What are the outcomes for children with attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder in child and youth mental health community clinics?

Abstract

Background: Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are mainly referred to Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) community clinics in case of complicating factors, such as comorbidity. It is unknown what their outcomes are in comparison to those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other psychiatric disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to compare treatment outcomes between children with ADHD, ADHD and other psychiatric disorders. Methods: Routinely collected data from outpatients (5-17 years; N = 3305) who attended CYMHS community clinics from 2013 to 2018 were analysed. Those with a diagnosis of ADHD were compared to those with ASD and other psychiatric diagnoses on demographics, baseline and endof- treatment routine outcome measures, extracted from electronic health records: clinician reported (Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents, HoNOSCa) and general functioning (Children's Global Assessment Scale, CGAS) and parent reported problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ). Results: Results indicate that mean baseline and end-oftreatment scores on routine outcome monitoring (ROMs) do not differ between those with ADHD and those with ASD; however, both groups had poorer outcomes than those with other psychiatric diagnoses. Relative to baseline, all three groups improved on ROMs; however, effect sizes were smaller for the ADHD and ASD groups. Conclusion: Children with ADHD and/or ASD seem to do worse than children with other diagnoses. It is unclear whether this is due to unmet needs or whether only the most complex cases with ADHD or ASD are referred to CYMHS community clinics. More intense treatment programmes need to be developed.L6351890762021-06-10 <br />