ScienceDaily: Attention Deficit Disorder News

Nearly one-third of children with autism also have ADHD

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:39:39 EDT

Researchers have found that children with co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders face greater impairments.

Are children who take Ritalin for ADHD at greater risk of future drug abuse?

Wed, 29 May 2013 19:10:10 EDT

Children who take medication such as Ritalin and Adderall for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at no greater risk for later taking alcohol, marijuana, nicotine and cocaine than children with ADHD who do not take the medication, report psychologists who have conducted the most comprehensive assessment ever on this question.

Brain activity in sleep may impact emotional disturbances in children with ADHD

Wed, 29 May 2013 19:09:09 EDT

Sleep consolidates emotional memories in healthy children but not in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to new research. The study suggests these deficits in sleep-related emotional processing may exacerbate emotional problems experienced in the daytime by children with ADHD.

Link between childhood ADHD and obesity revealed in first long-term study

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:39:39 EDT

A new study found men diagnosed as children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were twice as likely to be obese in a 33-year follow-up study compared to men who were not diagnosed with the condition.

One in 10 teens using 'study drugs,' but parents aren't paying attention

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:44:44 EDT

Just one in 100 parents believe their kids have used prescription stimulants to boost grades, according to a new poll.

Methylphenidate 'normalizes' activation in key brain areas in kids with ADHD, study suggests

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:33:33 EDT

The stimulant drug methylphenidate "normalizes" activation of several brain areas in young patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new review.

90 percent of pediatric specialists not following clinical guidelines when treating preschoolers with ADHD

Sat, 04 May 2013 16:33:33 EDT

A recent study by pediatricians examined to what extent pediatric physicians adhere to American Academy of Pediatrics clinical guidelines regarding pharmacotherapy in treating young patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The results showed that more than 90 percent of medical specialists who diagnose and manage ADHD in preschoolers do not follow treatment guidelines recently published by the AAP.

Examine social factors to explain rise in diagnoses of mental disorders

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:32:32 EDT

Examining social factors is vital to better explaining and understanding the dramatic rise in the number of Americans diagnosed with mental disorders in recent years, according to a new analysis.

Teachers in Ireland regard medication for ADHD as last resort

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:12:12 EDT

Teachers in the Republic of Ireland consistently view medication treatment for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a last resort, even when they view the disorder as biologically based.

ADHD takes a toll well into adulthood

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:47:47 EST

The first large, population-based study to follow children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder into adulthood shows that ADHD often doesn’t go away and that children with ADHD are more likely to have other psychiatric disorders as adults. They also appear more likely to commit suicide and to be incarcerated as adults.

Is there a link between childhood obesity and ADHD, learning disabilities?

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:10:10 EST

A new study has established a possible link between high-fat diets and such childhood brain-based conditions as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and memory-dependent learning disabilities.

ADHD symptoms persist for most young children despite treatment

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:21:21 EST

Nine out of 10 young children with moderate to severe attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continue to experience serious, often severe symptoms and impairment long after their original diagnoses and, in many cases, despite treatment, according to a federally funded multi-center study.

Large study shows substance abuse rates higher in teenagers with ADHD

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:48:48 EST

A new study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of substance abuse and cigarette use by adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) histories than in those without ADHD. Researchers also found that, contrary to previous findings, current medications for ADHD do not counter the risk for substance abuse or substance abuse disorder.

Exposure to antiepileptic drug in womb linked to autism risk

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:46:46 EST

Children whose mothers take the antiepileptic drug sodium valproate while pregnant are at significantly increased risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, suggests a small study.

Childhood diagnosis of ADHD increased dramatically over 9-year period

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:19:19 EST

The rate of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder rose dramatically between 2001 and 2010 with non-Hispanic white children having the highest diagnosis rates, according to a new study. The study also showed there was a 90 percent increase in the diagnosis of ADHD among non-Hispanic black girls during the same nine-year period.

DNA chip to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:32:32 EST

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common childhood neuropsychiatric disorder. Yet there is currently no tool that will confirm the diagnosis of ADHD. Now a researcher has developed a tool that could improve not only the diagnosis of but also the therapeutics for this disorder.

Mistaking OCD for ADHD has serious consequences

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:14:14 EST

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder appear very similar, but have very different neuropsychological roots. New evidence demonstrates that there are enormous consequences if they're mistaken for each other, and that ritalin, if misprescribed to children with OCD, will only worsen their symptoms.

ADHD linked to oxygen deprivation before birth

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:08:08 EST

Children who had in-utero exposure to ischemic-hypoxic conditions, situations during which the brain is deprived of oxygen, were significantly more likely to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder later in life as compared to unexposed children, according to a new study. The findings suggest that events in pregnancy may contribute to the occurrence of ADHD over and above well-known familial and genetic influences of the disorder.

Study examines psychotropic medication use among U.S. adolescents with mental disorders

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:34:34 EST

A survey finds that 14.2 percent of adolescents ages 13 to 18 years with any mental disorder reported being treated with a psychotropic medication in the last 12 months, which researchers suggest challenges concerns about widespread overmedication and misuse of psychotropic medications among young people in the U.S.

Adults with ADHD commit fewer crimes when on medication

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:51:51 EST

Criminal behaviour in people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) dropped sharply during periods when they were on medication, according to a new extensive registry study.

ADHD medicine affects the brain's reward system

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:15:15 EST

Scientists have created a model that shows how some types of ADHD medicine influence the brain's reward system. The model makes it possible to understand the effect of the medicine and perhaps in the longer term to improve the development of medicine and dose determination.

Smoking and hyperactivity share common genetic risk factor

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 19:52:52 EDT

A variation of a particular gene may link the behaviors typical of childhood attention hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short, and those associated with smoking, suggests new research.

Study evaluates treating mothers with ADHD to improve outcomes in kids

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:15:15 EDT

Researchers are conducting a study to determine if treating mothers with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder -- either with medication or parent training -- will help children at risk for ADHD.

Children with ADHD find medication frees them to choose between right and wrong, study suggests

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 09:19:19 EDT

Children living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tend to feel that they benefit from medication to treat the condition and do not feel that the medication turns them into "robots", according to a new report. In fact, they report feeling that medication helps them to control their behavior and make better decisions. The study, which gives a voice to the children themselves, provides valuable insights into their experiences and the stigma they face.

Exercise may lead to better school performance for kids with ADHD

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:21:21 EDT

A few minutes of exercise can help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder perform better academically, according to a new study.

Men diagnosed with ADHD as children had worse outcomes as adults, study suggests

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:24:24 EDT

Men who were diagnosed as children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) appeared to have significantly worse educational, occupational, economic and social outcomes in a 33-year, follow-up study that compared them with men without childhood ADHD.

Low-level mercury exposure in pregnant women connected to ADHD risk in children

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:19:19 EDT

A new study links low-level prenatal mercury exposure with a greater risk of ADHD-related behaviors. The study also finds that maternal fish consumption during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of ADHD-related behaviors in children. This duality is possible because many types of fish have low levels of mercury, so it is possible for a pregnant woman to eat nutritionally beneficial fish without being exposed to much mercury.

Prenatal mercury exposure may be linked to risk of ADHD-related behaviors; Fish consumption may be linked to lower risk

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:18:18 EDT

A study of children in the New Bedford, Mass., area suggests that low-level prenatal mercury exposure may be associated with a greater risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related behaviors and that fish consumption during pregnancy may be associated with a lower risk of these behaviors.

Increased off label antipsychotic drug use found among children

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:17:17 EDT

A national study shows increased use of powerful antipsychotic drugs to treat publicly insured children over the last decade. The study found a 62 percent increase in the number of Medicaid-enrolled children ages 3 to 18 taking antipsychotics, reaching a total of 354,000 children by 2007.

Studying everyday eye movements could aid in diagnosis of neurological disorders

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:53:53 EDT

Researchers have devised a method for detecting certain neurological disorders through the study of eye movements.

Girls with ADHD more prone to self-injury, suicide as they enter adulthood

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:21:21 EDT

Girls with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) -- and their families -- often look forward to the likely decline in visible symptoms such as fidgety or disruptive behavior as they mature into young women. However, new findings caution that, as they enter adulthood, girls with histories of ADHD are more prone to internalize their struggles and feelings of failure -- a development that can manifest itself in self-injury and even attempted suicide.

Girls with ADHD at risk for self-injury, suicide attempts as young adults

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:01:01 EDT

Girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are significantly more likely to attempt suicide or injure themselves as young adults than girls who do not have ADHD, according to new research.

Smooth Transition: Researchers Helping Freshmen with ADHD Succeed in College

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:23:23 EDT

Researchers have studied ways to help freshmen with ADHD plan a successful transition to college. They have found that having management strategies in place before coming to campus helps students succeed. The researchers have developed recommendations for ways that universities and families can support college students with ADHD.

Childhood defiance correlated with drug dependence

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:26:26 EDT

Childhood defiance is correlated with drug dependence whereas inattention suggests a susceptibility to smoking.

Brain development delayed in ADHD, study shows

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:48:48 EDT

Is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) due to a delay in brain development or the result of complete deviation from typical development? Psychologists found that the development of the cortical surface is delayed in frontal brain regions in children with ADHD.

New clue on how brain processes visual information

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:52:52 EDT

Ever wonder how the human brain, which is constantly bombarded with millions of pieces of visual information, can filter out what's unimportant and focus on what's most useful?

Long-term ADHD drug use appears safe

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:31:31 EDT

Drugs used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) do not appear to have long-term effects on the brain, according to new animal research.

Timing of ADHD medication affect academic progress

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 06:53:53 EDT

Researchers have found a correlation between the age at which children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder begin taking medication, and how well they perform on standardized tests, particularly in math.

How exercise affects the brain: Age and genetics play a role

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:28:28 EDT

Findings suggest that the effects of exercise on memory depend on the age of the exerciser; underlying genetic mechanisms matter, too.

New animal model for one of the least understood medical issues: ADHD

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:03:03 EDT

To better understand the cause of ADHD and to identify methods to prevent and treat it, researchers have developed a new form of specially bred mouse that mimics the condition.

Children with juvenile arthritis have higher rates of bacterial infection

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:55:55 EDT

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have higher rates of hospitalized bacterial infection than children without JIA according to an observational study.

Dietary changes help some children with ADHD

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:19:19 EDT

Child and adolescent psychiatrists have just completed an extensive report which reviews the studies which have been done so far on the significance of diet for children and young people with ADHD. The report shows that there are potential benefits in changing the diets of children with ADHD, but that key knowledge in the area is still lacking.

What do ADHD and cancer have in common? Variety

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:28:28 EDT

According to new research, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is more than one disorder. It's an entire family of disorders, much like the multiple subtypes of cancer. The research, which highlights various versions of the disease, each with differing impacts, demonstrates that there is likely not going to be a "one-size-fits-all" approach to treating patients.

ADHD is over-diagnosed, experts say

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:17:17 EDT

What experts and the public have already long suspected is now supported by representative data: ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is over-diagnosed. The study showed that child and adolescent psychotherapists and psychiatrists tend to give a diagnosis based on heuristics, unclear rules of thumb, rather than adhering to recognized diagnostic criteria. Boys in particular are substantially more often misdiagnosed compared to girls.

Diagnosis of ADHD on the rise

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:42:42 EDT

The number of American children leaving doctors' offices with an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis has risen 66 percent in 10 years, according to a new study.

Cell phone use in pregnancy may cause behavioral disorders in offspring, mouse study suggests

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:01:01 EDT

Exposure to radiation from cell phones during pregnancy affects the brain development of offspring, potentially leading to hyperactivity, researchers have determined.

Study pinpoints effects of different doses of an ADHD drug; Finds higher doses may harm learning

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:35:35 EST

New research with monkeys sheds light on how the drug methylphenidate may affect learning and memory in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

New study looks at medication use of kids with autism, ADHD

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:12:12 EST

Many children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can benefit from medication for disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Young children exposed to anesthesia multiple times show elevated rates of ADHD

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:22:22 EST

Researchers have found that multiple exposures to anesthesia at a young age are associated with higher rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Children with ADHD benefit from healthy lifestyle options as first-line treatment

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:44:44 EST

Every year between 3 and 10 percent of school-age children in this country are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Increasingly, families are using natural or complementary therapies to improve their child’s attention or behavior, and often seek advice from an integrative pediatrician, according to a new study.

Combination therapy shows positive response for children with ADHD

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:25:25 EST

The first randomized placebo-controlled trial designed to assess efficacy and safety of guanfacine extended release as an adjunct to psychostimulants in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD who had a suboptimal response to a psychostimulant alone has just been published.

Maternal gestational diabetes and low socioeconomic status associated with increased risk of ADHD in offspring

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:08:08 EST

Children exposed to maternal gestational diabetes mellitus and low socioeconomic status, particularly in combination, appear to be at an increased risk of developing childhood ADHD, according to a new report.

New biochemical changes found in children with ADHD

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:23:23 EST

A new study shows that children with ADHD have nearly 50 percent less of a protein that is important for attention and learning. The finding may mean that there are other biochemical disturbances in the brains of individuals with ADHD than was previously believed.

New ADHD gene study points to defects in brain signaling pathways

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:46:46 EST

Pediatric researchers analyzing genetic influences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have found alterations in specific genes involved in important brain signaling pathways. The study raises the possibility that drugs acting on those pathways might offer a new treatment option for patients with ADHD who have those gene variants -- potentially, half a million US children.

Functional brain pathways disrupted in children with ADHD

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers have identified abnormalities in the brains of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder that may serve as a biomarker for the disorder, according to a new study.

Children with certain dopamine system gene variants respond better to ADHD drug

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:55:55 EDT

Children with certain dopamine system gene variants have an improved response to methylphenidate -- the most commonly prescribed medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to new research. The finding that could help eliminate the guesswork from prescribing effective medications for children with ADHD.

American Academy of Pediatrics expands ages for diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in children

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:17:17 EDT

Updated guidelines offer new information on diagnosing and treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in younger children and in adolescents.

Prescribed stimulant use for ADHD continues to rise steadily

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:57:57 EDT

The prescribed use of stimulant medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rose slowly but steadily from 1996 to 2008, according to a new study.

ADHD symptoms worsen quality of life for individuals with autism, study finds

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:38:38 EDT

Research have found that symptoms of ADHD worsen quality of life and impact adaptive functioning for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Over half of the 2000 individual evaluated had symptoms of either attention or hyperactivity problems, more than a third had significant symptoms of both. Only one in ten studied were receiving medications used to treat ADHD, suggesting children with ASD and ADHD symptoms are not being treated with medications for inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.

For kids with ADHD, regular 'green time' is linked to milder symptoms

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:37:37 EDT

A study of more than 400 children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has found a link between the children's routine play settings and the severity of their symptoms, researchers report. Those who regularly play in outdoor settings with lots of green (grass and trees, for example) have milder ADHD symptoms than those who play indoors or in built outdoor environments, the researchers found. The association holds even when the researchers controlled for income and other variables.