ADHD in the News 2021-06-24

UofL psychology specialists launch low-cost ADHD evaluation service

UofL faculty member and ADHD specialist Paul Rosen, associate professor in the UofL Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, has launched the UofL ADHD Evaluation Service which provides children ages 6 through 17 with ADHD evaluations in just a few weeks. The evaluations are conducted by Rosen and his colleagues. With support from the WHAS Crusade for Children, evaluations are available to any family based on a sliding scale, with fees for most families ranging from $10 to $100.



Does cannabis affect brain development in young people with ADHD? Too soon to tell, reports Harvard Review of Psychiatry

While ADHD is clinically defined to have impairments in cognitive functioning, cannabis use by itself is also associated with cognitive impairments: "[T]he evidence to date does not clearly support either an addictive effect or an interaction - whether protective or harmful - with cannabis use," according to the study by Philip B. Cawkwell, MD, of Stanford University School of Medicine, and colleagues.



Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Children

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) increased the risk for symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the results of a cross-sectional study published in JAMA Network Open. Children (N=45,562) living in 7 cities in Northeastern China were recruited between 2012 and 2013 for this study.



RUDN University medics detect alterations in amino acid profiles in children with ADHD

RUDN University doctors found alterations in serum amino acid profile in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The findings will help to understand the mechanism of the disorder and develop new treatment strategies. The study is published in the journal Biomedical Reports.



Privilege plays a huge role in getting an ADHD diagnosis

While methods vary, a majority of studies on the topic find significant demographic disparities in whose ADHD symptoms get missed or improperly diagnosed and treated. "Privilege plays a huge role in getting an ADHD diagnosis," said Dr. Tumaini Rucker Coker, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine who researches racial and ethnic inequities in childhood ADHD. "And on the other side of that privilege are all the disadvantages of not getting a diagnosis early on."



6 Ways to Combat Procrastination for Adults With ADHD

KEY POINTS: Procrastination and avoidance is often a key challenge for people with Adult ADHD. The thought of starting difficult tasks is not just unpleasant; it is painful. Therefore, pain centers activate when people think of a challenge. Using cognitive behavioral therapy and developing an action-oriented plan to meet goals can alleviate barriers.  



Your ADHD Plan: A Recipe for Better Focus

KEY POINTS: A detailed ADHD plan considers a range of interventions. Flexible trial and error is one key to success. Stay proactive and consider everything from medication to meditation that may help with focus.



Myths and stigma about ADHD contribute to poorer mental health for those affected

Around one in 30 Australians (or 3.4% of the population) have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Yet it remains a poorly understood and highly stigmatized disorder. Our new paper, which reviews the research on community attitudes about ADHD, found misconceptions are common and affect the way people with ADHD are treated and see themselves.



The importance of getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD especially now in times of Covid19

On May 8th 2021, Dr Eugene Merzon, MD a certified ADHD Diagnostician and the head of department of managed and digital care of Leumit health service in Israel spoke at the 8th world congress of ADHD. Dr Merzon, stating that a high percentage of the ADHD patients were testing positive for Covid19. He postulated that ADHD patients may find it harder to comply with rules and social distancing, increasing their risk of contracting the disease. He added that wearing masks is more challenging for people with sensory difficulties.