Gennaio 2003 - Volume XXII - numero 1
Focus
Pediatra e psicoterapeuta, Napoli
Key words: Oppositional disorder, Social behaviour disorder, ADHD, Parenting
The oppositional disorder (OD) is the most frequent behavioural disorder during childhood and adolescence, with a a prevalence which ranges from 1 to 11 % and increases with age. The author describes the diagnostic features of OD according with the DSM IV classification and underlines its frequent overlap with ADHD as well as with the social behaviour disorder (SBD). The need for prevention and early diagnosis to avoid later severe social problems is stressed. Three types of effective interventions are suggested: psychosocial support to parents, parents’ training in coherent educational approaches and early stimulation of cognitive and emotional development of the child. Paediatricians, by playing an active role in preventing OD, may give an important contribution to societal cohesion.
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Focus
1Pediatri di famiglia, Associazione Culturale Pediatri del Lazio
2Cattedra di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Università Cattolica “S. Cuore”, Roma
Key words: ADHD, Epidemiology, Family paediatrician
Three family paediatricians carried out a survey of ADHD among their patients. Six simple screening questions and a checklist were used. 19 children, out of 794 referred to their office, fulfilled the ADHD criteria. Out of these children, 16 were reassessed by an child neurologist. Diagnosis was confirmed in 12 cases (10 males, 2 females). The overall prevalence of confirmed cases was 1,7% (CI 95%: 0,85-2,35).
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1Pediatra di famiglia ASL NA1-48, Promotore del Progetto ADHD “Parents for Parents”, Presidente dell’AIFA Onlus
2Genitore di un bambino con ADHD, Vicepresidente dell’AIFA Onlus
Key words: ADHD, Parenting, Psychotropic drugs, Lay association
Parents of ADHD children face a number of problems that range from parental stress and family dysfunction to difficulties in access to appropriate diagnostic and treatment facilities. The picture risks to be further complicated by the media which often fail to provide scientifically based and appropriate information, as recently shown by media campaign carried out in Italy against the use of psychotropic drugs in children. The ADHD “Parents for Parents” project aims at collecting and circulating evidence-based information among ADHD parents and provide support to their everyday struggle.
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Focus
Professore Emerito, Dipartimento di Scienze della Riproduzione e dello Sviluppo, Università di Trieste
Key words: Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Benzodiazepines
Physiology, pathophysiology and common clinical presentation of eating and sleeping disorders are described. The case-management to eating disorders must first determine whether they are accompanied by weight loss. If so, a number of organic disorders ranging from metabolic disturbances to gastrointestinal diseases schould be considered in the differential diagnosis. Eating disorders without weight loss are as a rule minor problems and reassurance or counselling are usually sufficient. Severe sleeping disorders are exceedingly rare. Sleeping disorders are frequent markers, particularly during adolescence, of an underlying psychological problem. Drugs can be used but within a broader approach to diagnosis and treatment.
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