Adolescents who live in food-insecure households may be more likely to experience symptoms of cognitive disengagement, such as excessive daydreaming, confusion, and sluggish thinking, according to new research published in Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. In contrast, the study found no clear relationship between food insecurity and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), despite some previous studies suggesting a link. These findings suggest food insecurity may affect mental health in subtle and under-recognized ways, particularly through its relationship with cognitive disengagement syndrome, a condition closely related to but distinct from ADHD.
ADHD is one of the most common mental health conditions in childhood, typically involving high levels of inattention, impulsivity, and…