Grégory Michel

Temperament and character dimensions associated with clinical characteristics and treatment outcome in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder boys

BACKGROUNDnAlthough differential patterns of temperament and character have been documented in subjects with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), few studies have investigated relations between these dimensions, clinical features of ADHD, and treatment outcome.nnnMETHODSnNinety-five boys with ADHD and 87 controls participated in the study; 88.5% of the referred patients were reassessed after optimal titration of methylphendiate treatment.nnnRESULTSnCompared with controls, boys with ADHD showed a temperament profile of high novelty seeking, low reward dependence, and persistence, as well as low scores on both self-determination and cooperativeness character dimensions. No significant differences were found between subjects with ADHD and controls in harm avoidance. Temperament and character traits were related to specific symptom domains and comorbidity but did not predict global severity of ADHD. Persistent and immature children with ADHD were more likely to experience short-term remission.

Risk behaviors, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a nationally representative French sample.

BACKGROUNDnData from large nationally representative samples are needed to provide the empirical foundation to inform health policies for the prevention of suicide risk and risk behaviors in men and women.nnnMETHODSnData were extracted from the 2010 Health Barometer, a large telephone survey on a representative sample of the general population aged 15-85 years living in France (n=27,653), carried out by the National Institute for Health Promotion and Health Education. Data were collected between October 2009 and July 2010. A computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) system was used.nnnRESULTSnOverall, 3.9% of respondents aged 15 to 85 reported past year suicidal ideation, and 0.5% reported a suicide attempt in that time period. Increased rates of risky sexual behavior are associated with ideation and attempt in both men and women, after controlling for sociodemographic variables. Homosexuality or bisexuality are associated with suicidal ideation for both men and women, but not with attempts. Substance misuse, physical and sexual assaults are strongly associated with suicidal symptoms for both men and women. Early first experiences with sex, tobacco, and alcohol are associated with suicidal symptoms though somewhat differentially for men and women.nnnLIMITATIONSnCross-sectional survey.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe findings underscore associations between suicidal thoughts and behaviors and risk behaviors such as unprotected sex and substance use in men and women throughout the lifespan. These associations highlight the need for preventive strategies such as screening for risk behaviors in order to identify men and women particularly at risk for suicidal behavior.

Gender differences in the associations of gambling activities and suicidal behaviors with problem gambling in a nationally representative French sample

INTRODUCTIONnThe objectives of the present study are to describe gender differences in factors associated with moderate risk and problem gambling.nnnMETHODnData were extracted from the 2010 Health Barometer, a large survey on a representative sample of the general population aged 15-85 years living in France (n=27,653), carried out by the National Institute for Health Promotion and Health Education. Data were collected between October 2009 and July 2010. A computer-assisted telephone interview system was used.nnnRESULTSnThe findings indicate that men are three times more likely to experience problems with gambling. Men and women have different patterns of gambling activities. Men were more involved with Rapido, internet gambling, sports and racetrack betting, poker, and casino tables, whereas women gambled more often on scratch games. Both men and women engaging in immediate reward games were significantly more likely to experience difficulties with gambling. This association, however, was stronger in women. Furthermore, suicidal ideation and behaviors were more likely to be associated with gambling problems in women as compared to men.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe study underscores the importance of considering gender-related differences in the study of gambling behaviors.

Psychotropic Drug Use Among the Elderly: Risk Factors Involved in Long-Term Use

This study explores the environmental, clinical, and personality factors that are associated with increased chronic psychotropic drug consumption in elderly patients. We collected data from 88 elderly individuals living in nursing homes, home-dwellings, and residential homes between December 2003 and June 2004. We assessed each subjects (1) current (previous four weeks) and chronic (>90 days) psychotropic drug consumption, (2) mood and anxiety (GHQ), and (3) personality (Temperament and Character Inventory). We found that 63% of the elderly subjects studied had used psychotropic drugs at least once and that one out of three elderly chronically consumed psychotropic drugs. Personality factors like harm avoidance and low level of persistence seem to be associated with chronic consumption.

ADHD Symptomatology and Perceived Stress Among French College Students

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the independent association between inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms and perceived stress among French college students. Method: Participants (N = 6,951) completed self-report surveys assessing ADHD symptoms, perceived stress, and sociodemographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between ADHD symptoms and perceived stress. Results: Participants had a mean age of 20.8 years, and 75.6% were female. We found significant associations between increasing levels of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms and high level of perceived stress after adjustment for confounding variables. The association was stronger for inattention (odds ratio [OR] = 4.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [4.02, 5.22]) than for hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = [1.05 to 1.39]). Conclusion: Higher levels of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity were independently associated with perceived stress in French college students. This association was mainly driven by inattention. Screenings to better detect ADHD symptoms should be implemented in universities.