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Walk the Path to Clarity. In these posts we'll bring you the latest ADHD news on neurobiology, genetics, treatment, assessment and technology.
Neurobiology of ADHD - Science at the level of the brain, including neurotransmitters and other machinery that explains how we think about thinking.
Genetics - Genetic factors are known to contribute to ADHD, and ongoing studies aim to identify specific genetic variations associated with the disorder.
ADHD Treatment There's ongoing exploration of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD, including studies of the effectiveness of various medications, as well as behavioral therapies, cognitive interventions, and lifestyle modifications.
Assessment - Diagnosis of ADHD is not limited to childhood. There's increasing recognition of adult ADHD and its unique challenges.
Technology and ADHD: With the rise of digital health, there's interest in how technology can be leveraged to support individuals with ADHD. This includes the development of apps for symptom tracking, cognitive training programs, and tools for time management and organization.
News and Views - May 2024
Early vocabulary size is genetically linked to ADHD, literacy, and cognition
March 1, 2024 - Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics
Summary
Are genetic factors underlying children's language development linked to later-life outcomes? In a genome-wide analysis, an international research team found genetic associations between children's early vocabulary size and later-life ADHD, literacy, and general cognition. These associations changed dynamically across the first three years of life. Both producing more words in infancy and understanding fewer words in toddlerhood were associated with a higher risk of ADHD.
New initiative improves detection, evaluation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - April 1, 2024 - Source: - Boston University School of Medicine
Summary
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common pediatric neurobehavioral disorder with a prevalence of approximately 7%-10% in school-age children. ADHD significantly affects functioning throughout life including academic achievement, social and family relationships and occupational success, predisposing individuals to secondary psychopathology, substance use, justice system involvement and suicide. Fortunately, ADHD is treatable, most effectively with a combination of medication, behavioral therapy and school-based supports. Unfortunately, many children with ADHD go undiagnosed and untreated for years, and sometimes for life, putting those children most at risk for problematic outcomes.
The link between mental health and ADHD is strong -- so why aren't we paying attention? January 16, 2023 - University of Bath
Summary
On Blue Monday -- supposedly the gloomiest day of the year -- a study shows adults with high levels of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than adults with high levels of autistic traits.
AI may aid in diagnosing adolescents with ADHD
November 29, 2023 - Radiological Society of North America
Summary
Using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze specialized brain MRI scans of adolescents with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), researchers found significant differences in nine brain white matter tracts in individuals with ADHD.