This study aimed to explore the influence of adult attachment on relationship quality in parents of children with ADHD. A mixed methods design was used to address the research objectives. Study One (quantitative) explored the different pressures that having a child with ADHD places on parents with different attachment styles, and how the parents differ in their way of responding to such pressures based on their attachment styles. Two hundred and fifty four participants were employed: 101 parents of children with ADHD, and 153 parents of children without ADHD. Four established questionnaires were used: Connors Parental rating Scale (CPRS), Communication Pattern Questionnaire (CPQ), Experience in Close Relationship (ECR), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). The results showed that parents of children with ADHD reported greater marital conflict and worse dyadic adjustment than parents of children without ADHD. Moreover, behavioural problems in children with ADHD correlated negatively with interpersonal relationship in the parental couple. Finally, attachment style moderated the impact of ADHD symptoms on interpersonal problems in the couple. On the other hand, Study Two (qualitative) explored parents’ experiences of how the disorganised behaviour of children with ADHD or the normal naughtiness of children without ADHD had an impact on the relationship. The differences between parents with children with and without ADHD with regard to their attachment styles were also studied. Forty eight participants extracted from the Study One were participated in this Study Two. The results through the thematic analyses indicated that parents of children with ADHD experienced the stress related to their children’s condition which was negatively affected their couple relationship. Not only that, the parents with different attachment styles experienced differently in both group. In considering both studies, the qualitative themes may explain how attachment insecurity moderates the impact of having a child with ADHD on relationship variables. The theme may be particularly important, as it may have a negative influence on the interpersonal communication of the parents with insecurity attachment. It is proposed that this research can make a contribution towards relevant intervention programs to facilitate support for parents of children with ADHD.

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published_or_final_version / Medicine / Master / Doctor of Medicine

3,4-(±)-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) is a widely abused amphetamine derivative with potent stimulant properties. The neuropharmacological effects of MDMA are biphasic in nature. MDMA initially causes synaptic monoamine release, primarily of serotonin (5-HT), producing hyperthermia and hyperactivity (5-HT syndrome). Conversely, the long-term effects of MDMA manifest as a prolonged depletion in 5-HT, and structural damage to serotonergic nerve terminals. Monoamine transporter systems at the plasma membrane and storage vesicles of 5-HT neurons have been implicated in MDMA toxicity. Nonetheless, many mechanistic questions remain regarding the precise role of uptake transporters in MDMA neurotoxicity. The present study was designed to address the importance of the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) and the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) to the physiological, behavioral and neurotoxic responses to MDMA. SERT functions as a primary regulator of 5-HT homeostasis, mediating the reuptake of 5-HT from the synaptic space following its release during neurotransmission. SERT is a molecular target site for MDMA and many antidepressant agents such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. Pharmacological inhibition of SERT protects against MDMA-induced serotonergic neurotoxicity. Thus, the effects of MDMA are in part mediated by an ability to interact with and inhibit SERT. Using a SERT-knockout (SERT-KO) rat model, we determined that SERT deficiency modulated the acute toxicities of MDMA, such as hyperthermia and hyperactivity, whilst completely preventing long-term depletions in tissue 5-HT levels, indicating the abolishment of neurotoxicity. Disruption of vesicular monoamine storage via interaction with VMAT2 has also been implicated in MDMA neurotoxicity. VMAT2 participates in the transport of monoamine neurotransmitters, in particular 5-HT and dopamine (DA), into intra-neuronal storage vesicles. As such, VMAT2 is critical in maintaining neuronal health by preventing neurotransmitter oxidation within the cytosol. Pharmacological inhibition of VMAT2 with Ro4-1284 reduced MDMA-induced hyperactivity and averted hyperthermia along with persistent serotonergic deficits. Overall, our results corroborate the hypothesis that SERT and VMAT2 are critical to the in vivo effects of MDMA. Furthermore, given that VMAT2 inhibition diminished the behavioral response to MDMA in rats, pharmacological manipulation of this transporter could be used in the treatment of MDMA abuse and overdose.

Aim: To explore parents’ experiences when caring for a child with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The coping mechanisms employed by the parents in such a situation were also investigated. Objectives: To gain an understanding of the parents’ experiences when their child has ADHD. The factors affecting these experiences include dealing with their child’s behaviours, receiving an ADHD diagnosis, deciding on treatment and coping resources. Research Design: Through a qualitative, phenomenological approach, this study is characterized by an interpretative style with the aim of facilitating an in-depth exploration of the participants’ experiences. Subjects: A non-probability, purposive sample was used. The sample consisted of 12 parents. The only requirements for the sample were: 1. The participant must be the primary caretaker of a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD and is being treated for ADHD. 2. The participant’s child must be 18 years old or younger. Data Collection: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were used as an instrument for collecting the required data and were devised in order to appropriately address the objectives of this study. Data Analysis: The transcripts were analyzed thematically using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) in order to identify relevant and common parental experiences. Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Theory of Stress (TTS) and Coping was utilized as a conceptual framework to help make sense of the emergent themes. Results: Participants in the present study displayed increased levels of stress and frustration when caring for a child with ADHD. The child’s difficult behaviours frequently induced a sense of incompetence in the parents and a desire to use physical punishment on the child. The participants employed various methods of coping in order to adapt to their child’s disorder. Such efforts included modifying daily routines and utilizing social support. Most of these coping efforts helped to diminish stress and anxiety and improved parent-child relationships. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban,2009.

This thesis tests the hypothesis proposed by Liemkuhler (1994) relating to the development of a cluster of personality styles among ADHD adolescents. Liemkuhler suggests that it is a neurobiological dysfunction, through its interaction with psychodynamic and cognitive processes that predisposes the ADHD adolescent to the development of certain personality styles. An absence of appropriate intervention and support increases the risk of these personality styles developing into clinical syndromes. To determine whether differences in personality styles do exist between ADHD adolescents and adolescents without ADHD, the NED Five Factor Inventory (NEDFFI) was group administered to a sample of 25 adolescents who were previously diagnosed as having ADHD (referred to as the ' research group') and 25 controls (referred to as the ' control group') who were matched for age and educational level. Five testable hypotheses were formulated for each of the five personality scales. A comparison of each of the five scales between the research group and the control group yielded no significant result to support Liemkuhler's hypothesis. However, a comparison of the five scales within each group (either the research group or the control group) produced several significant differences. Significant correlations were also found between scales for each group. On the basis of these results it is suggested that specific differences in the facets (traits) that are measured by each of the five personality scales may exist for each group, as opposed to overall group differences in personality styles. It is further proposed that the facets that are tapped may be explained on the basis of assumed differences in the neurobiological and cognitive functioning of both groups. It is tentatively concluded that the results may provide partial support for Liemkuhler's hypothesis. However, it is acknowledged that the complexity of Liemkulher's argument warrants further and more detailed research. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

This thesis used the electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure the electrophysiological correlates of auditory distraction. Chapter One determined that relative to broad-band noise, the presence of a continuous speech signal impaired task performance, attenuated the N1 peak and reduced theta/alpha band inter-trial phase coherence around the latency of the N1. Chapter Two found that reductions of inter-trial phase coherence during distraction were related to both disruptions of gain and the temporal fidelity of evoked responses. Chapter Three found that postsecondary adults with ADHD are not characterized by greater levels of distraction and that this population may be responding to sensory events with abnormally high phase locking. Chapter Three also found that Un-medicated ADHD adults had significantly more N1 latency, theta/alpha band evoked power than Medicated ADHD or Control groups. These results extend the literature on distraction by using time-frequency measures to assess how distraction modulates early sensory processing of stimulus events. / xxii, 171 p. : col. ill. ; 29 cm

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively common psychiatric disorder affecting 5-10% of child and 4% of the adult population. The disorder involves both behavioural problems and cognitive deficits, which are believed to be associated with neurological differences seen in this population. There has been increasing interest in understanding the cognitive deficits and neurological basis associated with ADHD. Neuropsychological examinations are an affordable tool, which can be used to improve our understanding of the cognitive deficits associated with the disorder and aid in clinical care. Currently, there is no standardized neuropsychological assessment that can be used in this population. In order to assist in developing a sound, predominately computerized test battery, which would assess deficits commonly seen in adults with ADHD, a neuropsychological project was piloted to examine recruitment and test utility. The majority of the tests were computerized and had population norms. The test battery was piloted on 8 patients on and off medication, and 4 patients completed the test battery twice off medication to examine potential practice effects. A discussion of feasibility and utility of the neuropsychological test battery for adults with ADHD ensues.

Children with alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder differ on neuropsychological tasks and measures of eye movement control. M.Sc. Thesis, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, January 2010. Background: Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) accounts for the majority of diagnoses associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Unfortunately, ARND frequently poses a significant clinical challenge as these patients lack the visible physical characteristics associated with alcohol teratogenicity. Moreover, the cognitive and behavioural disabilities are complex and overlap with those of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, co-morbid ADHD is prevalent in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. While early and accurate diagnosis provides the best prognosis for those affected, there is a lack of tools for differential diagnosis between these two disorders. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that children with ARND exhibit different performance from children with ADHD on computer-based neuropsychological tests and eye movement tasks. Methods: Our study group was composed of 42 children with ARND and 31 children with ADHD aged 8-15 years, male and female. Children completed four tasks selected from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB®) that provided measures of attention, planning, strategy and spatial working memory. Subjects also performed pro- and anti-saccade tasks, and eye movements were recorded using a mobile eye-tracking system. Results: Children with ARND demonstrated elevated decision times on a visual matching test of attention and longer response times on a task of spatial working memory, although the two groups had similar errors scores. Also, compared to children with ADHD, children with ARND had greater anticipatory errors in both the pro- and anti-saccade tasks. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there are measurable differences in executive function and eye movement control between children with ARND or ADHD. Greater deficits in visuospatial processing in ARND may underlie these differences. These findings demonstrate that the neurobehavioural phenotypes of children with ARND or ADHD have distinct features, which may be accounted for by differences in the patterns of brain injury underlying these two disorders. / Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2010-01-15 15:15:47.738

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the associations between sleep problems, sleep hygiene and ADHD symptoms in young adults. The first chapter of this dissertation provides an overview of ADHD in adulthood, and a review of the literature that has associated ADHD and sleep problems. This chapter also highlights the need to develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess sleep hygiene. The second chapter presents a manuscript which outlines the development of a new self-report measure of sleep hygiene in young adults. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to develop two sleep hygiene scales (substance abuse and poor sleep scheduling) and overall results indicated that the new instrument has sound psychometric properties, as well as good construct and convergent validity. The third chapter presents a manuscript which outlines two empirical studies that examined the associations between sleep problems, sleep hygiene and ADHD symptoms in young adults. Results indicated that young adults with elevated ADHD symptoms reported more sleep problems (specifically insomnia and sleepiness) and poorer sleep hygiene (specifically substance abuse and poor sleep scheduling) than young adults without elevated ADHD symptoms. Young adults with ADHD also reported more sleep problems even after accounting for substance abuse and poor sleep scheduling, suggesting that poor sleep hygiene is not responsible for the sleep problems of young adults with ADHD. The fourth chapter presents a summary of the research findings, as well as a discussion of the methodological limitations and directions for future research. / Thesis (Ph.D, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2010-01-20 15:27:40.187