Benefits and Risks of Medication Treatment
THE DECISION TO MEDICATE a child with ADHD is difficult. Likewise, deciding whether someone should begin or stop treatment for ADHD as an adult can also be hard. There is a lot of conflicting information. The news and social media have accounts of people benefiting from medication, while there also are stories extolling grave dangers associated…
Read MoreADHD & Obesity: An Under-Recognized Problem
EATING is one of the most routine things people do, yet healthy eating and weight regulation remain a challenge for many individuals. This is especially true for those with ADHD. Several recent research studies looked at the relationship between ADHD and obesity, citing it as an under-recognized problem. A longitudinal study found that men with…
Read MoreThe Genetics of ADHD
DOCTORS AND SCIENTISTS have long known that ADHD runs in families, and plenty of parents have suspected it. In fact, many parents first realize they might have ADHD after going through the process of their child’s assessment. The science of genetics Genes play a role in everything that makes us individuals, from eye color to…
Read MoreSmartphones in School? A Voice for Change
AS A PARENT COACH AND TEACHER TRAINER, I deal with the challenges created by electronic devices and social media on a daily basis. Parents struggle to set appropriate limits, kids have a hard time regulating their usage, and educators need to manage the balance between using these devices as tools and the unintended consequences they…
Read MoreStressful Experiences and Risk for ADHD
THIS RESEARCH UPDATE focuses on a single overarching question: Does exposure to stressful experiences put children at risk for ADHD? The two studies featured highlight the importance of understanding what researchers are measuring when trying to reconcile seemingly contradictory findings. The first study utilized data from a large study of twins and sought to understand…
Read MoreADHD & Teen Pregnancy; Micronutrients & Behavior Improvement
IN THIS ISSUE, we highlight two studies: One focused on risk for early pregnancy among youth with ADHD, and another describing a randomized controlled trial for a vitamin-mineral treatment in children with ADHD. RISK OF EARLY PREGNANCY Are children with ADHD at greater risk for early pregnancy and why? Many prior studies have revealed that…
Read MoreQuestions About ADHD Medication
Questions About ADHD Medication THIS UPDATE examines some of the recent research on medications for ADHD. MEDICATION & SUBSTANCE USE RISK Is risk for substance use reduced in adolescents with ADHD who are treated with stimulant medications? Many parents of youth with ADHD are concerned about whether treating their child’s ADHD with stimulant medications may…
Read MoreADHD, Self-Harm, and Suicide
Risk Factors and Recommendations for Parents by Jocelyn Meza HIGH LEVELS OF RISK-TAKING and sensation-seeking behaviors mark the critical periods of adolescence and young adulthood. In particular, self-harm and suicide are public health concerns that affect adolescents and young adults disproportionately, with suicide rates quickly rising. Recent data from the World Health Organization reveal that…
Read MoreADHD, Pregnancy, and Prenatal Risk
Our research update in this issue focuses on the effects of ADHD symptoms during pregnancy and questions about prenatal risk factors for ADHD. ADHD & PREGNANCY How do maternal ADHD symptoms impact daily life functioning during pregnancy? A large body of research has linked pregnancy with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and has also demonstrated…
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