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Study shows birth dates, school enrollment dates affect ADHD diagnosis rates

A new study from North Carolina State University found large discrepancies in ADHD diagnosis rates based on small differences in children's birth dates. Children born shortly after the kindergarten eligibility cutoff date were 25% less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, suggesting that younger children may be mistakenly diagnosed.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateAug 17, 2010

Western diet link to ADHD

A new study from Perth's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research found an association between a 'Western-style' diet and an increased risk of ADHD diagnosis in adolescents. The research examined the dietary patterns of over 1,800 adolescents and classified them into 'Healthy' or 'Western' patterns.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateJul 29, 2010

BUSPH researchers link widely used chemicals to ADHD in children

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a link between polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found increased odds of ADHD in children with higher serum PFC levels.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 20, 2010

Pesticide exposure may contribute to ADHD

A recent study published in Pediatrics found a connection between exposure to organophosphate pesticides and symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The research, which focused on 1,139 children from the general U.S. population, measured pesticide levels in their urine and found that exposure to common ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 17, 2010

Minorities face barriers to effective ADHD treatments, MSU study contends

A new study by Michigan State University researchers highlights the need for culturally competent health-care providers and information dissemination about treatment options. The study found that minorities are less likely to consider combining medication and counseling for their children due to barriers such as financial hurdles and l...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateMay 12, 2010

ADHD linked to interaction of genetics and psychology

A study found that children with ADHD exhibit more symptoms when they experience high levels of self-blame during inter-parental conflict, which is associated with genetic variations related to serotonin activity. The study suggests a synergistic effect between genetic and environmental factors in the development of ADHD.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBehavioral and Brain Functions·DateApr 15, 2010

Synergy between behavioral and pharmacologic interventions for ADHD

A study published in Biological Psychiatry compared the effects of medication, motivation, and a combination of both on response inhibition in children with ADHD. The results showed that stimulant medication tends to normalize brain function, while motivational incentives also play a role in improving performance.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 6, 2010

Mount Sinai finds meta-cognitive therapy more effective for adult ADHD patients

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found that meta-cognitive therapy significantly improved symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults compared to supportive therapy. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, demonstrated the efficacy of a non-medication treatment for adult ADHD.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 30, 2010

First Step To Success steps up in Albuquerque schools

The First Step To Success program has shown robust improvements among at-risk elementary students in the Albuquerque, N.M., school district. The four-year study found significant impact on behavioral symptoms and social functioning among participating students, with effect sizes ranging from .54 to .87.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders·DateNov 30, 2009

Common plastics chemicals linked to ADHD symptoms

A study published in Biological Psychiatry found a significant positive association between phthalate exposure and ADHD symptoms in school-aged children. The researchers measured urine phthalate concentrations and evaluated symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using teacher-reported symptoms and computerized tests.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 19, 2009

Tourette syndrome misconceptions only one battle for patients

Research published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics found that nearly 90% of Tourette syndrome cases exist in conjunction with another disorder, most frequently ADHD. Perinatal factors such as low birth weight, prematurity, and maternal smoking increase the risk of co-occurring ADHD in children with Tourette.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateApr 15, 2009

Studies examine genetic determinants of ADHD

Two studies examine over 600,000 genetic markers in ADHD patients, finding that multiple genes contribute to the disorder. The findings highlight the need for larger studies to fully understand the genetic mechanisms underlying ADHD and to develop more effective treatments.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateJan 7, 2009

ADHD medications do not cause genetic damage in children

Researchers at NIH and Duke University Medical Center found no evidence of cytogenetic damage in children taking stimulant medications for ADHD. The study included 63 children aged 6-12 who received either methylphenidate or mixed amphetamine salts, and showed similar results with both treatments.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 19, 2008