ABSTRACT
Sensory processing issues, mainly known as sensory processing disorder or SPD, are frequent in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and are associated with learning and behavioral difficulties. However, previous studies suggest that these disturbances might also be present in typically developing children, reaching prevalence rates of 10-20%. Nevertheless, published studies have been primary been conducted in non-European countries. Therefore, we aim, as first objective, to explore the frequency of sensory processing difficulties in a random sample of school-age children from Spain to contribute to the study of its prevalence. The Sensory Profile-2 (SP2) assessment tool was administered to 369 participants to study their sensory processing patterns, the absence or presence of sensory processing issues, the affected sensory systems, as well as their socioemotional, attentional, and behavioral impact. Furthermore, as second objective, we have developed a novel strategy to classify SPD by severity ranges using SP2 yielded results; accordingly, the sample was classified as follows: no alteration, mild, moderate, and severe sensory processing alteration. The results show prevalence rates consistent with previous findings: 15.9% of participants met the severe alteration criteria and 10.5%, 11.1% and 62.5% were classified as moderate, mild and no alteration, respectively. Finally, we hypothesize about SPD and underlying neuropsychological processes that might be associated with this condition. Our results highlight the necessity of further research efforts to establish whether high-frequency and severity rates of sensory processing alterations are linked to neuropsychological variables. The provided classification system might be useful to determine such associations.
Subject(s)
Neurodevelopmental Disorders , Sensation Disorders , Attention , Child , Humans , Perception , Prevalence , Sensation Disorders/epidemiology , Sensation Disorders/psychologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCCIÓN: El diagnóstico del trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad (TDAH) se basa en la presencia de síntomas conductuales referidos por el paciente o por sus cuidadores, lo que lleva asociado un alto componente subjetivo. Esto señala la necesidad de incorporar biomarcadores que ayuden a identificar objetivamente esta condición y contribuyan a valorar cuantitativamente la evolución del paciente y la eficacia de los tratamientos. Estudios publicados en los últimos años sugieren que los datos obtenidos mediante electroencefalografía cuantitativa (qEEG) podrían ser útiles para el diagnóstico y seguimiento del paciente con TDAH; sin embargo, muchos profesionales desconocen su potencial. OBJETIVOS: Describir y discutir los principales hallazgos de la neurometría mediante qEEG en sujetos con TDAH en los últimos 10 años. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática basada en la metodología PRISMA sobre artículos originales publicados en los últimos 10 años e indexados en la base de datos PubMed, que aportaran datos obtenidos con qEEG en el contexto del TDAH. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron un total de 13 artículos de investigación de un total de 65 identificados inicialmente. CONCLUSIONES: Los parámetros de qEEG podrían aportar información relevante en el contexto del TDAH; sin embargo, su utilidad se limita actualmente a complementar otros métodos de diagnóstico subjetivo y no a su reemplazo, ya que los datos publicados son preliminares y se necesitan estudios más amplios y profundos. Sin embargo, el qEEG puede ayudar a entender mejor el TDAH, su neurofisiología, caracterizar sus subtipos y avanzar, por tanto, hacia tratamientos e intervenciones lo más personalizadas y efectivas posibles
INTRODUCTION: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis is based on behavioral symptoms referred by the patient or their caregivers, which includes a high subjective component. This highlights the need to find biomarkers that might help clinicians to objectively identify this condition and to assess the evolution of the patient and the effectiveness of the treatments using quantitative information. Previous studies suggest that data from quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) could be useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with ADHD; however, many professionals do not know its possibilities. AIMS. To describe and discuss the principal findings of qEEG neurometry in ADHD subjects along the last 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A systematic review, based on PRISMA methodology and using PubMed database, was carried out to identify original articles published in the last 10 years, that studied qEEG parameters within the ADHD context. RESULTS: A total of 13 research articles out of 65 were selected for an in-depth analysis. CONCLUSIONS: qEEG parameters could provide relevant information in the context of ADHD; however, its applicability is currently limited to complementing the subjective diagnosis methods and not to its replacement, as published data are just preliminary and need larger and deeper studies. However, qEEG data can help to better understand ADHD and its neurophysiology, characterize its subtypes and therefore move towards personalized and more effective treatments
Subject(s)
Humans , Electroencephalography/methods , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis , Follow-Up StudiesABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis is currently based on clinical observations and behavioral evaluations exclusively, without any biological determination. Molecular biomarkers are usually obtained from biological fluids, such as blood or urine, generally through invasive and uncomfortable procedures. Patients with autism are characterized by sensory reactivity and behavioral difficulties which make sample collection problematic. Saliva has emerged as a feasible alternative to obtain relevant biological information and is especially indicated in the case of children with autism due to its painless and noninvasive sampling characteristics. Furthermore, saliva represents a valuable resource to study candidate biomarkers of autism. This has resulted in a number of interesting studies reported during the last 5 years that we have gathered and briefly discussed.
