Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Low birth weight babies at higher risk for mental health problems later in life

Babies born with extremely low birth weight are at risk for mental health problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety. The studies found these risks began in childhood and extended into adulthood, with significantly higher levels of depression and social problems among adults born with extremely low birth weight.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateFeb 13, 2017

How much money is spent on health care for kids, where does it go?

Healthcare spending on children in the US grew from $149.6 billion in 1996 to $233.5 billion in 2013, with the highest expenditures on well-newborn care, ADHD treatment, and dental care. The study highlights the need to analyze driving factors behind increased healthcare spending to determine its impact on processes and outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 27, 2016

Study estimates ADHD symptom persistence into adulthood

A recent study found that 60% of children with ADHD persist with symptoms until their mid-20s, and 41% experience both symptoms and impairment as young adults. The researchers suggest using a combination of parent and self-reports, along with an adjusted symptom threshold for adulthood, to accurately diagnose ADHD in adults.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateOct 20, 2016

Combining medications could offer better results for ADHD patients

Three studies published in JAACAP report that combining standard ADHD medications improves clinical outcomes, including reduced symptoms and enhanced cognitive functions. The combined therapy showed a higher rate of good clinical response and improved brain activity patterns compared to single drug therapies.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 1, 2016

Web-based technology improves pediatric ADHD care and patient outcomes

A new web-based software program helps reduce ADHD behavioral symptoms in children by coordinating care and ensuring patients get effective ADHD medications. This improvement leads to better treatment outcomes, with children treated by pediatricians using the technology experiencing significantly less ADHD symptoms than those without it.

New statistical approach will help researchers better determine cause-effect

A new statistical technique can help scientists determine causation of effects they are studying, providing a direction for research and overcoming ethical boundaries. The approach was tested on studies involving ADHD and lead exposure, and found support for the link between high levels of lead in blood and ADHD symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateJun 21, 2016

U-M study highlights multiple factors of ADHD medication use

A large-scale national study found that early use of stimulant medications for ADHD does not increase the risk of substance abuse in later adolescence, while short-term use during middle or high school may lead to higher risks. The research highlights the importance of monitoring teens who start using these medications later in life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 8, 2016

ADHD in young adulthood examined in JAMA Psychiatry studies

Two new studies from JAMA Psychiatry explore the causes and developmental patterns of ADHD in young adulthood. They found that many individuals with ADHD at age 18 did not have a childhood diagnosis, and those with 'late-onset' ADHD showed fewer externalizing problems but comparable symptoms to those with persistent ADHD. The findings ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2016

Children with ADHD sleep both poorly and less

A new study from Aarhus University found that children with ADHD take longer to fall asleep at night and experience more disturbed sleep. The researchers also discovered that children with ADHD tend to fall asleep faster during the day than their peers, which may be a compensatory behavior for not being able to doze off during the day.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateMay 4, 2016

ADHD or just immature?

A new study suggests that a child's age at school entry may affect ADHD diagnosis. Children born in August were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and/or receive medication compared to those born in September. This finding implies that as children get older, the impact of birth month on ADHD diagnoses decreases.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 10, 2016

Link between ADHD and academic expectations identified by University of Miami researchers

A new study by University of Miami researchers identified a potential connection between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and increased academic expectations in young children. The study found that rising academic demands since the 1970s may have contributed to the doubling of ADHD diagnoses over the past four decades.

Squirm with purpose: FSU research shows fidgeting is helpful for ADHD patients

Children with ADHD often exhibit hyperactive behavior when trying to solve problems. New FSU research shows that movement can positively impact working memory and cognitive function in these children. The study's findings suggest that fidgeting may be a helpful strategy for improving attention, impulse control, and school success.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateFeb 22, 2016

Making bicycling safer for kids with ADHD

Researchers found children with ADHD struggle to pay attention and make impulsive decisions while crossing roads on bicycles, putting them at risk of accidents. The study suggests teaching children to look for longer gaps between cars can help compensate for timing deficits.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2015

Children's ADHD symptoms and peer relationships influence each other over time

A longitudinal study in Norway found that children with ADHD exhibit poorer social functioning and are more likely to be rejected by peers. The study suggests a reciprocal relationship between ADHD symptoms and peer rejection, where both can influence each other's development. However, the effects of peer rejection on ADHD symptoms dec...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateDec 16, 2015

ADHD meds may be a prescription for bullying

A new University of Michigan study found that kids and teens taking ADHD medications are twice as likely to be bullied by peers than those without ADHD. Middle school students who sold or shared their medications were four-and-a-half times more likely to be victimized.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateNov 20, 2015