Early Morning Functioning Impairments in Children and Adolescents With ADHD- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children, which affected approximately 11% of children aged 4 to 17 years of age (6.4 million) in 2011. ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood and lasts into adulthood in approximately 65% to 75% of cases. A recent systematic literature review suggests that the annual incremental costs for the disorder in the United States are between $143 and $266 billion dollars.
Despite improvements with the drug delivery systems of ADHD medications, early morning functioning (EMF) remains an issue in many children with ADHD. According to a recent survey, the majority of caregivers reported early morning ADHD symptoms (74%) and EMF impairment (76%) as moderate to severe (ADHD symptom score: 5-10). Parents reported that they often: felt overwhelmed and exhausted (41%); raised their voice more (37%); and felt constantly stressed (30%) as a result of their child’s ADHD symptoms during the EMR.4 It was also noted that 79% of caregivers had discussed early morning impairments with their child’s physician. In light of these figures, a number of coping strategies, including nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions, have been developed. Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals to become more aware that the early morning is problematic for children with ADHD and their families.
Discuss the concept of early morning ADHD symptoms and related functional impairments as a significant unmet clinical need in school-age children diagnosed with ADHD.
Examine scales to measure before-school behaviors.
Discuss current nonpharmacologic strategies for coping with early morning ADHD symptoms in school-age children.
Discuss existing and emerging medications for managing early morning ADHD symptoms in school-age children.1.0 Free CEUs for Nurse Practitioners which includes 0.2 Hours of Pharmacology
Expires 1/20/17
This activity is supported by an educational grant from Ironshore Pharmaceuticals & Development, Inc.