http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/add_and_adhd/ Read the latest medical research on ADD, ADHD and related attention deficit disorders. Find information on ADD and ADHD tests, diagnosis methods, ADHD drugs and new approaches to ADHD treatment. en-us Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:05:01 EST Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/add_and_adhd/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027161524.htm Deep brain stimulation may be a safe and effective treatment for Tourette's syndrome, according to new research. The first symptoms of Tourette syndrome are almost always noticed in childhood and some common tics include eye blinking, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging and head or shoulder jerking. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027161524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006093349.htm Expectant mothers who eat excessive quantities of licorice during pregnancy could adversely affect their child's intelligence and behavior, a study has shown. A study of 8-year-old children whose mothers ate large amounts of licorice when pregnant found they did not perform as well as other youngsters in cognitive tests. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006093349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181636.htm Adolescents with psychiatric symptoms such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social phobia, hostility and depression may be more likely to develop an Internet addiction, according to a new report. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908193432.htm A brain-imaging study provides the first definitive evidence that patients suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have lower-than-normal levels of certain proteins essential for experiencing reward and motivation. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908193432.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716164335.htm Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have a high risk of psychiatric problems, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with FASD are often initially diagnosed with ADHD. A first-of-its-kind study shows that children with FASD have a distinct behavioural profile: significantly weaker social cognition and facial emotion-processing abilities than children with ADHD. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716164335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629165611.htm Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin and Adderall, are the accepted treatment to stem hyperactivity in children with attention deficit-hyperactive disorder and improve their behavior. Now a recent review of research by pediatric psychologists suggests that such medication, or the assumption of medication, may produce a placebo effect -- not in the children, but in their teachers, parents or other adults who evaluate them. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629165611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120835.htm Pediatric researchers have identified hundreds of gene variations that occur more frequently in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder than in children without ADHD. Many of those genes were already known to be important for learning, behavior, brain function and neurodevelopment, but had not been previously associated with ADHD. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527130834.htm A Canadian researcher working in the UK says doctors, authors and educators are doing hyperactive children a disservice by claiming that hyperactivity as we understand it today has always existed. Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527130834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526093928.htm As thousands of students nationwide prepare to leave high school, anew study shows a clear link between attention problems early in school -- as early as kindergarten -- and lower high school test scores. Thu, 28 May 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526093928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090513173545.htm Significant and widespread cognitive problems appear to exist in schizophrenia in its earliest phase, making it very hard for people with the disorder to work, study or be social, according to a new study. Mon, 18 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090513173545.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501090914.htm Adolescents with a childhood diagnosis of Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to have current and lifetime sleep problems and disorders, regardless of the severity of current ADHD symptoms. Authors suggest that findings indicate that mental health professionals should screen for sleep problems and psychiatric comorbidities among all adolescents with a childhood diagnosis of ADHD. Wed, 06 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501090914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429165917.htm A new review finds no evidence to support the use of risperidone to treat attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people with intellectual disabilities, even though the review authors say this is a common prescribing pattern. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429165917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427131313.htm A recent Finnish study suggests that children's short sleep duration even without sleeping difficulties increases the risk for behavioral symptoms of ADHD. Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427131313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420103547.htm In a new national study of 1,178 American youths, psychologists found nearly one in 10 of the gamers (8.5 percent) to be pathological players according to standards established for pathological gambling. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420103547.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415102134.htm The most disabling aspect of Tourette syndrome is that in 90% of cases, it exists in conjunction with another disorder. The most frequent co-occurring condition in people with Tourette is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, though the cause of this association is uncertain. Having one disorder can be disabling enough, but having two means coping with more than twice the disability. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415102134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090331153006.htm You've probably been there. In a doctor's office, being advised to do what you dread -- exercise. You get that feeling in your gut, acknowledging that, indeed, you should exercise but probably won't. Now imagine that the doctor is your optometrist. Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090331153006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324141047.htm Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder show more variable or inconsistent responses during on "working" or short-term, memory tasks when compared with typically developing peers, a new study has found. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324141047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323122439.htm Everyone makes an occasional error due to lack of attention. Now scientists have found a distinct electric signature in the brain which predicts that such an error is about to be made. The discovery could prove useful in a variety of applications, from developing monitoring devices that alert air traffic control operators that their attention is flagging, to devising and monitoring new strategies to help children cope with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323122439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317162840.htm Preliminary research in healthy men suggests that the narcolepsy drug modafinil, increasingly being used to enhance cognitive abilities, affects the activity of dopamine in the brain in a way that may create the potential for abuse and dependence, according to a new study. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317162840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317142845.htm Researchers trying to uncover the mechanisms that cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder have found an abnormality in the brains of adolescent boys suffering from the conditions, but not where they expected to find it. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317142845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309105038.htm In studies of 8- to 12-year-old boys, scientists found that children with ADHD became significantly more active than their typically developing peers during tasks that required them to remember and manipulate information. All of the children sat relatively still while watching Star Trek and painting on a computer program, tasks that did not challenge their working memory. Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309105038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090301094248.htm New research suggests the presence of an intrinsic sleep problem specific to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and supports the idea that children with ADHD may be chronically sleep deprived and have abnormal REM sleep. Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090301094248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090107134541.htm A special issue of American Journal of Medical Genetics: Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics presents a comprehensive overview of the latest progress in genetic research of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090107134541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081124102744.htm A new study says a combination of factors must be targeted to reduce sexual activity in teenagers. In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 750,000 pregnancies and almost half of new cases of sexually transmitted infections were among adolescents. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081124102744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081121125602.htm Tobacco use is more prevalent and smoking cessation less likely among persons with attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder. In a study of smokers with attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms, those who exhibited elevated hyperactivity and impulsivity, with or without inattention, showed lower quit rates after eight weeks than those with inattention symptoms alone or those without the ADHD symptoms. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081121125602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117110938.htm A new study reveals shape differences in the brains of children with ADHD. Researchers used a new tool, large deformation diffeomorphic mapping, allowing them to examine the shape of the basal ganglia. Boys with ADHD had shape differences and decreased volume of the basal ganglia compared to typically developing children. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117110938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081119120143.htm In contrast to recent findings, two of the most common medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder do not appear to cause genetic damage in children who take them as prescribed, according to a new study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and Duke University Medical Center. Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081119120143.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103160841.htm If your teen can’t pass a driver’s test, it might not mean more time in driver’s ed is needed. It might be due to ADHD. Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103160841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103170437.htm Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder appears to affect movement in boys more than it does in girls, according to a new study. ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders found in children. Symptoms include impulsiveness, hyperactivity, such as not being able to sit still, and inattention or constant daydreaming. Few studies have been done that compare ADHD and movement in both boys and girls. Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103170437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103102121.htm A study of chronic medication use in children ages 5 to 19 found that America's tweens and teens more than doubled their use of type 2 diabetes medications between 2002 and 2005. Utilization patterns for blood pressure, cholesterol, attention-deficit disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, asthma and depression medications also increased at varying levels. Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103102121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021185053.htm Young people with ADHD are not only at increased risk of starting to smoke cigarettes, they also tend to become more seriously addicted to tobacco and more vulnerable to environmental factors such as having friends or parents who smoke. The report also found that individuals with more ADHD-related symptoms, even those without the full syndrome, are at greater risk of becoming dependent on nicotine than those with fewer symptoms. Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021185053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021185207.htm Parents of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are nearly twice as likely to divorce by the time the child is 8 years old than parents of children without ADHD, the first study to look at this issue in depth has shown. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021185207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081015120742.htm For children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tasks that require concentration such as doing homework or taking a test can be very difficult. A simple, inexpensive remedy may be a "dose of nature." Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081015120742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908105354.htm Children born prematurely are four times more likely to have emotional problems or behavioral disorders, according to new research. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908105354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708171545.htm A genetic change in the dopamine transporter, discovered in two brothers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, makes it behave as if amphetamine is present and "run backward," Vanderbilt Medical Center investigators report. The researchers propose that because the altered transporter pushes dopamine out into the synapse, it alters dopamine signaling and contributes to the symptoms of ADHD. They further find that both Ritalin and Adderall, two ADHD medications, block the backward-running transporter. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708171545.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707081830.htm An innovative program is helping busy primary care physicians improve the care they provide for school-aged children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, according to a new study. The study is the first to intervene with an entire community of primary care physicians and help them more accurately diagnose and effectively monitor treatment response of their patients with ADHD, researchers said. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707081830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624115956.htm Stimulant medications such as Ritalin have been prescribed for decades to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and their popularity as "cognition enhancers" has recently surged among the healthy, as well. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624115956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616115843.htm Concerned by the growing numbers of people using stimulant medications such as methylphenidate -- either legally or illegally -- to improve attention and focus, researchers used positron emission tomography imaging with the radiotracer fluorodeoxyglucose to assess the effects of the drug on brain function in the normal human brain. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616115843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609195604.htm A propensity for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder might be beneficial to a group of Kenyan nomads, according to new research in BMC Evolutionary Biology. Scientists have shown that an ADHD-associated version of the gene DRD4 is associated with better health in nomadic tribesmen, and yet may cause malnourishment in their settled cousins. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609195604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610161250.htm Children and teens with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who were treated with the herb St. John's wort did not have any greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to those who received placebo. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610161250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609071154.htm Children with high risk for a sleep-related breathing disorder are more likely to have anxiety. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609071154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602103336.htm People use eye contact in a variety of ways every minute of every day but how often do you find yourself staring into space with concentrating on an issue or problem? Psychologists now know that people who are carrying out a complex task tend to look away from anyone else who is nearby. They refer to it as "gaze aversion." Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602103336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602105515.htm A new study supports previous reports that adolescents with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for smoking and substance abuse. The article also indicates that bipolar-associated risk is independent of the risk conferred by other disorders affecting study participants. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602105515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527125324.htm Workers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) do 22 days less work per year than people who do not have the disorder, finds new research. So much work is being lost that the researchers recommend employers consider screening staff for ADHD and providing treatment for those affected, because it would be more cost-effective for their businesses. Wed, 28 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527125324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080522210010.htm A properly supervised trial eliminating colors and preservatives from the diet of hyperactive children should considered a part of the standard treatment, according to experts. Fri, 23 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080522210010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505162858.htm Although most adopted American teens are psychologically healthy, adoptees appear to be at greater risk for emotional and behavioral problems than non-adoptees, according to a new report in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. They are also more likely to have contact with a mental health professional. Tue, 06 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505162858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421170219.htm The side effects of stimulant drugs, like those used to treat ADHD are usually insignificant, but are important to monitor for children with ADHD and certain heart conditions. Children diagnosed with ADHD should receive an electrocardiogram to rule out heart abnormalities before beginning treatment with stimulant drugs. Children currently taking stimulant drugs who did not have an ECG prior to treatment should get an ECG, according to a newly issued statement "Cardiovascular Monitoring of Children and Adolescents with Heart Disease Receiving Stimulant Drugs." Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421170219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409110023.htm New study offers a closer look at the association between childhood sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea, and behavioral problems like hyperactivity and anxiety. Children with sleep-disordered breathing who are also overweight, sleep for short periods of time, or have another sleep disorder like insomnia are more likely to have behavior issues. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409110023.htm