Articles tagged with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
A University of Iowa study suggests the placenta-brain axis plays a role in neurodevelopment, with low placental growth factor (PlGF) levels linked to higher odds of ADHD diagnosis in children. The study found that low PlGF levels in the third trimester were associated with a higher risk of ADHD diagnosis in children.
A study of over 6 million people found that individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before the age of 20 were more likely to have ADHD (14%) and autism (5.7%) compared to those without T2D. This suggests that healthcare systems may need to consider the needs of neurodivergent people when providing care for early-onset T2D.
A recent review of 3 million participants found small positive associations between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism and ADHD, but these associations weakened with higher-quality studies. The evidence does not support a causal link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
A new study from Florida International University found that preschoolers with a higher body mass index (BMI) showed differences in brain regions involved in reward, taste, and hunger. The study suggests that the relationship between obesity risk and brain development may begin years earlier than previously thought.
Girls from multilingual and immigrant families are more likely to be delayed in ADHD diagnosis due to language and cultural barriers. This delay can have devastating consequences, including struggles in school, poor mental health, and problems with relationships.
A new study from OIST found that children with ADHD retell less complete stories than their peers, but visual aids help reduce the gap. The study highlights the importance of visual aids in creating inclusive learning and social environments for school-aged children with ADHD.
Researchers analyzed data from 23 studies and found a strong association between ADHD and gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation, IBS, and loss of bowel control. The study suggests that doctors treating people with ADHD should be alert to gut symptoms and consider referring patients to a dietitian or gastroenterologist.
A Danish study found that children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD or autism today share more characteristics with their peers in the general population than those diagnosed a decade ago. The differences in characteristics such as pregnancy-related factors, family socioeconomic factors, and healthcare use before diagnosis have decr...
Salk Institute scientists found that maternal immune activation leads to epigenetic changes in mouse brains, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. These changes were particularly significant in areas of the genome associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Research from Washington University School of Medicine identifies brain differences tied to sensory distress, often linked to anxiety and autism. Sensory over-responsivity is connected to anxiety in both children with autism and those without, but not directly related to ADHD.
Researchers are developing a smartphone-based platform that combines driving data, personalized coaching and parent engagement strategies to improve driving safety for teens with ADHD. The platform will use telematics to monitor driving behaviors while allowing parents and teens to set shared goals and track progress.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that early sensitive caregiving can buffer children against negative effects of prenatal inflammation, reducing their risk for ADHD. The research suggests that both prenatal and postnatal interventions can mitigate ADHD symptoms in young children.
The FLEX Toolkit is a new ADHD toolkit designed specifically for use in UK primary schools. It provides teachers with strategies and regulation tools to support children with ADHD, helping to shift the narrative and promote success and celebration of individual strengths.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that people with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, alcohol addiction, or psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia show increased brain aging patterns. The researchers analyzed MRI data from over 45,900 controls and compared them to 2,698 patients with different brain conditions.
A cohort study found that increased problematic social media use during mid-adolescence was directly associated with higher ADHD symptoms. The association was strongest among male participants.
A recent study published by the University of Sydney found that dexamphetamine and methylphenidate are equally effective in treating ADHD in children, with no significant differences in symptom improvement. However, children taking dexamphetamine experienced greater weight loss compared to those taking methylphenidate.
Athletes with ADHD face unique concussion challenges, requiring more scrutiny for diagnosis and recovery. The study suggests a longer recovery period, up to four to six days, and highlights the need for tailored return-to-play decisions.
A recent study by the Keck School of Medicine found a decline in ADHD medication misuse among US adults, particularly among young adults. The misuse was largely driven by a shortage of ADHD medications, leading to an estimated 71.5% of patients facing difficulty filling their prescriptions.
Researchers propose a new approach to supporting children with neurodevelopmental conditions by considering the broader neurodevelopmental spectrum. The study identifies a common underlying dimension that reflects the constellation of traits characterizing these conditions across development.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that people diagnosed with ADHD or autism in recent years have a lower genetic predisposition than those diagnosed earlier. The study suggests that today's diagnoses encompass a broader group of individuals and milder symptom profiles. This shift is attributed to changes in diagnostic...
Researchers from Wroclaw Medical University analyzed the available literature on psychedelics and ADHD. While some studies reported short-term improvements, these findings cannot determine treatment efficacy due to study design limitations. The current evidence is insufficient to support psychedelics as a treatment for ADHD.
A population-based study found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and risk of autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring. The study suggests that positive signals from previous research may be due to familial confounding.
A new study from the University of Bergen shows an association between breastfeeding up to six months of age and a reduced risk of ADHD symptoms. Exclusive breastfeeding during this period appears to offer the strongest protective effect, with clear but moderate benefits observed even after adjusting for genetic risk factors.
The study analyzed polygenic scores and simulated expectations to understand changes in genetic contributions to ASD and ADHD diagnoses by year of diagnosis. Findings suggest broadening diagnostic criteria as a possible explanation for increasing rates, which has significant implications for risk factors and clinical practice.
A new NIH study found associations between fertility history and children's development, including slightly higher behavior-problem scores and autism-like traits. Non-IVF fertility treatments were also linked to a higher risk of ADHD in children.
A Simon Fraser University study found that over 91% of adults with ADHD reported hiding or suppressing their traits to fit in socially. This 'camouflaging' can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Researchers emphasize the need for society to reduce stigma and shift norms towards accepting diverse neurotypes.
Researchers developed a viable homozygous CHD8 mouse model, showing that stronger mutations can dramatically alter male–female autism patterns. The study revealed pronounced autism-related abnormalities in both sexes with severe mutations.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a key neural circuit, the locus coeruleus, which plays a central role in cognitive flexibility and adapting to new rules. Disrupting this circuit impairs the brain's ability to reorganize neural networks during complex decision-making.
Researchers argue that childhood behaviors are being pathologized, and instead propose addressing the root causes of psychological distress by reforming education and mental health systems. They advocate for a more collaborative approach, trusting children and families to define themselves and co-construct their support needs.
A new study has identified the most effective dosages for five commonly used ADHD medications using data from thousands of participants. The research, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, provides a comprehensive view of dosage effects and developed an online tool to help clinicians and patients choose the right dosage.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have developed a method to predict attention lapses in children using real-time brain signals. A brief targeted intervention can restore focus when delivered exactly at the moment of predicted lapse.
Research explores how differences in brain development, age, and sleep affect EEG signals recorded from awake individuals. The study reveals that brain signals during wakefulness depend on prior sleep, with effects differing between children and adults.
A new Stanford Medicine study shows that brain-scan averages obscure individual brain dynamics, particularly in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. By analyzing data from over 4,000 children, researchers found distinct patterns of brain activity when data is analyzed individually versus as a group.
A new CHOP study investigates the relationship between parenting and gaming disorder in young children with ADHD, finding that negative parenting behaviors are associated with an increased risk of problematic gaming. The study also highlights the importance of parental involvement in gaming and household limits on gaming consoles.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals a connection between ADHD-related traits and chronic pain, highlighting the importance of addressing ADHD in pain management. The research suggests that treating ADHD may help reduce chronic pain severity.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics has found that preschool children born with heart defects are at a greater risk of developing behavioral problems, including ADHD and peer relationship issues. The study suggests that a cognitively stimulating home environment may help reduce this risk.
A cohort study found that individuals diagnosed with ADHD at a younger age tended to perform better academically, receiving more education and experiencing lower dropout rates compared to those diagnosed closer to age 16. This suggests that targeted support for early diagnoses could help prevent school dropout.
A 12-week integrated cognitive-motor exercise program reduced core ADHD symptoms in children, producing stronger improvements in inhibitory control and immediate working memory compared to aerobic exercise alone. The combined training also eased inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, improving key executive functions.
A new study reveals that over 63% of children waiting for an ADHD assessment with CAMHS spend more than a year on the list, while a third wait over two years. Parents experience significant distress due to lengthy wait times, feeling powerless and uncertain about their child's future.
A landmark study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that ADHD medication in childhood may reduce the risk of developing serious psychotic disorders later in life. The study found no evidence that treatment with methylphenidate increased the likelihood of psychosis in adulthood.
A systematic review of social media platforms reveals that TikTok contains a substantial proportion of misleading information about mental health and neurodivergence, with higher rates of misinformation than other platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sources and evidence-based content to combat spreading false ide...
Researchers found that adults with ADHD exhibit more sleep-like brain activity, leading to more lapses in attention. This increased activity may be a key brain mechanism underlying attention problems in ADHD. Further study is needed to explore potential strategies to mitigate this activity.
A new study in 15- to 25-year-olds finds that ADHD treatment improves outcomes for young people with ADHD and substance use disorder, including a 30% decrease in mortality. Despite being diagnosed with both conditions, young people are less likely to receive ADHD medication.
Experts warn that the lack of adequate diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is a pressing concern, with 27% of children and young people waiting over a year for an assessment. Effective treatments are available and backed by strong evidence, but significant barriers remain, including long waiting times and growing demand.
A study in Taiwan found a positive association between maternal prenatal acetaminophen use and increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in offspring. However, associations were not observed in sibling-matched analyses, suggesting unaddressed sources of bias.
New prescriptions for stimulants among adults with ADHD more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the largest increases among younger adults. The trend is driven by improved recognition and treatment of ADHD in adulthood, as well as increased access to care and virtual health services.
A Swedish study of prematurely born adults found increased morbidity in physical and mental health, yet they reported a high quality of life. The study, which followed participants from birth to age 26-29, suggests that premature birth does not necessarily limit daily life.
Research finds that children with higher levels of copper in their bodies are 16 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Exposure to heavy metals like lead and mercury also increases the risk of developing the disorder or worsening symptoms.
A large longitudinal study of people with childhood ADHD traits found a strong link between the condition and physical health problems in midlife. People with high ADHD traits at age 10 were more likely to have two or more physical health problems by age 46.
The updated edition provides a comprehensive overview of major mental health conditions that emerge during adolescence, discussing treatment strategies and prevention methods. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing stigma, promoting evidence-based treatments, and integrating positive youth development into policy agendas.
Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology conducted an interview study with two students with inattentive ADHD to understand their experiences with autonomous learning. The study found that despite challenges, both students reported increased motivation and joy when given the freedom to choose their learning activit...
A large multicentre clinical trial of a brain stimulation device (TNS) for ADHD showed no significant change in symptoms. The study was conducted by King's College London and tested 150 children and adolescents, finding the device to be safe but ineffective.
A study assessing ADHD coaching found that most coaches have ADHD themselves, providing unique benefits to patients. The field offers similar services to psychologists but operates outside of healthcare structures, lacking formal training or licensure.
Researchers developed the BIND screener to identify brain-related comorbidities in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The tool showed strong accuracy in identifying neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions in a large international sample of participants.
Adolescents bullied or engaging in bullying face lasting mental, physical and social challenges. The study identified socioeconomic disadvantages, race, physical differences, and pre-existing health conditions as risk factors for bullying.
A longitudinal study of 125 children found that early environmental factors can predict ADHD, with infants showing high motor activity benefiting from rich home environments. This sensitivity is linked to better cognitive functioning and fewer ADHD symptoms in later childhood.
A study found that prescription stimulants primarily affect brain's reward and wakefulness centers, rather than attention circuitry. This leads to improved focus through increased motivation and reduced sleep deprivation effects.
Researchers identified the Homer1 gene as a key player in shaping attention, revealing its potential therapeutic benefits for ADHD. Lower levels of specific versions of Homer1 improved focus by reducing brain noise in mice, suggesting a novel approach to calming the mind and improving attention.
A large-scale study found that individuals with ADHD are at higher risk of being convicted of crimes compared to those without ADHD. Relatives of individuals with ADHD also show increased risk, even if they themselves do not have ADHD. Early identification and treatment of ADHD in high-risk families may help mitigate these risks.
A new study identifies a distinctive brain activity pattern in children with ADHD, which may be modified using non-invasive brain stimulation and cognitive training. The pattern, known as aperiodic EEG activity, reliably distinguished children with ADHD from their peers.