title: Profiles, co-morbidity and their relationship to treatment of 191 children with AD/HD and their families.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: CAMHS Ashurst Hospital, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7AR, UK. mt1@soton.ac.uk
authors.forename: Margaret J J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Xavier M
authors.initials: XM
authors.lastname: Brooke
authors.forename: Carolyn A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: Helen R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Emily J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Bumby
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brodrick
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pepe
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Laver-Bradbury
authors.forename: Nicky
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate