Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with Multiple Sclerosis

• Published in: Journal of attention disorders 2024-05, Vol.28 (7), p.1105-1113
• Main Authors: Aloni, Roy, Kalron, Alon, Goodman, Assaf, Ben-Ari, Amichai, Yoeli-Shalom, Talya, Menascu, Shay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1087-0547; 1557-1246
• DOI: 10.1177/10870547241232710

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological autoimmune disease; pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) represents 5% to 10% of total MS population. Children with POMS may experience attention difficulties due to the disease’s impact on the central nervous system. However, little is known regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in POMS, and its relation to cognitive performance. Methods: A retrospective case review was conducted using medical records of 66 children and adolescent patients diagnosed with POMS between 2012 and 2021 in a MS center of a tertiary medical center. All patients had undergone routine clinical neurological examinations and had been assessed for a diagnosis of ADHD by a department pediatric neurologist. In addition, sociodemographic data, disease-related variables, and cognitive performance were collected. Results: Of the 66 patients, 31 (47%) had a diagnosis of ADHD; 29 (44%) had cognitive impairment. Moreover, we identified four different profiles of POMS: those with only ADHD (17, 26%); only cognitive impairment (15, 23%), ADHD and cognitive impairment (14, 21%), and only POMS (20, 30%). A significant difference in disease duration was found among the four profiles [F(3,65) = 8.17, p