Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Children With ADHD.

OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to compare retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness, and macular volume between children with ADHD and a control group. METHOD: The study group included children with ADHD and the control group consisted of age- and gender-matched participants without any psychiatric disorder. In all participants, RNFL thickness, macular thickness, and macular volume were measured by using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). ADHD symptom severity was evaluated by using parent-report measures, including Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form (CPRS-R: S) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Parent Form (SDQ: P). RESULTS: We compared 90 eyes of 45 children with ADHD and 90 eyes of 45 controls. ADHD group had significantly lower RNFL thickness only in nasal quadrant than the controls. The remaining RNFL quadrants, macular thickness, and volume were not significantly different between groups. There was a reverse correlation between RNFL thickness and ADHD symptom severity. CONCLUSION: This is the first study examining the RNFL thickness in ADHD. Our findings showed that nasal RNFL thickness was lower, indicating reduced unmyelinated axons in the retina of children with ADHD. The results of this study support the evidence that ADHD involves a lag in cortical maturation and this is measurable in the retina.

Autistic traits in women with primary dysmenorrhea: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have shown that women with autism spectrum disorder have higher rates of menstrual problems, including irregular menstrual cycles, unusually painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and excessive menstrual bleeding. In this study, we investigated the autistic traits in female university students with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). METHODS: Seventy females with PD and 70 females without PD were enrolled in the study. The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was used to measure autistic traits and the Brief Symptom Inventory was used for evaluating anxiety and depression levels. The dysmenorrheal pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), coded from 0 to 10. Weight and height were measured, and the body mass index was calculated. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of age, duration of education, and body mass index. Women with PD had higher AQ - Total, and AQ - Attention Switching subscale scores than subjects without PD. Spearman analysis revealed that AQ - Total and AQ - Attention Switching scores were correlated with VAS. According to the linear regression analysis, VAS was predicted only by AQ - Attention Switching subscale. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed an association between autistic traits and dysmenorrhea in typically developing females.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children with vocal fold nodules.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with vocal fold nodules (VNs). METHODS: Study group (SG) included children between 4 and 12 years. As a control group (CG), children between 4 and 12 years without VNs were included in the study. Parents of the participants completed the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form (CPRS-RS) which was used to analyze the symptoms of ADHD. RESULTS: Forty-five children (30 boys and 15 girls) with VNs and 45 controls (30 boys and 15 girls) were enrolled in the study. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the CPRS-RS Hyperactivity and Oppositional Subscales were significantly higher in the SG than the CG (p < .05), after controlling the effects of age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest associations between VNs and hyperactivity and oppositional behaviors in children. Clinicians should be aware of ADHD symptoms in children with VNs.

Association between age at menarche and autistic traits in Turkish university students.

OBJECTIVES: The androgen theory of autism suggests that masculinizing effect of fetal androgens may play a role in the expression of autism. Recent evidence showed that excessive prenatal androgen exposure might delay age at menarche (AAM). The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between autistic traits and AAM in a sample of nonclinical female university students. METHODS: Autistic traits were measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and AAM was questioned by retrospective self-reports. The AQ was completed by 436 female university students. RESULTS: There were significant positive correlations between AAM and AQ total and subscales measuring Social Skills, Communication, and Imagination. Subjects with above average autistic traits reported later AAM than subjects with below average autistic traits. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that there may be a common developmental mechanism between delayed menarche and autistic traits, possibly through elevated levels of prenatal androgens.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children with traumatic dental injuries.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with TDIs with to non-injured children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Children between 7 and 16 years old who were admitted to the Selcuk University, Faculty of Dentistry, for treatment of dental trauma were included in the study group (SG). As a control group (CG), children with no reported history of dental trauma were recruited. The Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form (CPRS-R: S) was used to assess ADHD symptoms. RESULTS: Both groups, SG and CG, composed of 55 children. There were no significant differences in age, gender, and duration of education between SG and CG. Children with TDIs had significantly higher CPRS-R: S Hyperactivity scores. Hyperactivity level was positively correlated with the history of previous dental trauma. There were no associations between number of injured teeth, type of injury, and ADHD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that children with TDIs have more hyperactive symptoms than children without dental trauma. Clinicians should screen ADHD symptoms in children with TDIs and refer them for treatment when necessary.