ScienceDaily: ADD and ADHD News

Early-life traffic-related air pollution exposure linked to hyperactivity

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:12:12 EDT

Early-life exposure to traffic-related air pollution was significantly associated with higher hyperactivity scores at age 7, according to new research.

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.

Learning disabilities affect up to 10 percent of children

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:23:23 EDT

Up to 10 percent of the population are affected by specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and autism, translating to 2 or 3 pupils in every classroom, according to a new review.

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.

Google searches about mental illness follow seasonal patterns

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:12:12 EDT

Google searches for information across all major mental illnesses and problems followed seasonal patterns, suggesting mental illness may be more strongly linked with seasonal patterns than previously thought.

Greater recognition of face blindness needed, experts say

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:11:11 EDT

Imagine not being able to recognise your own child at nursery or even pick out your own face from a line-up of photos.

Children with sleep apnea have higher risk of behavioral, adaptive and learning problems

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:12:12 EDT

A new study found that obstructive sleep apnea, a common form of sleep-disordered breathing, is associated with increased rates of ADHD-like behavioral problems in children as well as other adaptive and learning problems.

Rapid rise in antipsychotic treatment of medicaid-insured children

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:08:08 EDT

More benefit/risk information is needed in community care efforts, says a researcher.

Short bouts of exercise boost self control

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:11:11 EST

Short bouts of moderately intense exercise seem to boost self control, indicates an analysis of the published evidence.

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.

Working to identify early warning signs in juvenile offenders

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:47:47 EST

Red flags are easy to recognize in the days following a tragic event like a mass shooting. That’s why a group of researchers is working to identify those early warning signs in juvenile offenders before they turn into a pattern of criminal behavior.

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.

Childhood obesity linked to more immediate health problems than previously thought

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:17:17 EST

A new study focuses on the immediate consequences of childhood obesity and shows that obese youngsters are at far greater risk than had been supposed.

Bullying causes significant short-term emotional and physical consequences for children with autism

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:43:43 EST

Nearly 70 percent of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience emotional trauma as a result of being bullied, according to findings of a new study, while a significant portion were concerned for their own safety at school. The study also found that children with ASD who presented with pre-existing psychiatric diagnoses were at increased risk for involvement in bullying, with children diagnosed with ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression at highest risk of being victimized over a one month period.

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.

Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders in children

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:06:06 EST

More than one in every ten schoolchildren suffers from a transient tic disorder, and 1% have a particular type of tic disorder known as Tourette syndrome. Researchers report on various modes of diagnosis and treatment for these disorders.

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.

Second-hand smoke linked to children's behavior problems

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:18:18 EST

It is a known fact that active maternal smoking during pregnancy has negative effects on child health, such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, new research suggests that second hand smoke, or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), may be just as harmful.

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.

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.

New tools developed to better treat ADHD patients in early stages

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:08:08 EDT

Researchers have developed a method to get better input from parents and teachers of children who are being diagnosed with ADHD for the first time -- allowing for more effective treatment upon the first consultation. Researchers also showed how a tool can help clinicians better diagnose and treat children who have both ADHD and oppositional defiance disorder.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is both under and over diagnosed, study suggests

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:11:11 EDT

Scientists have completed one of the largest studies on ADHD in the United States. The study shows that ADHD is both under and over diagnosed, a finding with important implications for both prevalence and treatment needs.

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.

Genetic mutation linked to psychiatric disease and obesity

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:18:18 EDT

Researchers have identified a small region in the genome that conclusively plays a role in the development of psychiatric disease and obesity. The key lies in the genomic deletion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, a nervous system growth factor that plays a critical role in brain development.

Psychology can explain and improve bad classroom behavior

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 08:35:35 EDT

A new monograph brings together evidence from psychological research to help readers understand the causes of anti-social behavior and what can be done to curb it.

Study details bullying involvement for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 22:11:11 EDT

A study based on information collected from 920 parents suggests an estimated 46.3 percent of adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder were the victims of bullying

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.

Memory training unlikely to help in treating ADHD, boosting IQ

Thu, 31 May 2012 10:17:17 EDT

Working memory training is unlikely to be an effective treatment for children suffering from disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity or dyslexia, according to a research analysis. In addition, memory training tasks appear to have limited effect on healthy adults and children looking to do better in school or improve their cognitive skills.

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.

Top ten toxic chemicals suspected to cause autism and learning disabilities

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:01:01 EDT

Scientists have prepared a list of ten chemicals considered likely to contribute to autism, learning disabilities and related conditions.

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.