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Tactile massage – a complementary treatment for adolescents diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Passed

Tuesday May 14, 2024 15:44 - 16:30 Poster Arena

Presenter: Anna-Carin Robertz

Track: Children and Youth, Posters

Poster can be found in location 6.

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents has a prevalence rate of 5% and affects their level of functioning and quality of life. Linked to ADHD is a heightened pain sensitivity compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate tactile massage as a complementary treatment for adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. The data presented here is part of a pilot study within a larger investigation. Materials and Methods: Fourteen adolescents, aged 15-17, enrolled at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic in NU Healthcare Region in Västra Götaland County, were offered 10 sessions of tactile massage once a week. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of ADHD according to ICD-10, either unmedicated or treated with central stimulants or Atomoxetine. Presented here is data recorded six weeks before (T0) and immediately after the last massage treatment (T3). PROMIS (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) pain impact has a median value for the T score at 50 (reference range 34-78), where values above 50 indicate pain impact. SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), hyperactivity domain, has a cutoff value of 7 (reference range 0-10), where values > 7 indicate hyperactivity. Results: PROMIS: At T0, the median value was 43.5 (min 34, n=5, and max 60.6), and at T3, it was 34 (min 34, n=7, and max 59.5). SDQ hyperactivity domain: The frequency of symptoms (above the cutoff) for hyperactivity was 6/14 adolescents (42.9%) at T0 and 3/12 (25%) at T3. Symptoms of hyperactivity have decreased, and pain impact was reduced in the group. Conclusion: Tactile massage appears to have a positive effect on hyperactivity and pain impact. The results need confirmation through a study involving a larger, comparable population.  

Language

English

Seminar type

Poster

Conference

GCPCC

Authors

Anna-Carin Robertz, Stefan Nilsson, Viola Nyman, Carl-Johan Törnhage, Anne-Katrin Kantzer

Lecturers

Anna-Carin Robertz Presenter

Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg