Summary: Children as young as 4 years old show evidence of a network in the brain found in adults that tackles difficult cognitive problems, a new study found.

New Curtin University-led research has found caregivers of neurodivergent children are more likely to experience clinically significant levels of stress, poor mental health, financial hardship, and negative relationships. The research, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, explored the health and well-being of caregivers of children living with neurological conditions such as autism…

KEY POINT: Highest age-adjusted 2021 suicide rates and highest relative percentage change identified for American Indian or Alaska Native persons.

TUESDAY, Feb. 14, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Children who were exposed to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications their moms took during pregnancy are not more prone to neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD or autism, researchers report.

KEY POINTS: Colleges must provide reasonable accommodations for equitable access for mental health and neurodevelopmental disabilities. The quality and accessibility of student supports vary widely among schools. For teens with mental health or neurodevelopmental needs, living with a roommate can offer challenges that make or break success at school.

Stimulant and nonstimulant medications have improved symptoms for many individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, some patients show an inadequate response to these treatment strategies, while others have contraindications or experience prohibitive side effects with the use of such therapies.

1. In a retrospective cohort study, the use of alpha-2-adrenergic agonists to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschool children was associated with daytime sleepiness, moodiness/irritability, disruptive behavior, and difficulty sleeping. 2. Disruptive behavior was most common in children < 48 months of age. Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)

KEY POINT: In and out of the health care system, patients with ADHD have significant needs which are not being met.

Teen mental health was in crisis before COVID-19. Persistent feelings of hopelessness and sadness almost doubled over a 10-year period ending in 2019, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also during this time, attempted suicide and thoughts about suicide skyrocketed among U.S. high school students.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions impacting children in the United States and around the world. ADHD is marked by difficulty maintaining attention or focus, butting in or interrupting others, fidgeting/squirming, making careless mistakes, and forgetfulness.

The connection between different ADHD subtypes and mood disorders has not been fully explored.

Singh presented during the recent APSARD conference on the topic of ADHD and bipolar disorder.