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Research shows a walk in the park improves attention in children with ADHD

Research conducted at the University of Illinois shows that children with ADHD demonstrate greater attention after a 20-minute walk in a park compared to similar walks in downtown or residential areas. The study found that even small doses of nature exposure can improve symptoms, suggesting a potential long-term benefit.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateOct 15, 2008

ADHD an advantage for nomadic tribesmen?

A study of Kenyan nomads found that an ADHD-associated gene variant is linked to better health in the nomadic population, but malnourishment in settled individuals. This suggests that behavior differences associated with ADHD may be more or less effective depending on the environment.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJun 9, 2008

People with ADHD do 1 month's less work per year

Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that individuals with ADHD complete 1 month's worth of work in a year. Employers may benefit from implementing workplace screening programs to support affected workers, as effective treatments can improve performance.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 27, 2008

Sleep problems common in children with ADHD

Sleep problems are extremely common in children with ADHD, associated with poorer child psychosocial quality of life and caregiver mental health. The prevalence of mild to moderate sleep problems was found to be significant, with difficulties falling asleep and resisting bedtime being common symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 7, 2008

Does ADHD look the same in youth of different races?

A study examines childhood ADHD in underrepresented minorities, highlighting obstacles faced by families and providing recommendations for assessment and treatment. Effective treatments exist, but many minority children lack culturally sensitive assessments, potentially leading to devastating results.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateMar 19, 2008

Study raises questions about diagnosis, medical treatment of ADHD

A new UCLA study found that only half of children diagnosed with ADHD exhibit cognitive defects, challenging the common method for diagnosing the disorder. The research also suggested that medication is not always effective in treating ADHD, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to address long-term problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 22, 2008

Dramatic hike forecast for ADHD drugs spend

A new study predicts a 10-fold increase in ADHD prescription costs for the NHS, rising from £7m to £49-101m by 2012. The research modelled various scenarios and considered factors such as drug availability, diagnosis rates, and treatment levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·DateNov 14, 2007

Nonmedicinal treatment touted for preschoolers with ADHD

A five-year study led by Lehigh University's College of Education identified effective nonmedicinal strategies to decrease aggressiveness and improve behavior in preschoolers with ADHD. The 'Project Achieve' study showed a 17-percent decrease in aggression and a 21-percent improvement in social skills for parents, while teachers saw a ...

SourceLehigh University·JournalSchool Psychology Review·DateAug 21, 2007

Gene predicts better outcome as cortex normalizes in teens with ADHD

A specific gene variant associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may also predict better clinical outcomes and higher IQ in teens. The variant, called the 7-repeat version of the dopamine D4 receptor gene, is linked to thinner brain areas controlling attention but confers advantage only among youth with ADHD.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 6, 2007

Divorce increases risk of Ritalin use

A new study by Dr. Lisa Strohschein found a significantly higher risk of Ritalin use among children whose parents divorce compared to those whose parents stay together. The research suggests that parental divorce may act as a stressful life event, leading to adjustment problems and increased ADHD symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 4, 2007

Help for pediatricians in treating behavioral health problems only partially successful

A follow-up study found that pediatricians' behavioral health treatment methods showed only partial success, despite receiving structured interventions, FDA warnings, and mental health reforms. The interventions, including newsletters and resource guides, aimed to increase education on anxiety and depression recognition, collaboration ...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMay 29, 2007

Brain networks strengthened by closing ion channels

Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that strengthens brain networks by closing ion channels, which may improve working memory and reduce distractibility in conditions like ADHD. This discovery has implications for developing drug therapies for normal aging and treating cognitive changes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

SourcePorter Novelli·JournalCell·DateApr 20, 2007