Guidelines for identification and treatment of individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and associated fetal alcohol spectrum disorders based upon expert consensus

Gudjonsson, Gisli H.; O'Malley, Kieran D.; Young, Susan; Absoud, Michael; Blackburn, Carolyn; Branney, Polly; Colley, Bill; Farrag, Emad; Fleisher, Susan; Gudjonsson, Gisli H; Gregory, Ges; O'Malley, Kieran D; Kim, Keira; Plant, Moira; Rodriguez, Alina; Ozer, Susan; Takon, Inyang; Woodhouse, Emma; Mukherjee, Raja

Abstract

© 2016 The Author(s). Background: The association of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) results in a complex constellation of symptoms that complicates the successful diagnosis and treatment of the affected individual. Current literature lacks formal guidelines, randomized control trials, and evidence-based treatment plans for individuals with ADHD and associated FASD. Therefore, a meeting of professional experts was organized with the aim of producing a consensus on identification and treatment guidelines that will aid clinicians in caring for this unique patient population. Methods: Experts from multiple disciplines in the fields of ADHD and FASD convened in London, United Kingdom, for a meeting hosted by the United Kingdom ADHD Partnership (UKAP; www.UKADHD.com) in June 2015. The meeting provided the opportunity to address the complexities of ADHD and FASD from different perspectives and included presentations, discussions, and group work. The attendees worked towards producing a consensus for a unified approach to ADHD and associated FASD. Results: The authors successfully came to consensus and produced recommended guidelines with specific regards to identification and assessment, interventions and treatments, and multiagency liaisons and care management, highlighting that a lifespan approach to treatment needs to be adopted by all involved. Included in the guidelines are: 1) unique 'red flags', which when identified in the ADHD population can lead to an accurate associated FASD diagnosis, 2) a treatment decision tree, and 3) recommendations for multiagency care management. Conclusions: While clinically useful guidelines were achieved, more research is still needed to contribute to the knowledge base about the diagnosis, treatment, and management of those with ADHD and associated FASD.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 31, 2016
• Publication Date: Sep 22, 2016
• Deposit Date: Oct 27, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 27, 2016
• Journal: BMC Psychiatry
• Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 1
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-1027-y
• Keywords: attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, FASD, co-morbid or associated FASD, treatment guidelines, consensus, interventions
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/924705
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-1027-y
• Contract Date: Oct 27, 2016