Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis
Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 2018
Abstract
Background
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic life-threatening disease. In patients who suffer from chronic disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with functional impairment that can affect adherence to treatment and consequently influence prognosis.
Methods
CF patients filled in the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) adapted to the DSM5 and were assessed on a continuous performance task (MOXO-CPT), a standardized-computerized test designed to evaluate several domains of attention.
Results
Of the 175 patients (99 males), 18% presented ADHD symptoms, according to ADHD-RS; 16% in the younger group (< 18 years), and 18.9% in the adult group. The male to female ratio was 3:1 in children and 1:1 in adults. Conclusions The occurrence of ADHD symptoms in patients with CF is substantially higher than in the general population and should be recognized as a co-morbidity of CF. As ADHD can impair adherence to therapy, further research is needed to investigate the effect of ADHD therapy on adherence.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic life-threatening disease. In patients who suffer from chronic disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with functional impairment that can affect adherence to treatment and consequently influence prognosis.
Methods
CF patients filled in the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) adapted to the DSM5 and were assessed on a continuous performance task (MOXO-CPT), a standardized-computerized test designed to evaluate several domains of attention.
Results
Of the 175 patients (99 males), 18% presented ADHD symptoms, according to ADHD-RS; 16% in the younger group (< 18 years), and 18.9% in the adult group. The male to female ratio was 3:1 in children and 1:1 in adults. Conclusions The occurrence of ADHD symptoms in patients with CF is substantially higher than in the general population and should be recognized as a co-morbidity of CF. As ADHD can impair adherence to therapy, further research is needed to investigate the effect of ADHD therapy on adherence.
