Traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity was tied to post-injury attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, a systematic review and meta-analysis showed. Odds for ADHD following severe TBI were higher for both ADHD onset within 1 year (OR 4.81, 95% CrI 1.66-11.03) and diagnosis more than 1 year later (OR 6.70, 95% CrI 2.02-16.82) compared to children with other injuries. The risks were also higher compared to non-injured controls (OR 2.62, 95% CrI 0.76-6.64, and OR 6.25, 95% CrI 2.06-15.06, respectively).

When families of children with ADHD complete a mindfulness program together, a new study suggests, children and parents can profit, with potential boosts to self-control, self-compassion, and psychological symptoms. The findings do not suggest children should ditch medication in favor of focusing on the present moment.

Individuals with both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) share about 80% of genetic variants associated with aggressive and antisocial behaviors, according to new research published in Nature Communications. The study analyzed nearly 4000 patients with these pathologies and 30,000 control individuals, examining the neurobiological basis for aggressive behavior.

For individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, early access to support services and effective intervention can be life-altering. To access these services through the health-care system, however, most institutions require an official diagnosis. But what about those who have symptoms, but don’t quite meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis? These individuals may be overlooked by the health-care system, despite symptoms that may be treatable.

Optimized dosing of delayed-release and extended-release methylphenidate increased children’s control of ADHD symptoms throughout the day, according to study results published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. “HLD200, a delayed-release and extended-release formulation of methylphenidate [DR/ER- MPH; Jornay PM; Ironshore Pharmaceuticals & Development Inc.) approved by the [FDA] for the treatment of ADHD in individuals aged 6 years and older, is the first stimulant that is predicted to be absorbed primarily in the colon following evening administration without an immediate-release component,” Ann C. Childress, MD, of the Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Nevada, and colleagues wrote.

Adults who started taking methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, when they were children for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be able to lay aside concerns over whether the drug has neurotoxic effects, according to authors of an animal study published July 12 in Neurotoxicology and Teratology. In the study, scientists from the U.S. Food and Administration (FDA) used micro-PET/CT to measure the neurochemical effects of years of high doses of methylphenidate in a study in rhesus monkeys. They found that long-term use did not have a lasting impact on the function of dopamine neurons in the brain.

It can be difficult to know if treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are having the desired effects. This is in part because clinical procedures commonly rely on self-rated scales and interviews. Could a more objective measurement be added into the mix? In this Mental Health Minute, Dr Roy discusses the results of a recent study on capturing and measuring the effects of ADHD treatments—a study that included a novel objective measurement. Dr Roy is board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics. He specializes in treating ADHD. [video]

If you’re a parent of a child with ADHD, you may have experienced difficulty in getting your child to sleep at a reasonable hour. As it turns out, this is a common issue amongst parents as up to 70 percent of children with ADHD have difficulty falling asleep, according to CHADD...“Individuals with ADHD may feel more alert in the evening than in other parts of their day,” Jeincy Duarte, PsyD, BCBA, a clinical psychologist of ADHD and behavior disorders at the Child Mind Institute, tells SheKnows.

It’s a concerning reality that many girls with undiagnosed ADHD grow up hearing themselves mislabeled as “spacey,” “way too talkative,” and “disorganized.” As teenagers, they may fall behind academically, even though their frustrated parents and teachers know these young women are intelligent and capable. And in adulthood, many still struggle due to increased responsibilities and different roles...The reasons boys with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed than girls are varied and complex. Here are just a few of the main factors.