ADHD in the News 2020-01-09

Children with ADHD Less Likely to Exercise

A retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional study compared rates of physical activity among children with and without an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. This study evaluated data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH)...When implementing the AAP’s daily exercise recommendation, children diagnosed with ADHD had a 21% lower adjusted odds ratio of participating in daily physical activity compared with those without a diagnosis.



Severe childhood deprivation has longstanding impacts on brain size in adulthood

Deprivation related changes in brain volume were associated with lower IQ and more symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study analysed the MRI brain scans of 67 young adults, aged 23-28 years, who were exposed to severely depriving conditions in Romanian institutions under the Communist regime and subsequently adopted into nurturing families in the UK.



Low Vitamin D Levels During Early Pregnancy May Increase Risk of ADHD in Offspring

In this nationwide, population-based, case-control study, the researchers explored how 25(OH)D levels during early pregnancy impact offspring ADHD risk...The study authors noted that the data presented a correlation between low prenatal 25(OH)D levels and an increased risk for offspring ADHD.



Does diet influence mental health? Assessing the evidence

Can diet impact mental health? A new review takes a look at the evidence. Overall, the authors conclude that although nutrition certainly does appear to have an impact, there are still many gaps in our knowledge.



Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Teens

Emotional dysregulation isn’t so much a disorder as it is a symptom. Being emotionally dysregulated means a person feels emotions more intensely than they should, feels them for longer than they should, feels them at inappropriate times, or responds to them in extreme ways. People who exhibit signs of emotional dysregulation often have severe mood swings or extreme emotional instability...For example, some people with ADHD experience emotional dysregulation, but not all.



Some parents are turning to medical marijuana to treat ADHD instead of Adderall

Some parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have grown wary of Ritalin and Adderall, common treatments for the condition, because of the stimulants' side effects and potential for long-term abuse. Now they're turning to doctors who will prescribe medical marijuana instead.



5 Myths About ADHD

Some eagerly embrace myths about ADHD, making wild and inaccurate claims that hurt people with this very real condition. It’s time to put these myths to bed once and for all. Here’s what you need to know.



Seattle-area parents of kids with disabilities share their tips for making travel fun

You’ve seen them at the airport, at the beach or in a restaurant. A child is thrashing or kicking or on the ground while a desperate parent hovers nearby, trying to ignore angry glances from passersby. I know because I’ve been that anguished parent...I talked to several families who have traveled successfully with children with disabilities — here are some tactics that help kids have fun while helping parents relax.