ADHD in the News 2021-04-15
Consensus Statement Revises Previous Assertions About ADHD
An international group of experts analyzed findings from a large pool of select studies and developed an updated consensus statement with declarations about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They curated a collection of validated statements, addressing questions on topics ranging from nutrition, neuropsychiatry, and nonpharmacologic treatments. The statement was published online in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.1 Lead author Stephen V. Faraone, PhD, joins us in this Q&A to talk about the study.
Study Finds Evidence of ADHD Overdiagnoses in Children and Adolescents
A recent study found evidence of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. Investigators from the University of Sydney School of Public Health led by Luise Kazda, MPH, found long-term effects in diagnosing and treating ADHD in young patients with only mild symptoms. The overdiagnosis of ADHD may negatively affect those with less severe cases of the disease, as the harm outweighs the benefits of treatment.
Advances in Predicting and Diagnosing ADHD
A classification system to identify communication between brain regions brings us closer to predicting and diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with better precision than ever before, according to a study published in Frontiers in Physiology. In this Q&A, we speak with lead author of the study, Chris McNorgan, PhD.
On a limb: Despite resistance, a group of researchers is investigating the possibility of a new mental health disorder
For Abby Williard, school always felt like a slog...As she researched sluggish cognitive tempo, or SCT, online, the symptoms seemed just right: a problem with focusing was there, too, but also daydreaming, slow or “foggy” thinking, and a general lack of energy...But SCT is not an officially recognized diagnosis. It’s currently what’s called a clinical construct — a term used in psychology to define a group of behaviors.
Study finds sluggish cognitive tempo in early life predicts depression and inattention in adulthood
Children and adolescents who suffer from sluggish cognitive tempo are at increased risk of suffering from inattention and depressive symptoms in adulthood, according to new research published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. The findings shed light on a relatively understudied syndrome that is linked to academic and functional impairment.
Researchers Reveal Stroop Test Patterns Based on ADHD Subtype
New research reveals insight into how attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) subtype might impact cognitive testing performance. A team, led by Vanessa Arán Filippetti, PhD, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, conducted three studies examining predictors of Stroop performances in accordance with socioeconomic status and ADHD subtype.
Childhood cognitive problems could lead to mental health issues in later life
Children experiencing cognitive problems such as low attention, poor memory or lack of inhibition may later suffer mental health issues as teenagers and young adults, a new study reveals...The international team of researchers from the UK and Finland, led by experts from the University of Birmingham, published its findings today in JAMA Network Open.
Mental Health, ADHD, and COVID-19
KEY POINTS: A new study shows that 1 in 3 survivors of COVID-19 have neurological or psychiatric problems six months after recovery. Mental health concerns may also be rising due to secondary economic and isolation stressors. Mental health care accessibility and equity are likely to become even more important as demand increases.
ADHD in People with Bipolar Disorder: What We Know
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder have similar symptoms. This is so much the case that they’re often misdiagnosed for one another. But this doesn’t mean that they don’t show up together...It’s also estimated that about 4.4 percent of American adults will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their life, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
How one student group is building community and awareness around ADHD
Mindful ADDitude, Education and Support (MADDES) is a [University of Alabama] organization dedicated to educating campus at large on ADHD and ADD. The organization also works as a support group for students who have ADHD and struggle with being in the world of higher education. The group holds bi-weekly meetings every Friday at 4 p.m. via Zoom for UA students and members of the Capstone community to discuss issues surrounding ADD and ADHD.