Young Adult Outcomes for Children With 22q11 Deletion Syndrome and Comorbid ADHD. (25th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taylor, Lea E; Kates, Wendy R; Fremont, Wanda; Antshel, Kevin M
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric psychology. Volume 43:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 636
• Page End: 644
• Publication Date: 2018-01-25
• Subjects: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome -- ADHD -- developmental delay -- longitudinal; Clinical child psychology -- Periodicals; 618.9289005
• DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsy002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-8693

Abstract

Abstract: Background: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a common microdeletion syndrome associated with a variety of negative health, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes. 22q11DS is comorbid with many psychiatric disorders including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current study aimed to investigate the cognitive, behavioral, and functional outcomes that a childhood ADHD diagnosis predicts to in adulthood . Methods: This longitudinal study followed 52 individuals with 22q11DS over 9 years. Childhood ADHD was operationalized both categorically (Diagnostic and statistical manual - 4th edition (DSM-IV) ADHD diagnoses) and dimensionally (inattentive and hyperactive–impulsive symptoms) and was tested as predictors of young adult outcomes. Results: As young adults, children with 22q11DS + baseline ADHD had more parent-reported executive dysfunction and lower levels of clinician-rated overall functioning than those with 22q11DS yet without ADHD. Dimensional symptoms of ADHD in childhood did not predict young adult outcomes. No self-report differences emerged between those with and without baseline ADHD. The majority (82.4%) of individuals with 22q11DS + baseline ADHD were never treated with an ADHD medication. Conclusions: A categorical diagnosis of ADHD in childhood predicted a greater variety of worse outcomes than dimensional levels of ADHD symptoms. Despite the significant impact of comorbid ADHD in 22q11DS, evidence-based treatment rates were low.