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ADHD is over-diagnosed

A study by Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Basel reveals that ADHD is often misdiagnosed based on heuristics rather than adhering to recognized diagnostic criteria. The researchers found that boys are substantially more likely to be misdiagnosed compared to girls, with male therapists also tending to give more frequent diagnoses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateMar 30, 2012

Diagnosis of ADHD on the rise

The number of ADHD diagnoses among American children has increased by 66% over the past decade, according to a new study published in Academic Pediatrics. Specialists are now treating an increasing proportion of these young patients, shifting away from primary care physicians.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateMar 19, 2012

How our brains keep us focused

Scientists at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered mechanisms that enable the brain to focus by efficiently routing relevant information. The study found that sensory signals with high contrast evoke large sensory responses, disrupting focus.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateDec 7, 2011

New insight into impulse control

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that differences in when movement neurons begin accumulating information from sensory neurons explain adjustments in response times. This discovery forces a major modification to existing cognitive models of impulse control, shedding new light on how the brain controls basic impulses.

Quality of life for children with ADHD and their families worsens with greater disease severity

A study by Baylor University found that children with ADHD treated in psychiatric clinics have significantly worse health-related quality of life and family functioning than those treated by general pediatricians. The study highlights the importance of evaluating both children's and parents' perspectives on quality of life.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateJul 26, 2011

Over range of ADHD behavior, genes major force on reading achievement, environment on math

A study by Lee A. Thompson and colleagues found that genetic influence was greater on reading than math, with shared environment influencing math more so than reading. The researchers analyzed the data from twins to determine the similarities in genetic and environmental influence between ADHD symptoms and academic ability.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 22, 2011

Clumsy kids who don't 'grow out of it'

Children with DCD tend to struggle with motor skills, socialization, and emotional regulation, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. The study found that voluntary lack of participation in after-school activities can exacerbate the problem, but intervention is possible with proper diagnosis and monitoring.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateApr 4, 2011

Kids with ADHD much more likely to develop substance abuse problems as they age

A comprehensive review of 27 long-term studies found that children with ADHD are two to three times more likely to develop serious substance abuse problems in adolescence and adulthood. The research, published in Clinical Psychology Review, analyzed data from approximately 4,100 children with ADHD and 6,800 without the disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateFeb 11, 2011

Making ADHD teens better drivers

A University at Buffalo researcher's study suggests that teen drivers with ADHD are significantly more at risk for accidents when texting while driving. The study found that texting impairs driving abilities to the point of losing control, and teens often don't realize their behavior has severe consequences.

Adult ADHD significantly increases risk of common form of dementia

Research confirms adult ADHD significantly increases risk of developing degenerative dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a common cause of dementia in older adults. The study, published in the European Journal of Neurology, found 48% of patients with DLB had previously suffered from adult ADHD.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateJan 18, 2011

UCLA researchers find that Medicaid-funded ADHD treatment for children is failing

A study by UCLA researchers found that Medicaid-funded ADHD treatment for children yielded poor quality care, with few follow-up visits and inadequate medication use. The study suggests areas for improvement in ADHD care, including better alignment of clinical severity with provider type and increased use of stimulant medication.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2010

Computer-based program may help relieve some ADHD symptoms in children

A new study suggests an intensive computer-based working memory training program can alleviate some ADHD symptoms in children. The five-week program showed significant changes in attention, organization, and working memory skills. Parents reported improvements in ADHD symptoms, and the results were evident four months after treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateDec 9, 2010

Brain imaging identifies differences in childhood bipolar disorder, ADHD

Researchers identified distinct brain network abnormalities in children with pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with the ADHD group showing more severe dysfunction in working memory circuits. The study suggests that better differentiation between the two disorders could lead to more ac...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 12, 2010