ADHD in the News 2016-11-03
New Medgenics data confirms presence of specific genetic mutations in many ADHD children
“There is increasing interest in the critical role of glutamate neurotransmission in ADHD and other neuropsychiatric disorders,” said Josephine Elia, M.D., Neuroscience Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children and principal study investigator. “This study suggests that mutations that can disable genes in this critical network can be causally associated with ADHD. Such mutations are present in up to 25 percent of children with ADHD, and suggest new genomics targeting strategies to better treat the disease.”
ADHD Likely Due to Genes, Not Parenting or Environment
A study conducted to determine the frequency of genetic mutations involving specific genes - namely, glutamate receptor metabotropic (GRM) network genes - found that more than 20% of children and adolescents with ADHD carried the mutations. "Our work shows that ADHD is likely due to genes. It's not due to parenting, not due to some environmental causes," principal investigator Josephine Elia, MD, from Nemours/Alfred L. du Pont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, told Medscape Medical News.
Kids with Autism May Be Over-Diagnosed with ADHD
A popular screening tool for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be less accurate when a child has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a new study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders...The researchers, including one of the psychologists who developed the ADHD screening tool — the ADHD Rating Scale Fourth Edition (ADHD-RS-IV) — say that the scale needs to be refined to better identify the correct disorder and that it should also be supplemented with careful clinical interviews.
Does your mind jump around, stay on task or get stuck?
During downtime, some of us daydream while others might focus on a to-do list, or get stuck in a negative loop. Psychology has traditionally defined all these thought patterns as variations of "mind-wandering." But a review of brain imaging studies led by researchers at UC Berkeley and the University of British Columbia offers a new way of looking at spontaneous versus controlled thinking, challenging the adage that a wandering mind is an unhappy mind.
ADHD, SIDS, and Vaccines: What’s the Link?
Population level-analyses between 2003–2013 found no links between sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and vaccines, Jana Shaw, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY, presented at IDWeek 2016.
How Librarians Help Kids With ADHD Thrive
When it comes to integrating kids with special needs, classroom teachers have a full plate. Instructing this population, particularly students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can be a challenge because the work takes place alongside regular lessons and activities during an already busy day. Librarians, of course, can relate: many face similar issues, but often with less time allotted to accomplish their goals.
Mental Health News & Updates: Why Is There A Need To Lift The Taboo Around Calling Mental Health Illnesses By Their Name
Just a month ago, the whole world was shocked when "Harry Potter" alum Devon Murray, who played the role of Seamus Finnigan, confessed about his mental health struggles. Murray's battle was highlighted after he tweeted about getting help to celebration of the World Mental Health Day.
ADHD As A Sociological Disorder: Know Why French Children Are Off ADHD Medications
French children are known for their healthy lifestyle as the majority of the them does not eat and mostly reject junk food. Aside from their healthy habits, French children are also off pills, especially the ones medicated for ADHD.
Teens With ADHD Report More Concussion Symptoms
Teenage athletes with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely than their peers to report concussion-like symptoms during preseason baseline tests, a new study suggests. "This may lead us to refine the ways we use baseline concussion tests. Right now it's a one-size-fits-all test," said study investigator Donna Huang, MD, a resident at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network in Boston, Massachusetts.