ADHD in the News 2020-09-24

ADHD study reveals unique genetic differences in African American patients

Researchers have shown there may be key genetic differences in the causes of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between African Americans and people of European ancestry, which may play an important part in how patients of different ethnic backgrounds respond to treatments for this condition.



Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, behavioral treatment combination effective for family ADHD

A combination of medication and behavioral treatments may benefit multiplex families where both children and their mothers have ADHD, according to study results published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry...In the current study, the investigators sought to compare parental treatment with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX; Vyvanse, Shire Development) with behavioral parent training (BPT) among 35 mothers who had untreated ADHD and who had young, stimulant-naive children aged 4 to 8 years (N = 35) with ADHD symptoms.



The Association of Younger Age in a Classroom and Increased ADHD Medication Rates

Vuori et al (10.1542/peds.2019-4046) evaluated whether there is an association between birth month and initiation of ADHD medications in children enrolled in the Finnish school system...The authors conclude that age immaturity relative to the age cutoff for starting the school year increases the likelihood of ADHD medication use in those children with later birthdays—or does it?



Theresa Cerulli, MD: ADHD Students Struggling During COVID-19

In the latest episode of DocTalk, Theresa Cerulli, MD, a psychiatrist in North Andover, Massachusetts and a lecturer at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, discusses just how difficult this school year might be for students suffering from ADHD. (Podcast)



Lower Writing Task Engagement Found in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children diagnosed with the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often demonstrate heterogeneous writing skills that are generally lower than their typically developing peers, similar to children with attention difficulties such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Recently, researchers have found children with ASD spend less time engaging in writing tasks compared to other children. However, previous studies have not examined engagement specifically within the writing task environment.



Kids With ADHD Benefit From Playing With Toys Instead Of Online Games

Fidget spinners were a fad for children for a short period. From the classroom to the kitchen table, they were everywhere. For many parents and teachers, they seem to be a distraction; however, as those with disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they proved beneficial. So let's explore how kids with ADHD can benefit from playing with toys instead of online games.



Children Are Most Likely to Be Diagnosed with ADHD by 10 Years Old

To gain more insight, our parent company SHE Media conducted this survey...The most staggering statistic from the survey is in relation to the children’s age of diagnosis — our survey found that 88 percent of children are diagnosed by the age of 10.



Does ‘Brain Training’ Actually Work?

An online citizen science project is recruiting 30,000 volunteers to assess whether exercises to improve memory and attention are valid—and if so, for whom...The study will use a common set of assessment measures to evaluate potential training gains, and it will focus on individual differences. Anyone older than 18 can join our study and help generate the data required to change the debate and move forward with a new paradigm of precision brain training.