ADHD in Children Health Center News

Age gaps can make a big difference in behavior, and kids who are younger than their classmates have a higher chance of being diagnosed with ADHD, even if they don’t have the disorder, according to a study in the latest New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers have identified 12 gene regions linked with ADHD. The discovery might help scientists develop new treatments for ADHD, which affects more than 9 percent of American children.

Research has uncovered a host of factors that could increase a child's risk of ADHD, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, or moms smoking or taking drugs during pregnancy, he explained.

Can Smartphones Trigger ADHD Symptoms in Teens? By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Teenagers who constantly use their smartphones may have a heightened risk of developing symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a new study suggests.The findings offer a look at a question many parents may have: Can those ubiquitous digital devices -- and their constant pull on kids' attention -- cause mental or behavioral issues?The answer, the study authors said, is "maybe."The researchers found that teens who used their devices "many times" a day were at increased risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The investigators found that those children with ADHD had significantly reduced volume in multiple regions of the cerebral cortex, including the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes.

Acetaminophen is considered the go-to pain medication during pregnancy. But a new study adds to evidence linking the drug to an increased risk of behavioral issues in kids.

There's no solid proof, but encouraging healthy eating is a wise move, specialist says

Study found disparities in diagnosis, treatment rates

Study underscores importance of good prenatal nutrition

Study found drug abuse, STDs and injuries were lower among teens who take meds

Study says they're also more apt to have other psychiatric issues

Chances were actually lower the earlier stimulants were started, and the longer they were taken

Those with the attention disorder sleep less, take longer to fall asleep at night, study finds

Study found slightly higher chance of irregular heartbeat shortly after starting methylphenidate

Healthier habits related to exercise and diet could help many with the disorder, researcher says

Parents of hyperactive young children can help them improve through guidance, experts say

Study raises questions about bone health of young people taking meds like Ritalin and Adderall

Rates of disorder have risen alongside increasing academic demands, researchers say

Behavioral Therapy First for ADHD Treatment?

If harsh comments focus on the child, rather than the behaviors, symptoms may linger, researcher says

Impulsiveness, eating disorders may help explain possible link, researcher says

Two-thirds of children with parental history of mental illness report 'funny feelings' when on the stimulants

Study finds cycle of rejection by peers, worsening symptoms that may heighten difficulties

But more research is needed before scans could be used to diagnose disorder, experts say

Girls, Hispanics fueling the increase in prevalence, but experts don't know why