Search Results (1,359)

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are neurobiological conditions that arise in childhood and affect the personal, social, academic, and occupational development of those who exhibit them. The aim of this study is to analyze scientific research on neurodevelopmental disorders and their relationship to accessibility in cultural heritage, to identify the methodological approaches that currently predominate, and to examine which types of NDD are most studied and which ones are currently overlooked in scientific research. Existing adaptations for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were used as a reference point for the analysis, given their high prevalence in the child population. This study was conducted following the DSM-5-TR criteria and the PRISMA 2020 protocol to select and analyze scientific articles published in the last decade, between 2015 and 2025, obtained from the Scopus database. The results show an increase in the dissemination of scientific literature on access to cultural heritage for people with NDDs, although in a very limited way. Furthermore, within the NDDs themselves, it is ASD that appears to be most represented, with an increase in applied techniques and inclusive experiences. Based on these findings, it is recommended that future research focus on finding educational tools and best practices that promote inclusion and accessibility to cultural heritage for people with other developmental disabilities, such as ADHD. Full article

Background: This study examines whether participation in STEAM-based educational activities is associated with improvements in executive functions (EFs) and cognitive skills in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methods: A total of 60 children diagnosed with ADHD (mean age = 8 years) participated, with 30 following a traditional educational approach and 30 engaged in STEAM-based activities. Executive functions and cognitive abilities were assessed using standardized instruments (BRIEF, WISC-V, CARAS-R), and data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics 25. Results: Children in the STEAM group outperformed the control group across several domains, showing statistically significant gains in inhibition, planning and organization, verbal comprehension, visuospatial skills, processing speed, total IQ, efficiency, and the Impulsivity Control Index (ICI). Conclusions: These findings suggest that STEAM-based educational experiences may support neurodevelopmental growth and enhance cognitive and executive functioning in children with ADHD, although causal inferences cannot be drawn due to the cross-sectional design. Full article

Background/Objectives: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental condition, and pharmacogenetic studies aim to clarify interindividual variability in treatment responses and adverse effects. Despite increasing research, the field remains fragmented. This review provides a bibliometric analysis of ADHD pharmacogenetics (2005–2025), identifying its intellectual foundations, thematic structure, and global distribution. Methods: A bibliometric search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science, retrieving 711 documents published between 2005 and July 2025. Data were analyzed with the Bibliometrix R package and Biblioshiny interface, applying bibliometric mapping, Bradford’s Law, co-word analysis, and thematic mapping. Only peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and book chapters were included to ensure scientific rigor. Results: The dataset shows a modest annual growth rate but strong impact, with an average of 29.6 citations per article. Highly cited works converge into four domains: (i) clinical guidelines and pharmacological treatments; (ii) cognitive heterogeneity and subtypes; (iii) neurodevelopmental and genetic mechanisms; (iv) environmental and health-related influences. Geographically, the United States leads with 24.8% of publications, followed by Brazil, China, and European countries. Keyword analysis reveals two main clusters: a clinical–therapeutic pole (methylphenidate, atomoxetine, child) and a genetic–molecular pole (dopamine transporter, SNPs, genotype). Conclusions: ADHD pharmacogenetics shows consolidation with strong clinical and genetic cores but limited integration of comorbidity, adult populations, and non-stimulant treatments. Future research should prioritize multi-center cohorts, multi-omic designs, and stronger international collaboration to advance precision medicine in ADHD. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 virus is a source of both acute and chronic stress for many people. This stress could uniquely impact children and their mental health. Research has shown that children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at an increased risk of negative mental health symptoms due to stress, but high-quality sleep may be associated with a protective role against these symptoms. We, therefore, aimed to investigate whether the impacts of COVID-19 and sleep problems were independently linked with children’s mental health and to examine whether sleep could mediate the relationship between COVID-19 impact and child mental health. Finally, we sought to compare the degree to which sleep problems could mediate this relationship in children without ADHD and in children with ADHD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 304 parents of children were sampled from a larger study investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian families and children in the spring of 2021. Parents reported on their children’s mental health, sleep, and the impacts of COVID-19 on their child. Of the total sample, 234 children were reported as having an ADHD diagnosis, and 70 children were reported to not have ADHD. Results: We found that both the impact of COVID-19 and sleep problems independently and positively contributed to the mental health symptoms (p < 0.001) experienced by children with ADHD and without ADHD. Children with ADHD were found to have higher scores for COVID-19 child impact, sleep problems, and negative mental health. However, sleep problems had a greater impact on the mental health of children without ADHD compared to ADHD children. Additionally, the results suggest that sleep problems mediated ~20% of the relationship between COVID-19 impact and child mental health in children with ADHD and ~51% of this relationship in children without ADHD. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the significant role of sleep in mediating child mental health symptoms during periods of stress in children without ADHD and in children with ADHD. We highlight the importance of considering sleep quality and supporting healthy sleep in times of stress to improve child mental health symptoms. Full article

Background: Bullying in university settings is a significant yet understudied contributor to psychological distress. Differentiating the sources of victimization, may reveal distinct risk profiles associated with mental health and substance use outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the frequency and risk factors associated with bullying victimization among medical students, and to identify associations with mental disorders and substance use. Methods: A nested case–control cohort study was conducted with 124 medical students. Participants completed nine validated psychometric instruments evaluating neurobehavioral traits, emotional distress, substance use, and scholar bullying. Bivariate and multivariate regression models were used to estimate coefficients and odds ratios for key outcomes. Results: 42.7% of the students reported victimization, with teacher harassment (37.1%) more frequent than peer harassment (27.4%); 22.6% experienced both. Teacher harassment was primarily characterized by intentional harm (78%); peer harassment involved abuse of authority (63%). ADHD, severe stress, and substance use were associated with teacher-related victimization, while peer victimization was linked to ADHD, stress, impulsivity, and suicide risk. Childhood abuse, high stress levels, and non-heterosexual orientation as predictors of teacher harassment (p < 0.05). Notably, students with a non-heterosexual orientation were over six times more likely to report teacher harassment, highlighting the disproportionate vulnerability of sexual minorities within academic power dynamics. Conclusions: Teacher- and peer-related harassment are prevalent and often co-occur, with teacher-perpetrated bullying emerging as both more frequent and more strongly associated with mental health and identity-based vulnerabilities. Students with ADHD, high stress levels, and non-heterosexual orientation are at significantly greater risk. These findings emphasize the need for institutional accountability, inclusive academic policies, and targeted mental health support to protect vulnerable students and prevent harm within educational environments. Full article

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presents significant challenges in all age groups, affecting various aspects of daily functioning and quality of life. Objective: This study aims to explore the rate and associated factors of unemployment among ADHD in adults. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 179 adults diagnosed with ADHD seeking consultation at a comprehensive ADHD clinic at a tertiary hospital in urban Oman. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentations, and factors associated with employment status were collected. 41% of the participants were actively seeking employment. Among the correlates of unemployment is obesity (OR 5.64, p = 0.011, 95% CI 1.49–21.43). Other variables, including education level and marital status, also influenced employment rates, with bachelor’s degree holders showing higher chances of unemployment (OR 5.35, p = 0.009, 95% CI 1.52–18.88). Marital status was closely associated with unemployment, with 39.5% of married individuals unemployed (p = 0.022). Furthermore, anxiety disorders were closely associated with unemployment (p = 0.026). Nearly one-third of the cohort had a comorbid substance use disorder (30%), and 6% reported suicidal attempts. This study highlights the significantly high prevalence of job seeking among adults with ADHD. Obesity, education level, marital status, and anxiety disorders were strongly associated with job search. Full article

Background: Chemical Intolerance (CI), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are conditions with rising incidence rates not fully explained by greater awareness or changes in diagnostic practices. It is now generally accepted that the interaction between genetic and environmental exposures plays a role in all of these conditions. Prior studies show that these conditions co-occur. This study seeks to explore previous findings using an international sample. Methods: A five-country (N = 5000) stratified panel survey was used to assess self-reported CI in themselves, and ASD and ADHD in their children. A generalized linear model was used to estimate Odds Ratios. Age- and sex-adjusted logistic models used CI as a predictor of ASD and ADHD in separate models. Results: Compared to those classified as Low CI, High levels of CI were associated with greater Odds Ratios (OR) of reporting a child with ASD and ADHD in all countries except Japan. Italy, India, and the USA had over twice the OR of reporting a child with ASD. Mexico had over 1.9 times the OR. The results with ADHD are similar to the ASD results. Conclusions: The results of this study are consistent with two prior U.S. studies, showing an association between ASD and ADHD among women who have CI. However, cross-cultural comparisons, especially prevalence estimates for ASD and ADHD, cannot be interpreted as epidemiologic rates due to serious limitations of the survey methodology. No causal relationship should be inferred from this study. Full article

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions in childhood. Beyond biological factors, social and environmental conditions influence developmental experiences and pathways to diagnosis. Nationally representative studies examining multiple social determinants in relation to ADHD, ASD, and comorbidity across recent years remain limited. Methods: We analyzed pooled cross-sectional data from six cycles (2018–2023) of the U.S. National Survey of Children’s Health, including 205,480 children aged 3–17 years. Parent-reported, clinician-diagnosed current ADHD and ASD were the primary outcomes; comorbid ADHD and ASD were examined secondarily. Social determinants included household income relative to the federal poverty level, parental education, health insurance type, food insecurity, and caregiver-reported neighborhood safety. Survey-weighted prevalence estimates and logistic regression models accounted for the complex sampling design and adjusted for demographic, family, regional, and temporal factors. Results: The weighted prevalence of ADHD was 9.7% and ASD was 2.9%; 1.1% of children had comorbid ADHD and ASD. Lower household income, food insecurity, unsafe neighborhood conditions, and lower parental education were associated with higher adjusted odds of both conditions. Boys had substantially higher odds of ADHD and ASD. After adjustment, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic children had lower odds of ASD than non-Hispanic White children, consistent with differential identification rather than lower underlying prevalence. Comorbidity was concentrated among socially disadvantaged children. Conclusions: ADHD and ASD are socially patterned across U.S. children. Integrating developmental screening with assessment of social risks may support more equitable identification and intervention. Full article

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are defined as a group of conditions that result from impaired brain development. Disorders that are commonly classified under NDDs include intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), communication and learning disorders, developmental delay (DD), brain malformations, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, schizophrenia, and childhood epilepsies. A significant hinderance in the development of targeted treatments for NDDs are gaps in understanding how underlying genetic changes alter cellular physiology and how these changes may converge or diverge across NDDs with similar symptoms. Here, we focus on the genetic overlap between epilepsy, ASD, and other NDDs to identify common cellular and molecular mechanisms that may inform future treatments for each of these disorders individually or together. We describe several genes—including CDKL5, TSC1/2, SCN1a, and TANC2—that have been associated with epilepsy, ASD, or other NDD phenotypes that play a critical role in regulating one or more stages of brain development or function but differ widely in their disease-causing mechanisms. We also describe genotype–phenotype relationships. Finally, how a gene may cause NDDs through distinct functional pathways, or where different types of pathogenic variants within the same gene can have significantly different phenotypic outcomes is detailed. Full article

Adaptive technologies have become more sophisticated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), providing world-changing solutions to help people living with disabilities live better lives. In this article, we discuss the potential of AI and IoT to address issues related to Down Syndrome (DS), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Mobility Impairment (MI), Hearing Impairment (HI), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Visual Impairment (VI). In addition, we propose an analytical framework for evaluating AI and IoT disability assistance prototypes. The framework consists of three different layers: Disability Monitoring, Disability Analysis, and Disability Assistance layers. In each layer, a set of dimensions are identified (e.g., technology, data, security, customization, and response time) and used as criteria to evaluate the research prototypes. Moreover, we evaluate 30 representative AI and IoT disability assistance research prototypes published from 2020 to 2024. The evaluation offers valuable insights into the new strategies, technologies, and approaches that will define AI and IoT disability support in the future. While these technologies have promise in enabling access, autonomy, and interfacing, there remain major open research issues such as data privacy, security, cost, scalability, and real-time response. Furthermore, we discuss future research directions to tackle these issues and allow the people with disabilities community to enhance their quality of life and be more independent. Full article

Background: Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have comorbid substance use disorders (SUDs). In Italy, individuals with both ADHD and heroin use disorder (HUD) are usually treated in addiction services with opioid agonist therapy (OAT), but stimulant medications are rarely prescribed. This may create a treatment gap for core ADHD symptoms. Aim: This study examined the clinical and behavioural profiles of ADHD patients with HUD who receive OAT but no stimulant treatment, compared to ADHD patients without opioid use disorder (ADHD/NoHUD) on standard pharmacotherapy. All participants were considered treatment responders in their respective services. Methods: Data were collected from two outpatient clinics and included 103 adult ADHD patients assessed using validated tools for symptom severity, emotional dysregulation, and global functioning. Differences between groups were analysed using univariate tests and logistic regression. Results: The ADHD+HUD group was significantly older and showed higher levels of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and current cocaine use. Despite clinical stability, these individuals presented a more severe psychopathological profile than their ADHD/NoHUD counterparts, who received stimulant-based treatment. Conclusions: Although limited by its cross-sectional nature and setting-related confounders, the study indicates that OAT alone may not be sufficient to manage neurodevelopmental symptoms in ADHD+HUD patients. Further research is necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of integrated stimulant-based treatments, ideally within dual disorder services combining psychiatric and addiction expertise. Full article

Background/Objectives: Suicidal behaviors are a major clinical concern in adolescents, particularly among those with disorders marked by emotion dysregulation and impulsivity. Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) each heighten suicide risk, little is known about whether their occurrence confers additive or interactive effects in youth. This study examined whether ADHD and BPD diagnoses show additive or interactive associations with the suicide risk in adolescents. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational clinical study, the sample included 108 Polish adolescents (66.7% female; aged 13–17 years) recruited from inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings (Independent Public Healthcare Facility, Children and Youth Treatment Center in Zabór, the Youth Sociotherapy Center No. 2 in Wrocław, and the District Educational Center in Jerzmanice-Zdrój (Poland)). The data collection for our study was conducted between May 2024 and July 2025. Diagnoses and suicide risk were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID 7.02). Associations of ADHD and BPD with suicide risk were tested using linear and logistic regression models while accounting for age, sex, the current depressive episode, and the use of psychiatric medications. Results: Unadjusted analyses revealed significant main, but not interactive, associations of BPD and ADHD with suicide risk. When covariates were included in the model, BPD remained strongly associated with suicidality severity and with the presence of any suicide risk (adjusted OR = 7.00, 95% CI [1.55–31.57]), whereas the association between ADHD and suicidality was attenuated and did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance (adjusted OR = 3.48, 95% CI [0.93–13.08]). No statistically detectable ADHD × BPD interaction was observed. Estimates for ADHD were directionally consistent across models but characterized by wide confidence intervals. Conclusions: Adolescents with BPD appear to be at particularly high risk of suicide and should receive focused assessment, safety planning, and early intervention as part of routine care. In contrast, suicidality among adolescents with ADHD appears to be influenced by co-occurring clinical conditions, and its independent association with suicide risk remains statistically uncertain after adjustment. Clinicians should therefore remain alert to suicidality in youth with ADHD, while paying particular attention to accompanying symptoms and comorbid diagnoses that may further increase risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psychiatric conditions are highly prevalent and among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Comorbidities are common in psychiatric patients but are not adequately addressed in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5. Understanding the impact of comorbidities on patients’ symptoms and brain activity could improve the personalization of therapeutic approaches, leading to better outcomes. Given the complexity of this task, a feasible strategy is to examine how comorbidities affect brain activity and a condition commonly observed in psychiatric patients, such as cognitive impairment. Methods: In this study, we assessed impulsiveness, working memory performance, and theta/beta ratio in controls and in subjects exhibiting symptoms of depression, ADHD, and suicide risk. Participants differed in the presence of alcohol use disorders, in addition to the aforementioned symptoms, either presenting no alcohol use disorder (DAS), hazardous alcohol consumption (DAS-H), or risk of alcohol dependence (DAS-D). Results: All three comorbid groups (DAS, DAS-H, DAS-D) showed increased impulsiveness compared with controls, while the DAS-D group also exhibited higher motor impulsiveness than both the DAS and DAS-H groups. A widespread increase in theta/beta ratio was observed only in the DAS group. Conclusions: These results indicate that comorbid alcohol use disorders modulate motor impulsiveness and theta/beta ratio in subjects with symptoms of depression, ADHD, and suicide risk. The findings underscore the importance of considering comorbidities when personalizing treatment strategies for psychiatric patients. Full article

Aim: To propose a standardized clinical protocol for cone-specific neuromodulation that classifies therapeutic filters for selective stimulation of S-, M-, and L-cones and translates optical and safety parameters into condition-specific frameworks for amblyopia, strabismus, and ADHD. Methods: Previously characterized spectral filters were re-evaluated using published transmittance and cone-excitation data to identify a reduced set of monochromatic and combined options with meaningful cone bias. These were integrated with $\alpha$-opic metrology, international photobiological and flicker standards, and condition-specific neurophysiological evidence to define reproducible ranges for wavelength, corneal illuminance, exposure timing, temporal modulation, and safety verification. Results: The protocol consolidates eleven monochromatic and six combined filters into operational classes mapped onto mechanistic profiles for amblyopia, esotropia, exotropia, vertical deviations, and exploratory ADHD applications. All time frames and applications are presented as methodological anchors rather than efficacy claims. Conclusions: This work provides a structured, safety-anchored framework intended to guide protocol design and comparability in future cone-specific neuromodulation trials; therapeutic benefit must be demonstrated in prospective clinical studies. Full article

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder linked to impaired cognition and altered dopamine neurotransmission. Emerging evidence suggests that women with ADHD experience pronounced hormone-related difficulties, with menstrual cycle-related changes in mood and cognition interfering with daily functioning and diminishing treatment efficacy. This review examines the influence of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle on cognitive functioning and ADHD symptomatology in women. A comprehensive literature search of Ovid EmBase identified studies published between 2015 and 2025 examining cognitive performance, including attention, executive functioning, working memory, and inhibitory control, across menstrual cycle phases in women with or without ADHD. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Neurobiological measurements included hormonal assays, neuroimaging, and neurotransmitter models. Seven studies in non-clinical populations suggested that attentional processing was enhanced during the mid-luteal phase, which may be linked to higher progesterone levels. By contrast, four studies in women with ADHD and six studies in women with mood-related disorders, such as PMS or PMDD, consistently observed impairments in attention, executive function, and impulsivity during the mid-luteal and pre-menstrual phases. These objective findings parallel subjective reports of worsened cognition, heightened mood symptoms, and diminished medication efficacy during the luteal phase. Current evidence indicates that ADHD-related cognitive functioning fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, with impairments particularly evident in women with ADHD and/or comorbid mood disorders. These changes may reflect increased sensitivity to allopregnanolone, peri-menstrual oestrogen withdrawal, and the absence of compensatory neural adaptations observed in non-clinical populations. However, findings remain preliminary and sometimes contradictory due to methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes. Further research is needed to clarify these mechanisms and, importantly, to translate theoretical insights into clinical application through female-specific diagnostic procedures and treatment strategies. Full article