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Biomedical subjects

P Magnússon

Publications and source records attributed to P Magnússon.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Prevalence of autism in Iceland.

This clinic-based study estimated the prevalence of autism in Iceland in two consecutive birth cohorts, subjects born in 1974-1983 and in 1984-1993. In the older cohort classification was based on the ICD-9 in 72% of cases while in the younger cohort 89% of cases were classified according to the ICD-10. Estimated prevalence rates for Infantile autism/Childhood autism were 3.8 per 10,000 in the older cohort and 8.6 per 10,000 in the younger cohort. The characteristics of the autistic groups are presented in terms of level of intelligence, male:female ratio, and age at diagnosis. For the younger cohort scores on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale are reported as well. Results are compared with a previous Icelandic study and recent population-based studies in other countries based on the ICD-10 classification system. Methodological issues are discussed as well as implications for future research and service delivery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Medication use and treatment characteristics of children referred to the outpatient ADHD-clinic at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the National University Hospital.].

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data was accumulated by retrospectively looking at the records of 102 children of both sexes between 3 and 15 years of age, referred to the ADHD outpatient clinic during the period June 1, 1998 - May 31, 1999. A semi-structured diagnostic parent interview was used to assess childhood psychiatric disorders according to ICD-10. The ADHD Rating Scale- IV, the Home Situations Questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist were completed by the parents. Teachers filled out the ADHD Rating Scale and the Teacher Report Form as well as a form evaluating the child's academic progress. To assess intellectual functioning, WISC-III or WPPSI-R were administered. Medical evaluation was performed and drug treatment recorded. RESULTS: Seventy-two children fulfilled ICD-10 diagnostic criteria of hyperkinetic disorder. High rates of other behavioural disorders, especially oppositional defiant disorder and a significant frequency of emotional disorders were recorded. Nearly two-thirds of the children had been started on medication prior to referral, most often amytryptiline and methylphenidate. Eleven children received combined pharmacotherapy but 35% had not received any drug treatment. Psychopharmacotherapy for most of the children was started between the age of four and eight years. Behaviour management counselling and parent training was recommended in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty children did not meet full hyperkinetic disorder diagnostic criteria, but these children may nonetheless have manifested high levels of symptoms. Most of the children were started on tricyclic antidepressants rather than stimulants which is unusual compared with international research and practice. The reason is unclear but may reflect the high rate of comorbidity but also doctors' preferences.

English Abstract↗
PubMed2000

[Hyperkinetic disorder. A review.].

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or hyperkinetic disorder is a clinically defined syndrome characterised by age inappropriate deficits in sustained attention, impulsivity and overactivity. Despite extensive investigation, a specific neuroanatomical, physiological, biochemical, or psychological origin has not been identified. Diagnosis is based on detailed medical and developmental history, symptom rating scales, psychological assessment and medical evaluation. Increases in diagnosis and treatment of the disorder have elicited public and professional concern. The main focus in this article is on this disorder in children and adolescents and includes practical information on assessment and treatment. Other disorders, which may be either comorbid with or mistaken for hyperkinetic disorder, are reviewed in less detail.

English Abstract↗
PubMed1999

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity symptoms in Icelandic schoolchildren: assessment with the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Rating Scale-IV.

Four hundred and twenty-seven normal Icelandic children, six and eight years of age, were rated by their parents and three hundred and sixteen children by their teachers with the Teacher and Parent versions of the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (AD/HDRS-IV). For two hundred and sixty-five of the children both parent and teacher ratings were obtained. The factor structures of the AD/HDRS-IV for parents and teachers were in line with theoretical expectations. A Hyperactivity-Impulsivity factor and an Inattention factor were thus well supported. The subscale reliabilities were high. Boys scored higher than girls on all measures and there was a decrease of symptoms with age for boys, as expected. There was evidence of convergent validity for all scales, but discriminant validity of the AD/HDRS-IV subscales is less certain. Generally the instruments seem promising for further research. Some differences are noted in comparison with earlier studies. Thus scores obtained in this study were somewhat lower than those found in American studies, especially for teachers. Also the prevalence of ADHD based on rating scales was lower than in comparable previous studies. The similarity in symptom structure between this and previous studies is emphasized, but the possible role of cultural homogeneity in explaining different results with regard to teachers' ratings of symptoms is suggested.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗