Adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder require specific support from healthcare professionals

• Published in: Acta Paediatrica 2017-12, Vol.106 (12), p.1994-1997
• Main Authors: Lindblad, Ida, Engström, Ann‐Charlotte, Nylander, Charlotte, Fernell, Elisabeth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescents; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - complications; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Blood levels; Cognitive ability; Diabetes; Diabetes care; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - complications; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - therapy; Executive dysfunction; Female; Health Personnel; Humans; Hyperactivity; Male; Medical personnel; Mental disorders; Neurodevelopmental disorders; Population studies; Psychiatry; Psykiatri; Routines; Teenagers; Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• ISSN: 0803-5253; 1651-2227; 1651-2227
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.13989

Aim Managing type 1 diabetes mellitus requires efficient cognitive and executive skills, and adolescents who have attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may face specific challenges. This study explored young people′s experiences of diabetes treatment and care. Method In a population‐based study, comprising 175 patients aged 5–16 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus in two Swedish counties, we found that eight also met criteria for ADHD. Six of these, aged 14.5–16 years, participated 2013–2014 in interviews that targeted aspects of their diabetes treatment. Conducted by two psychologists, these used the inductive qualitative, semi‐structured interview format. Results The two boys and four girls all reported difficulties in creating routines for their diabetes treatment and that problems were aggravated during stress. They had been criticised by their parents and the diabetes team when their blood levels indicated inadequate diabetes control. They requested ongoing information, involvement of their friends, group meetings and easy access to the healthcare system during difficult times. Conclusion Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and concomitant ADHD faced problems with their diabetes management, especially during stressful situations. Diabetes care provision should pay particular attention to patients with co‐existing neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD.