Profiles, co-morbidity and their relationship to treatment of 191 children with AD/HD and their families.

Thompson MJ, Brooke XM, West CA, Johnson HR, Bumby EJ, Brodrick P, Pepe G, Laver-Bradbury C, Scott N.

CAMHS Ashurst Hospital, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7AR, UK. mt1@soton.ac.uk

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. METHOD: 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.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15365894&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_DocSum