ADHD in the News 2021-06-10
ADHD medications may lower suicide risk in kids
Children with substantial externalizing symptoms who received ADHD medications had lower odds for suicidality, a cohort study showed. Researchers wrote in JAMA Network Open that “there is a critical need to identify modifiable risk and protective factors” for suicide. Previous research, they added, has shown that psychostimulants may reduce suicidal behavior in patients with ADHD, but existing studies lack information on symptom severity and other confounders.
Study examines alternatives for preschool ADHD medications
Stimulant medications are recommended as the first-line treatment for ADHD, but a number of preschool-aged children are given α2-adrenergic agonists despite limited evidence about efficacy. A recent study sought to investigate how well these medications work at controlling ADHD symptoms, and what side effects might be expected. The recent study, published in JAMA, aimed to investigate exactly how effective α2-adrenergic agonists could be compared to stimulants, and whether there were any negative effects from the medication.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacting Lifestyle of Pediatric ADHD Patients
A team, led by Rose Swansburg, MBT, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, examined the impact of the pandemic on lifestyle habits and mental health symptoms for pediatric patients with ADHD in Canada. In the study, the researchers conducted an online survey across Canada to caregivers of pediatric patients with ADHD between 5-18 years old. The surveys assessed depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), ADHD (SNAP-IV), and lifestyle behaviors.
New Study Finds ADHD Test Serves as a Better Indicator of Medication Effects
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that an FDA cleared, computer-based, objective measurement of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms was more sensitive to medication effects than patient self-rating, at both one-month and six-month follow-up visits. The Quantified Behavioral Test (QbTest), serves as a better early indicator of treatment effects for ADHD, confirming that healthcare professionals can confidently use objective data alongside patient feedback regarding treatment effectiveness.
Too much sugar in childhood could cause obesity and ADHD in adults
This is according to the results of a new study led by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) academics and published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience. A trial using mice has shown that a diet high in sugar from childhood may lead to significant weight gain, persistent hyperactivity and learning impairments in adulthood. This has particular relevance to people on ‘western’ diets, many of whom consume four times more sugar than recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Studying guppies, researchers find ADHD drugs can affect later generations
By studying guppies, scientists at the University of Toronto and Florida State University found that behaviours affected by methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) – the active ingredient in stimulants such as Ritalin and Concerta used to treat ADHD – can be passed along to several generations of descendants.
Flickering screens may help children with reading and writing difficulties
Previous studies have shown that children with attention difficulties and/or ADHD solve cognitive tasks better when they are exposed to auditory white noise. However, this is the first time that such a link has been demonstrated between visual white noise and cognitive abilities such as memory, reading and non-word decoding in children with reading and writing difficulties.
ADHD and Hoarding: What’s the Connection?
While ADHD and hoarding are separate mental health conditions, research suggests that people with ADHD may be at an increased risk for hoarding tendencies. In fact, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), ADHD is listed as one of the conditions most commonly associated with hoarding.
In this article, we’ll explore the connection between ADHD and hoarding disorder, including which treatments are available and how to seek help for both ADHD and hoarding.
Parent’s Guide for Disciplining Kids Who Have ADHD
Before you lose your temper for the umpteenth time when your child is out of line, remember it’s not their fault, or yours. Children with ADHD just need a different approach to discipline...Because it’s so common, there’s plenty of research on strategies you can practice to help make discipline easier for both you and your children. Read on for what works, what does not, and how to take care of yourself when your nerves are frayed.