Early Detection and Intervention of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2025 | Viewed by 1543

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Neuroscience, Policlinico “Riuniti”, Foggia, Italy
2. Department of Translational Biomedicine Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
Interests: adolescent psychiatry; neurodevelopmental disorders; gender dysphoria
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Editorial Team of the journal Children, I am pleased to announce the launch of this Special Issue titled “Early Detection and Intervention of ADHD in Children and Adolescents”.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that occurs in childhood and is characterised by inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. To date, the assessment of ADHD has been based on clinical observations, interviews with caregivers, and neuropsychological assessments. The treatment of ADHD involves personalised treatment (non-pharmacological only or combined with pharmacological, depending on the severity of symptoms). This Special Issue aims to collate original manuscripts on children and adolescents with ADHD that address the following topics:

  • Innovative screening or diagnostic tools (including neuroimaging, genetic markers, and digital applications);
  • Developmental trajectories of ADHD, comorbidities, and negative stigmatisation associated with this disorder (including social isolation, school problems, and bullying);
  • Non-pharmacological (psychoeducation, psychotherapy, digital therapeutics, and alternative medicine approaches) and pharmacological treatments (new or existing medications).

With this Special Issue, we would like to present advances in ADHD research to improve the clinical practise and enhance the quality of life of children/adolescents with ADHD and their families.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Alessandra Gabellone
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
  • neurodevelopmental disorders
  • children
  • adolescents

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 231 KiB  
Article
Contexts and Parental Management Strategies for Child-to-Parent Violence in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Qualitative Study
by Chia-Fen Wu, Ching-Shu Tsai, Yu-Ping Chang, Fan-Hao Chou and Cheng-Fang Yen
Children 2025, 12(4), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040483 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This qualitative study was conducted to understand the experiences of parents of adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) regarding experiences of child-to-parent violence (CPV), including the contexts of parent–child conflict in which CPV occurred, types of CPV, victimized parents’ feelings and responses to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This qualitative study was conducted to understand the experiences of parents of adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) regarding experiences of child-to-parent violence (CPV), including the contexts of parent–child conflict in which CPV occurred, types of CPV, victimized parents’ feelings and responses to CPV, and parents’ strategies for better handling of CPV based on past experiences. Methods: Data from open and in-depth interviews with 18 parents who have experienced CPV perpetrated by their children with ADHD were subject to reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The results revealed various contexts in which parent–child conflicts (CPV) occurred. Parents reported the experiences of psychological aggression, physical aggression, and restrictions on movement. In addition to experiencing feelings of distress, fear, and frustration, parents adopted various strategies for coping with adolescents’ CPV, such as leaving the scene, pushing back, rational communication, controlling their own emotions, encouraging their children to express their feelings, and seeking help. Parents suggested that practicing communicating with their children using real-life examples and learning parenting skills is essential to the prevention of CPV and the mitigation of serious consequences. Conclusions: Our findings can provide healthcare professionals with key insights into the contexts of CPV and the management strategies used by parents of adolescents with ADHD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Detection and Intervention of ADHD in Children and Adolescents)
12 pages, 244 KiB  
Article
Associations Between Peer Victimization and Aggression and Three Types of Domestic Violence in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
by Po-Chun Lin, Ching-Shu Tsai, Ray C. Hsiao and Cheng-Fang Yen
Children 2025, 12(4), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040422 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 286
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Peer victimization and aggression can be detrimental to the physical and mental health of adolescents. Adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are one of the risk groups involved in peer victimization and aggression. The association between multiple types of domestic violence and engagement [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Peer victimization and aggression can be detrimental to the physical and mental health of adolescents. Adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are one of the risk groups involved in peer victimization and aggression. The association between multiple types of domestic violence and engagement in peer victimization and aggression warrants more examination in adolescents with ADHD. This study examined the associations of parent-to-child aggression (PCA), witness to domestic violence (WDV), and child-to-parent violence (CPV) with the experiences of peer victimization and aggression among adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: In total, 247 adolescents with ADHD (206 boys and 41 girls, mean age [SD] = 13.2 [2.0] years) agreed to participate in this study. Adolescents’ peer victimization and aggression, PCA, WDV, and CPV in the previous year were collected. Results: This study found that 28.3% and 12.6% of adolescents with ADHD reported experiences of peer victimization and aggression, respectively. The rates of having PCA, WDV, and CPV ranged from 38.1% to 56.3%. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis found that child-to-parent financial demand (p = 0.016) and child-to-parent control or domination (p = 0.018) significantly correlated with the experiences of peer victimization. PCA (p = 0.010) and child-to-parent control or domination (p = 0.042) significantly correlated with the experiences of peer aggression. Conclusions: The results of this study show that both CPV and PCA significantly correlate with the experiences of peer victimization and aggression in adolescents with ADHD. CPV and PCA should be included in adolescent prevention programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Detection and Intervention of ADHD in Children and Adolescents)

Review

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20 pages, 826 KiB  
Review
The Multidimensional Dynamic Feedback Model: A Comprehensive Framework for Understanding and Managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
by Yuying Wang, Yuan Zhao, Luming Hu and Xuemin Zhang
Children 2025, 12(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12030303 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 686
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can significantly impact academic performance, social interactions, and daily activities, often creating cycles that worsen long-term challenges. This review introduces the Multidimensional Dynamic Feedback Model (MDFM), [...] Read more.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can significantly impact academic performance, social interactions, and daily activities, often creating cycles that worsen long-term challenges. This review introduces the Multidimensional Dynamic Feedback Model (MDFM), which aids in understanding ADHD’s development and guiding intervention strategies. The model emphasizes the dynamic interactions among genetic, environmental, cognitive, and behavioral factors. The MDFM consists of three key aspects: (1) the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in shaping ADHD’s biological basis, (2) the role of cognitive and neural processes in driving core symptoms, and (3) the influence of behavioral feedback loops that reinforce negative behaviors and hinder adaptation. The model highlights the importance of personalized interventions and effective feedback systems, including early prevention, supportive family and school environments, and the impact of social and cultural backgrounds on treatment outcomes. As a comprehensive framework, the MDFM offers a holistic perspective for clinicians, aiming to enhance long-term outcomes and promote the health and well-being of individuals with ADHD across the lifespan. By addressing implementation challenges, the model seeks to improve ADHD prevention and management, ultimately supporting individuals and their communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Detection and Intervention of ADHD in Children and Adolescents)
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