Childhood ADHD medication shows protective effect against future psychosis

A major new study, led by scientists at University College Dublin and the University of Edinburgh and funded by the St John of God Research Foundation, has found that commonly prescribed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication in childhood may lower the long‑term risk of developing serious psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. Treatment with methylphenidate, the … Read more

Study finds treatment gap for young ADHD patients with substance use disorders

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting 12%–13% of adolescents in the United States, according to some studies. The pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity can interfere with daily life, raising problems at home, work or school. At the same time, individuals diagnosed with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing substance use … Read more

Brain imaging study reveals distinct subtypes of ADHD in children

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often talked about as if it were a single condition. But anyone who works with children with ADHD-or raises one-knows that symptoms can look very different from one child to another. A new brain imaging study now provides scientific evidence for this everyday observation, showing that ADHD is not one-size-fits-all at … Read more

Study finds ADHD symptoms linked to higher internet addiction risk in college students

New research explores how attention difficulties, sleep disruption, and cognitive control challenges intersect with internet use patterns, highlighting lifestyle factors like exercise that may help reduce risk while underscoring the need for cautious interpretation of cross-sectional findings. Study: The interplay between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and internet addiction: executive dysfunction and insomnia as mediators and the … Read more

Childhood ADHD traits linked to poorer physical health in midlife

People who have ADHD traits at age 10 are more likely than those without such traits to have physical health problems and to report physical health-related disability at age 46, according to a study led by University College London (UCL) and University of Liverpool researchers. The researchers say the findings likely reflect the impact of … Read more

ADHD linked to higher risk of irritable bowel syndrome, global study reveals

New research shows a clear link between ADHD and irritable bowel syndrome, suggesting gut health could be a key factor in understanding and managing ADHD symptoms. Study: Association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders and intestinal disorders: A systematic review and Meta-analysis. Image Credit: ClareM / Shutterstock In a recent review article published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers systematically … Read more

City size reduces obesity and impulsivity through better lifestyle and education

New research reveals that larger cities see lower rates of both obesity and impulsivity, uncovering how lifestyle, education, and mental healthcare shape healthier urban populations. Study: Investigating the link between impulsivity and obesity through urban scaling laws. Image Credit: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock In a recent article published in the journal PLOS Complex Systems, researchers explored the … Read more

TikTok fuels ADHD self-diagnosis with misleading content, study shows

A new study reveals that TikTok’s most-viewed ADHD videos often spread inaccurate information, blurring the line between relatable content and real diagnosis—raising red flags among mental health experts. Study: A double-edged hashtag: Evaluation of #ADHD-related TikTok content and its associations with perceptions of ADHD. Image Credit: BongKarn Graphic / Shutterstock.com A recent PLOS ONE study investigates … Read more

Study links fetal acetaminophen exposure to increased risk of ADHD

Fetal acetaminophen exposure increases the likelihood that a child will develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study published Feb. 6 in Nature Mental Health.  Prior research shows that upward of 70% of pregnant women use acetaminophen during pregnancy to control pain or reduce fever. The drug, which is the active ingredient of many pain-relief medications, is one of … Read more