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Younger children in a school class at greater risk of long-term negative outcomes like low educational achievement and substance misuse

New research from King's College London found that younger children in a school class are more likely to experience low educational achievement, substance misuse disorder, and depression. However, ADHD symptoms may be less of a concern for these young students.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Does cannabis affect brain development in young people with ADHD? Too soon to tell, reports Harvard Review of Psychiatry

A review published in Harvard Review of Psychiatry found that cannabis use by young people with ADHD does not appear to have additional adverse effects on brain development or functioning. However, the authors note a need for further research to clarify possible effects and consider factors such as potency and frequency of use.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateJun 18, 2021

Prenatal exposure to paracetamol associated with ADHD and autism symptoms in childhood

A study of over 70,000 European children found that prenatal exposure to paracetamol was associated with a 19% increased risk of developing autism spectrum symptoms and a 21% increased risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms. The researchers also found no association between postnatal paracetamol exposure and the de...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 27, 2021

ADHD: Aggressive behavior is genetically coded

Researchers have found genetic variants increasing ADHD risk and aggressive behavior in children, shared with the general population. These variants affect aggression in both children with and without ADHD, highlighting a complex interplay between genetics and environment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2021

Childhood ADHD, risk of developing psychotic disorder

A comprehensive study combining data from 1.8 million participants found a significant association between childhood ADHD and the subsequent development of psychotic disorders. The research suggests that children with ADHD may be at higher risk of developing psychosis later in life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2021

One in four women with ADHD has attempted suicide

A recent Canadian study revealed that women with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are eight times more likely to have attempted suicide compared to their male counterparts. The study also found that adults with ADHD who experienced childhood parental violence had triple the odds of attempting suicide.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalArchives of Suicide Research·DateDec 22, 2020

Children with autism, ADHD have more doctor and hospital visits during infancy

Research from Duke University Medical Center found that children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder visit doctors more often in their first year of life. This suggests a potential new method for identifying the conditions earlier, which could lead to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 2020

Girls benefit from doing sports

A new Canadian study found that girls who participate in school sports activities during middle childhood show improved behaviour and attentiveness in early adolescence. The study, led by Linda Pagani, suggests that extracurricular sports can be a positive approach to promote psychological well-being and reduce ADHD symptoms in girls.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateSep 29, 2020

Systematic parental training helps the well-being of preschool children with ADHD

Research from Aarhus University shows that systematic parental training can significantly improve the quality of life for preschool children with ADHD. The study found that treatment without medication led to improved psychosocial scores and increased self-confidence among parents, resulting in better social skills for the children.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 16, 2020

Autism eye scan could lead to early detection

A new non-invasive eye scan could identify autism in children up to 5 years earlier than current methods, using a hand-held device to detect subtle electrical signals in the retina. The scan was tested on 180 people with and without autism between 5-21 years old.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 20, 2020

Teens with a history of ADHD need stronger monitoring of health risks

Researchers found that primary care doctors rarely discuss safe driving and monitor patients for risky sexual behavior with adolescents who have a history of ADHD. The study highlights the need for additional resources and training to provide better care for these patients as they transition from childhood to young adulthood.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateFeb 11, 2020

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy connected to elevated risk of ADHD

A study found a significant association between low maternal vitamin D levels during early to mid-pregnancy and an increased risk of diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The research used the Finnish Maternity Cohort, which included 1,067 children with ADHD and their matched controls.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 10, 2020

Horseback riding combined with cognitive exercises can help children with ADHD and autism spectrum

A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that a program combining horseback riding and cognitive training improved motor skills, behavior, and academic performance in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The program showed promise for improving the lives of young people with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateJan 31, 2020