From ADHD to psychosis… executive functions and time

Abstract

Introduction

Cognitive impairment is present from the early stages of psychotic disorders. Alterations are found mainly in areas of attention, memory work and executive functions. During adolescence, ADHD patients often suffer from secondary disorders to lack of efficient procurement processes information by the poor development of executive functions.

Objective

Evaluation of a patient whose diagnosis of ADD evolve to acute psychotic episode.

Method

Review by clinical and psychometric tests developments in executive functions disorders.

Results

Twelve years old patient who comes to the hospital since 2012, was initially diagnosed with literacy difficulties and low academic performance, after MFF-20 speaks of Learning Disabilities. It presents lack of motivation, apathy, difficulty in scheduling and organization and adherence to schedules, so they diagnosed ADD. It is given treatment with methylphenidate and atomoxetine, presenting erratic path.

After a year without treatment and the presence of a major stressful life event, at 17, has a first episode, consisting in mutiste attitude, phenomena of self-referenciality, experiences of control, enforcement and dissemination of ideas and auditory hallucination imperative type.

Conclusions

The presence of emocional dysregulation and alterations in the executive functions atribuyen to ADD, in this case, were premorbid symtomatology of a first psychotic episode. The presence of positive symptoms allows to clarify the diagnosis.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.