ADHD in the News 2020-03-05
Learning difficulties due to poor connectivity, not specific brain regions
Different learning difficulties do not correspond to specific regions of the brain, as previously thought, say researchers at the University of Cambridge. Instead poor connectivity between 'hubs' within the brain is much more strongly related to children's difficulties.
ADHD diagnoses increasing in black kids, report suggests
For the first time, a U.S. survey found that black children appear to be more likely than white kids to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other learning disabilities. Previous studies had found the diagnosis was far more likely in white kids. It's not known what might have driven the change described in Wednesday's report, said lead author Benjamin Zablotsky of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ADHD medication isn’t likely to cause heart problems for healthy kids or adults
The medications prescribed to treat ADHD are largely considered safe and don't cause heart problems for the average healthy child or adult. But it may be less safe for people with existing heart conditions. Here's what you need to know.
ADHD: Not a One-Size-Fits-All Condition
ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition. This is because ADHD taps into a more general process called self-regulation. Self-regulation affects everything from how we deploy our attention to whether we are impulsive to how we manage our emotions.
Diet Plays a Significant Role in Affecting Your Mental Health, Says Study
Diet significantly influences mental health and wellbeing, but this link is firmly established only in some areas such as the ability of a high fat and low carbohydrate diet (a ketogenic diet) to help children with epilepsy, and the effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on fatigue, poor memory, and depression, says a study. The research, published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology, cautions that the evidence of a ink between diet and mental health for many diets is comparatively weak.
Improvement in Child Behaviour Linked to Better Mother-Father Relationship
A test in switzerland showed that a parenting education programme that improved children’s behaviour also improved the mother-father relationship, even though the programme did not specifically address their relationship.
Children who don’t get enough sleep may have a higher risk of mental health problems
New European research has found that children who don't get enough sleep may be at a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as ADHD, anxiety and depression. Carried out by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the University of Bergen, Norway, the new study looked at 799 children who were followed from the age of 6 to 12 years.
Where have all the girls gone? Missed, Misunderstood or Misdiagnosed?
Leading into International Women’s day #IWD2020 on the 8th March, it is important for us to consider why there are more girls and women coming forward being diagnosed with Neurodivergent conditions than in the past.
How can we make the workplace adapt to us, instead of the other way around?
In order to improve workplace wellness, safety and productivity, companies are creating environments that better adapt to the functioning of employees' mental and physical faculties. This is being made possible with the help of technologies that monitor movements, facial expressions and even brain activity.
Are You a Mom with ADHD?
Many of my patients with Adult ADHD are also moms. Being a mom requires focus, organization, planning ahead, multitasking, and frustration tolerance. All of these present challenges for parents with ADHD...Here are five strategies that many of my patients who have ADHD and who are parents have found helpful.
New Research Raises Questions about the Benefit, and Potential Risk, of ADHD Diagnosis for Children with Only Mild Behavior Problems
In March 2020 Jayanti Owens published, "Relationships between an ADHD Diagnosis and Future School Behaviors among Children with Mild Behavioral Problems," a piece focused on examining the consequences of ADHD diagnosis and the social and psychological factors involved in medicating young children with undiagnosed behavioral problems.
Boys with inattention-hyperactivity face increased risk for traumatic brain injuries
McGill-led research shows that boys exhibiting inattention-hyperactivity at age 10 have a higher risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in adolescence and adulthood. Treatments to reduce these behaviours may decrease the risk for TBIs.