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Is classroom inclusion or segregation best for children with special needs?

A recent systematic review found that inclusion neither increases nor decreases learning and psychosocial adjustment in children with multiple disabilities. Individual assessments are crucial to determine each child's specific needs. The study highlights the importance of personalized approaches to support children with special needs.

SourceWiley·JournalCampbell Systematic Reviews·DateDec 7, 2022

New driver training developed at Cincinnati Children’s keeps teens with ADHD safer behind the wheel

A new driver training program has been shown to reduce the frequency of long, distracted glances away from the road among teen drivers with ADHD. The FOCAL+ training program improved teen drivers' attention to the roadway and reduced crash risk by 40% compared to a control group.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Simulated driving program reduces crash risk for teens with ADHD in small study

A small study funded by NIH found that a simulated driving program can reduce crashes and near-crashes among teens with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by nearly 40%. The program, called FOCAL+, teaches teens to avoid long glances away from the roadway.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

ADHD medication for amphetamine addiction linked to reduced risk of hospitalization and death

A large registry-based study found lisdexamfetamine to be associated with the lowest risk of hospitalisation and death in people with amphetamine addiction. The medication showed a significant reduction in hospitalisation due to substance use disorder and any cause or death, while benzodiazepine and antidepressant use were linked to po...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 16, 2022

NIH researchers unlock pattern of gene activity for ADHD

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified a pattern of gene activity in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), finding that genomic differences affect the expression of genes coding for neurotransmitters. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, provides new insights into the...

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Your genes determine whether you get ADHD or autism

Researchers from Aarhus University identified seven genetic variants common to both autism and ADHD, as well as five specific to only one diagnosis. The study suggests a significant overlap in underlying genetic causes and may lead to more precise diagnoses and earlier interventions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

RCSI study shows birth weight could help identify children at higher risk of psychological issues

A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that babies with lower birth weights are more likely to experience mental health problems in childhood and adolescence. The research used data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, following the same children repeatedly throughout their childhood and adolescence.

SourceRCSI·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 29, 2022

Rare human gene variant in ADHD, autism exposes fundamental sex differences

A new study reveals key differences in dopamine disposal machinery between male and female mice with a rare human genetic variant found in boys with ADHD or ASD. Females exhibit unique behavioral changes, such as increased anxiety and novelty recognition issues, while males display reduced social behavior and perseverative traits.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

Pregnant women with obesity and diabetes may be more likely to have a child with ADHD

Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes and obesity are twice as likely to develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study. The researchers found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy was a significant risk factor for ADHD in offspring, but not within normal weight gain ranges.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 8, 2022

Children with rare genetic disorders more likely to be diagnosed with developmental, behavioural and mental health problems

Children with rare genetic disorders are more likely to be diagnosed with developmental, behavioural and mental health problems. A study of 2,800 young people found that those with intellectual disabilities were almost 30 times as likely to be autistic and over 13 times more likely to have ADHD.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2022

Researchers use MRI to show brain changes, differences in children with ADHD

Researchers used MRI to study neural flexibility in children with ADHD, finding significant decreases in cognitive flexibility across the entire brain and sub-networks. Children who received medication showed increased neural flexibility compared to those not taking medication, suggesting its potential clinical utility for diagnosing a...

Natural selection may be making society more unequal

A new study published in Behavior Genetics found that natural selection favors characteristics associated with lower earnings and poorer education, such as having more children. The research, led by UEA, analyzed data from over 300,000 people in the UK and suggests that this may be contributing to increasing income inequality.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBehavior Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2022

When it comes to ADHD and ASD, the eyes could reveal all

New research from University of South Australia and Flinders University uses retina recordings to identify distinct signals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing a potential biomarker for each condition. Children with ADHD showed higher overall energy, while those with ASD sho...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022

Medication treatment of pediatric psychiatric disorders reduces the later onset of substance use problems

Early treatment with psychotropic medications in children and adolescents significantly reduces the risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) by 30-35% for ADHD and major depressive disorder. Longer treatment durations also show positive results, especially when initiated before age nine.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Diet plays key role in ADHD symptoms in children

A new study suggests that a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The research, which analyzed data from 134 kids with ADHD symptoms, found that those who consumed more fruits and veggies showed less severe symptoms of inattention.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022

Micronutrients (vitamins + minerals) show benefit for children with ADHD and emotional dysregulation

A randomized clinical trial found that micronutrient supplementation improved attention and mood in children with ADHD, with a 54% response rate compared to 18% in the placebo group. The study also showed significant growth benefits in children taking the supplement.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 26, 2022

Children with migration backgrounds less likely to receive recommended psychiatric treatment, Swedish study shows

A Swedish study found that children with migration backgrounds are less likely to receive recommended psychiatric diagnoses and treatments for conditions like ADHD and depression. They were 40% less likely to receive certain diagnoses and 30% less likely to receive psychotherapy or ADHD drugs.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

A key brain region for substance use disorders now has a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations

Scientists have created a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations in the ventral tegmental area, a key brain region involved in reward-directed behavior and substance use disorders. The study identified 16 cell populations, including classic dopaminergic neurons, glutamatergic neurons, and GABAergic neurons.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2022

Two in five adults with ADHD are in excellent mental health

A new nationally representative study found that two in five adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were in excellent mental health. Being married, physically active, free from chronic pain, and having no history of depression or anxiety were associated with complete mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Positive Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 12, 2022

Maladaptive daydreaming may be a better diagnosis for some than ADHD

A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers suggests that maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a distinct mental disorder that can co-occur with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study found that MD was associated with higher rates of depression, loneliness, and lowered self-esteem in individuals with ADHD.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 12, 2022

Integrating behavioral health in community-based primary care improves access and treatment for racially and ethnically diverse children

A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 29, 2022

PCORI Board of Governors approves $71.5 million to fund new research studies on topics including maternal health, autism, and urinary incontinence

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board of Governors approved funding for 12 new comparative clinical effectiveness research studies focusing on maternal health, autism, and urinary incontinence. These studies will improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes in real-world settings.

ADHD linked to hoarding behaviour – new study

A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that people with ADHD are significantly more likely to exhibit clinically significant hoarding symptoms. Approximately 19% of participants displayed hoarding symptoms, which can lead to distress and difficulties in everyday life.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2022

Children with higher exposure to air pollution and lower exposure to green space have 62% increased risk of ADHD

A study of 37,000 children in Vancouver found a significant association between air pollution and ADHD, as well as the protective effects of green spaces. Children living in areas with higher PM2.5 exposure had an increased risk of ADHD, while those in greener neighborhoods had a lower risk.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

How the brain filters out sounds

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt recorded brain waves of bats to understand how they filter out essential signals from echolocation calls and communication signals. The study shows that rare sounds elicit stronger neuronal responses than frequent ones.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Behavioral treatments for ADHD: For which children do they work?

A recent study found that behavioral treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and improve behavior in children, but not all children respond equally well. Priority should be given to those with more severe ADHD, conduct disorder symptoms, or from single-parent families, as they are at risk of deterioration without treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Prevention of mental health problems among schoolchildren could avoid grade repetition and dropout

A study found that preventing mental health problems among schoolchildren, particularly externalizing disorders, could have prevented grade repetition and dropout. The study involved 2,511 families with children aged 6-14 and showed that girls with externalizing disorders were more likely to be held back a grade.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·DateJan 20, 2022

How COVID-19 increases challenges for youth with ADHD

New research reveals that youth with ADHD are more likely to experience COVID-19 symptoms, sleep problems, and anxiety related to infection risk. The study found that these individuals are less responsive to factors like parental monitoring and school engagement that may mitigate the impact of pandemic school closures.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateJan 18, 2022

Students with attention problems more likely to cheat

A new study shows that students with attention problems are more likely to cheat, as inattention can lead to hyperactivity, creating a perfect setup for cheating. The study suggests that many students with attention issues don't receive the help they need, leading them to resort to cheating.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychology in the Schools·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2022

Behavioral indicator for preterm infants

A new study suggests that a behavioral marker in preterm infants can indicate potential development problems. Researchers used digital eye tracking to test the infants' visual motor coordination and found that those who struggled with this task were more likely to face cognitive and social difficulties later on.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Brain monitoring suggests common link between electrical tremors and mental health disorders

A review of current literature found irregular brain responses to challenging tasks and mistakes may be key to understanding links between abnormal behaviors in mental illness and cognitive disorders. Studies suggest that people with conditions like anxiety, OCD, and ADHD have different brain waves following mistakes compared to health...

SourceKing's College London·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 28, 2021

Mason researchers conducting collaborative research on worker-AI teaming to enable ADHd workforce participation in the construction industry of the future

Researchers are developing an AI-informed training teammate to promote active, cooperative learning and demonstrate feasibility of human-AI teaming technology for ADHD workers in the construction industry. The system will assess, adapt, and respond to worker behavior, predicting potential incidents and preventing injuries.