A large imaging study of over 3200 people confirms that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with delayed development of five brain regions, supporting the notion that it is a brain disorder. The study found differences in brain volume across all age groups, but most pronounced in children.
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.
An international team of scientists, led by Todd Lencz PhD, discovered new genetic variations related to cognitive ability in a study published in Molecular Psychiatry. The findings suggest a significant genetic overlap between risk for several psychiatric disorders and reduction in cognitive ability.
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.
Researchers found that young paternal fathers produced offspring with impaired vocal communication, while older fathers resulted in hyperlocomotion. The study provides insight into the potential mechanisms underlying the rise of these disorders.
Research found that 2.7% of US medical school students have disabilities, including ADHD, learning disabilities, and psychological disabilities, requiring accommodations.
A study found that musical training increases brain fiber connections in children, particularly in the minor forceps area of the frontal cortex, which is linked to cognitive abilities and disorders like autism and ADHD. This new understanding may lead to targeted strategies for intervention.
A Case Western Reserve University researcher has found that addiction treatment results improved when teens in a residential program stopped smoking. Teens who quit smoking showed lower cravings for alcohol and drugs, similar to their peers who smoked, but with better treatment duration and global functioning.
Research highlights the intersection of nutrition and mental health, with studies investigating various levels and perspectives. Nutrition's impact on inflammation and stress is a key area of focus.
Researchers found that young adults with ADHD produced more force during continuous motor tasks and had difficulty inhibiting motor responses compared to those without ADHD. This study suggests that inhibitory motor control problems may be a unique identifier for adults with ADHD.
Researchers propose that mind-wandering is a spontaneous mode of thought, essential for creativity and daydreaming. Increased awareness of this thinking can lead to better diagnoses and treatments for depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
A University of British Columbia-led review of mind-wandering research provides a new framework for understanding thought dynamics, potentially improving mental illness diagnosis and treatment. The framework suggests that spontaneous thought processes, including mind-wandering, are essential for creative thinking and dreaming.
Researchers warn that current ADHD screening tools may not work for children with autism spectrum disorders, leading to misdiagnosis and potentially ineffective treatments. The study recommends refining the tool and supplementing it with clinical interviews to better identify the correct disorder.
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.
A study found that children of mothers who took vitamin D during pregnancy with high levels of the vitamin in umbilical blood had fewer symptoms of ADHD at age 2.5 years. The risk of ADHD decreased by 11% for every 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D concentration.
Girls with ADHD are at higher risk for multiple mental disorders, including anxiety (37.7%), depression (10.3%), and oppositional defiant disorder (42%). Effective treatments, such as therapy and positive reinforcement, can help manage symptoms and prevent severe adult impairments.
A new study published in Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology found that atomoxetine significantly improved decoding and vocabulary skills in children with dyslexia. The treatment also reduced ADHD symptoms in children with both dyslexia and ADHD or ADHD alone.
A new study by University of California - Santa Cruz researchers found that early exposure to high levels of manganese causes lasting attention deficits and impairments in rats. The findings support concerns about the adverse effects of excess manganese on children's development.
A new study suggests that high-fat, high-sugar diets during pregnancy may be associated with symptoms of ADHD in children who exhibit early conduct problems. Higher IGF2 methylation was linked to increased ADHD symptoms in these children.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital finds that college students who misuse prescription stimulant medications are more likely to exhibit clinically relevant psychiatric dysfunction. The report also highlights immediate-release stimulants as a particular risk factor for misuse.
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
Research by Princeton University found that ADHD medication can reduce risks such as sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and injuries in children and teens. The study analyzed Medicaid claims of nearly 150,000 children with ADHD in South Carolina between 2003 and 2013.
Researchers found similar brain impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The study linked these impairments to symptoms that occur across different conditions.
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.
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.
A new study found that exercise can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD in adults, including reduced anxiety and depression. The study tested 32 young men with elevated ADHD symptoms and found that a single bout of exercise improved their mood and motivation.
Studies find individuals with ADHD or obesity prefer smaller immediate rewards over larger future rewards, leading to potential new treatments for these conditions. The research suggests a connection between the inability to delay gratification and addictive disorders.
ADHD prescriptions in UK children increased over two decades but have levelled off since 2008. Treatment tends to last longer in the UK than in other countries.
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.
Researchers studied children with ADHD playing a game with changing rules, finding they struggled to adjust their behavior. Typically developing children adapted quickly, while those with ADHD showed only slight changes.
Researchers found a slight increase in abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) in children and young people with ADHD who use methylphenidate, which may trigger arrhythmia in individual patients. The benefits of the medication should be carefully weighed against its potential cardiovascular risks.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that nearly 70% of young adults with ADHD did not meet criteria for the disorder in childhood, suggesting that adult-onset ADHD may have different causes. Adults with late-onset ADHD had high levels of symptoms and impairment, as well as other mental health disorders.
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 ...
A study of college students found that constant smartphone alerts can cause symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, similar to those experienced by individuals with ADHD. By minimizing phone notifications, participants reduced these symptoms, suggesting a link between digital stimulation and attention deficits in modern society.
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.
A new study suggests children with ADHD follow fewer healthy lifestyle behaviors than non-ADHD youth. Children with ADHD were more likely to consume artificially sweetened juice, have excessive screen time, and engage in less physical activity.
New research reveals a disproportionate increase in chronic health conditions among US children living in poverty. Children with asthma, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and autism are more likely to have co-existing medical conditions, such as developmental delays or depression.
Children with uncorrectable vision problems are twice as likely to have a diagnosis of ADHD, according to a nationwide study. The researchers analyzed data on over 75,000 children and found that those with vision problems not correctable by glasses or contact lenses had a higher prevalence of ADHD.
Researchers found that unexpected events activate the same brain system responsible for interrupting movement, leading to impaired working memory and disrupted trains of thought. The study focuses on the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a key player in Parkinson's disease treatment.
Researchers developed a novel method for predicting attention impairment using brain network growth charts in young people. The study found associations between deviations from normative maturation patterns and impaired sustained attention performance, as well as ADHD diagnosis.
Researchers created a growth chart for brain networks to identify early signs of attention difficulties and potential ADHD. The chart showed underdeveloped networks in children with attention issues, predicting poor attention performance.
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.
A large cross-sectional study found that children taking ADHD medication show decreased bone density, particularly in the femur and lumbar spine. Physicians should address this risk and consider nutritional counseling to prevent long-term consequences of low-bone density.
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.
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.
Children with ADHD are more likely to experience persistent symptoms if their parents express high levels of criticism over time, according to a new study. Sustained parental criticism was associated with the continuation of ADHD symptoms in children who had been diagnosed with ADHD.
Researchers found that females with childhood ADHD are at a two-fold greater risk of developing obesity during childhood and adulthood. Obesity is not associated with stimulant treatment among childhood ADHD cases.
A NYU study investigates how brain mechanisms affect decision-making after errors. The research found that a combination of adaptive and maladaptive neural processes influence slowing, but ultimately lead to no change in accuracy. Insights from the study may offer new perspectives on afflictions like Alzheimer's Disease and ADHD.
Research published in Psychological Science found a link between lead exposure and ADHD symptoms in children with the HFE C282Y gene mutation. The study showed that lead effects were more robust in males and that environmental pollutants like lead play a role in explaining ADHD symptoms.
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.
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...
A study found that people with higher levels of ADHD symptoms also showed greater distractibility, which can impact daily activities and tasks. Increasing task difficulty can help improve focus and performance for both individuals with high and low distractibility traits.
Weaker interactions between brain networks help regulate attention were found in children with ADHD, correlated to the severity of inattention symptoms. Functional MRI scans identified biomarkers that reliably differentiate children with ADHD from others.
A new report finds that 5.8 million US children ages 5-17 have ADHD, up from 3.7 million in 2003, with a notable increase among girls. The study also reveals racial and ethnic disparities in ADHD diagnosis, particularly among Hispanic youth.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that children taking ADHD medications experience significant sleep problems, including delayed sleep onset and poor quality sleep. The researchers recommend frequent monitoring by pediatricians and consideration of behavioral treatments to minimize these adverse effects.
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.
A new study found that children in foster care are three times more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than their peers. Children with both ADHD and a simultaneous disorder are more likely to receive psychological services, suggesting a high need for these services within this group.
A new study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found no increased risk of cardiovascular side effects or death in children with ADHD and severe heart conditions treated with stimulants. The medication also showed significant improvements in ADHD symptoms. Researchers are next studying the effect on electrocardiograms.
A Brazilian study found that ADHD children and their mothers have shorter telomeres, a hallmark of cellular aging, associated with increased risk for chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Hyperactivity symptoms were more related to telomere length than inattention symptoms.
Research found adolescents with ADHD showed differences in brain structure and poor memory performance compared to peers, suggesting ADHD may persist into adulthood. Grey matter deficits in the caudate nucleus region were linked to poorer memory function.