Social and role functioning in help-seeking youth with clinical-high risk, ADHD comorbidity, and history of psychostimulant exposure
Year: 2016
Type: other
Abstract: Compared to the general population, the prevalence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is estimated to be two to five times higher in those with psychosis. Both disorders are characterized as neurodevelopmental, typically developing during periods of critical skill attainment and impacting important areas of functioning. Those with psychosis and a history of ADHD are also at increased risk for poor prognosis and trajectory across multiple domains of functioning. Less is known about this relation among individuals at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis. Findings point to a significant influence of dopamine dysregulation in both disorders. Stimulants and antipsychotics primarily act on the dopamine pathway and are related to deepening our understanding of etiological bases for both psychosis and ADHD. Further, research indicates that there is a significantly younger age of psychosis onset among those with prior psychostimulant exposure (e.g., approx. 2-4 years earlier than individuals without stimulant exposure). Importantly, earlier onset has been associated with poorer functional outcomes. In the present cross-sectional study, help-seeking participants aged 12-25 (n = 115, data collection ongoing) were administered the Structured Interview for Psychosis-risk Syndromes (SIPS), a diagnostic interview (to identify ADHD), and clinician-rated measures of functioning. After categorization into four groups (1. help-seeking control without history of ADHD or stimulant exposure [n = 32], 2. history of ADHD diagnosis without psychosis risk [n = 39], 3. CHR without history of ADHD or stimulant exposure [n = 23], and 4. CHR with history of ADHD and stimulant exposure [n = 21]), data were compared via One-Way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc methodology to investigate potential differences in functioning. Preliminary data suggest worse behavioral functioning toward others within the CHR/ADHD group compared to all three groups, possibly indicating greater impairments in social skills present in this risk group.
Authors: Sabrina Ereshefsky, Elizabeth Thompson, Caroline Demro, Camille Wilson, Nicole Jameson, Kristin Bussell, Caitlin Rush, Gloria Reeves, Jason Schiffman
Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W2733508815