7% of college students reporting this behavior. Studies, to date, are limited by lack of controlled investigations, use of small samples, and lack of confirmation of diagnostic status. Comprehensive and methodologically sound investigations are needed, especially regarding treatment, to promote the success of students with ADHD in higher education settings. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 13(3) 234-250)

ADHD Symptomatology and Its Relationship to Factors Associated With College Adjustment

Norwalk, K., Norvilitis, J. M., MacLean, M. G. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Objective: The present study assessed the relationship between self-reported ADHD symptomatology in college students and various factors that are associated with persistence in college. Method: A total of 321 students completed questionnaires examining ADHD symptoms, academic and social adjustment to college, career decision-making self-efficacy, study skills, and GPA. Results: Analyses indicated that higher levels of ADHD symptoms were significantly related to lower levels of career decision-making self-efficacy, academic adjustment, study skills, and GPA. Regression analyses revealed that only the inattentive cluster of symptoms was a significant predictor of career decision-making self-efficacy, study skills, and academic adjustment. Conclusion: These results suggest that the inattentive symptoms of ADHD may have a particularly negative effect on success in college. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 13(3) 251-258)

Motives and Perceived Consequences of Nonmedical ADHD Medication Use by College Students: Are Students Treating Themselves for Attention Problems?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Objective: This study examines why college students without a prescription take ADHD medication, what they perceive the consequences of this to be, and whether attention problems are associated with this behavior. Method: More than 3,400 undergraduates attending one public and one private university in the southeastern United States completed a Web-based survey. Results: Nonmedical ADHD medication use in the prior 6 months was reported by 5.4% of respondents and was positively associated with self-reported attention difficulties. Enhancing the ability to study was the most frequent motive reported; nonacademic motives were less common. Students perceived nonmedical use to be beneficial despite frequent reports of adverse reactions. Conclusion: Students without prescriptions use ADHD medication primarily to enhance academic performance and may do so to ameliorate attention problems that they experience as undermining their academic success. The academic, social, and biomedical consequences of illicit ADHD medication use among college students should be researched further. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 13(3) 259-270)

College Students' Attitudes Toward Their ADHD Peers

Chew, B. L., Jensen, S. A., Rosen, L. A. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Objective: The attitudes of college students with and without ADHD toward peers with ADHD were examined. Method: A total of 196 college students (30 diagnosed with ADHD) anonymously completed four attitude measures. General analyses of attitudes toward peers with ADHD as well as comparisons between those with and without ADHD are made. Results: For all participants, but especially for those with ADHD, more frequent contact with peers with ADHD was associated with more positive attitudes toward individuals with ADHD. Only half of individuals with ADHD report receiving adequate accommodations, and only half of those report actually using the available accommodations. Overall, more negative than positive adjectives were endorsed as describing individuals with ADHD, and this was especially true for individuals with ADHD in comparison to those without ADHD. Conclusion: Contact with other individuals with ADHD may be especially important for college students with ADHD. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 13(3) 271-276)

Diagnosing Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in College Students: An Investigation of the Impact of Informant Ratings on Diagnosis and Subjective Impairment

Katz, N., Petscher, Y., Welles, T. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Objective: Formal criteria for the use informant-ratings of adult ADHD symptoms have not been established yet they are commonplace in standard assessment batteries. Method: The current study explores the relationship between self- and informant-ratings and the impact of requiring interrater agreement in a sample comprised of 190 self-referred college students. Results: Participants self-reported higher childhood and current symptoms scores and current impairment scores than informants. Similarities were evident between diagnostic groups who met ADHD criteria by self-report only and by both sources when considering the number of self-reported settings of impairment. Diagnostic groups who met criteria by informant-report only and by both sources were similar when considering informant-reported settings of impairment. Conclusion: Participants who meet criteria for ADHD based on one source endorse a similar number of settings of impairment as participants who meet criteria for ADHD by both sources. The implications for the use of informant-ratings are presented. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 13(3) 277-283)

Nonmedical Prescription Stimulant Use Among a Sample of College Students: Relationship With Psychological Variables

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Objective: To further investigate use and potential misuse of prescription stimulants (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta) among a sample of college students and to explore the relationship between psychological variables and nonmedical stimulant use. Method: The sample consisted of 390 college students (71.6% female, 28.4% male). Participants were asked to complete five questionnaires concerning demographic information, prescription stimulant use, internal restlessness, sensation seeking, and psychological distress. Results: The study findings revealed that, regarding nonprescribed stimulants, 7.5% reported use within the past 30 days; 60% reported knowing students who misused stimulants; and 50% agreed or strongly agreed that prescription stimulants were "easy to get on this campus." Findings further revealed a relationship between stimulant use and degree of psychological distress and internal restlessness. Conclusions: Continued research regarding psychological variables, specific group membership (e.g., fraternity, sorority, athletics), and stimulant acquisition is suggested. Effective prevention and education efforts are needed to help address the nonmedical use of prescription stimulants on college campuses. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 13(3) 284-296)

Self-Reported ADHD and Adjustment in College: Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Findings

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Objective: To examine the association between self-reported ADHD and college adjustment. Participants: Study 1 included nearly 3400 undergraduates attending a public and private university. Study 2 included 846 students who participated during freshman and sophomore year. Method: Students completed a web-based survey that assessed diagnostic status and adjustment in multiple domains. Results: Relative to other students, those with self-reported ADHD had lower GPAs and reported more academic concerns, depressive symptoms, social concerns, emotional instability, and substance use. Overall, however, most were making satisfactory adjustments in these domains. Benefits of medication treatment were not found. Freshman year ADHD predicted lower GPA, increased academic concerns and alcohol use, and smoking initiation. Conclusion: Students with ADHD struggled relative to peers but most were adjusting reasonably well across multiple domains. Future research should move beyond the use of self-reported diagnosis and more carefully examine the impact of medication treatment in this population. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 13(3) 297-309)

Test and Product Review: Pediatric Attention Disorders Diagnostic Screener

Huang, L. V. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT

Current Literature in ADHD

Goldstein, S. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:29:39 PDT