Profiles, co-morbidity and their relationship to treatment of 191 children with AD/HD and their families.
BACKGROUND
This study was set up to re-audit our use of a protocol for the assessment and treatment for children on psycho-stimulant medication within a community clinic for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (AD/HD) and to examine the profile of children and their families referred to the clinic in order to consider their assessment and treatment needs.


METHODS
A questionnaire based on results from previous studies was completed for 191 patients from a case note audit, and by questioning clinicians. Key areas examined were symptomatology and child and family variables, which included learning difficulties, medical problems, psychosocial factors and side-effects of medication.


RESULTS
The protocol was used appropriately with the majority of children. Children with AD/HD referred to the clinic often presented with co-morbid psychopathology, e. g. conduct disorder, low self-esteem, and frequently experienced family and psychosocial difficulties.


CONCLUSIONS
Protocols in clinics are useful as this should maintain good practice and allow on-going monitoring, but they need precise use. Also, as many children with AD/HD present with co-morbid psychopathology and complicated family dynamics to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, this will influence assessment and treatment needs and require increased resources.
Thompson
Margaret J J
MJ
CAMHS Ashurst Hospital, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7AR, UK. mt1@soton.ac.uk
Brooke
Xavier M
XM
West
Carolyn A
CA
Johnson
Helen R
HR
Bumby
Emily J
EJ
Brodrick
Paul
P
Pepe
Gloria
G
Laver-Bradbury
Cathy
C
Scott
Nicky
N
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate