Search Results (1,174)

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, frequently observed in juvenile offenders. This systematic review explores the interplay between ADHD and juvenile delinquency, focusing on behavioural, psychological, and social dimensions. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted using EBSCO Discovery Service, Science Direct, PubMed, and snowballing techniques. Studies meeting specific inclusion criteria, including juvenile offenders diagnosed with ADHD and comparisons to non-offender or non-ADHD control groups, were analysed. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. A total of 21 studies were included, highlighting significant associations between ADHD and juvenile delinquency. ADHD symptoms, especially impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, were linked to an earlier onset of offending and higher rates of property crimes. Comorbidities such as conduct disorder, substance use disorder, and depression exacerbated these behaviours. Sociodemographic factors like low education levels and adverse family environments were also critical modifiers. Early intervention and tailored treatment approaches were emphasised to address these challenges. The findings underscore the need for early diagnosis, individualised treatment, and integrative rehabilitation programmes within the juvenile justice system to mitigate long-term risks and promote social inclusion. Full article

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with lifelong functional implications. Their potential role as emerging risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is increasingly acknowledged. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and meta-analysis of Mendelian Randomization (MR) studies exploring the causal effects of ADHD and ASD on various cardiovascular outcomes and vice versa. Three databases were searched, study quality was evaluated using a STROBE-MR checklist, and relevant data were extracted. In total, 14 studies revealed genetic associations between ADHD or ASD susceptibility and selected CVDs and vice versa. Notably, genetic markers for ADHD were linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and various types of stroke. Genetic predisposition to ASD raised the likelihood of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Atrial fibrillation showed a causal relationship with elevated ADHD risk. Interestingly, hypertension was not associated with ADHD or ASD at the genetic level. Further efforts are needed to fully elucidate the basis of causal links from a mechanistic perspective. Overall, the results highlight the need for cardiovascular risk assessment and management in the clinical care of individuals with ADHD and ASD. Full article

The present research examines the intersections of giftedness, disability status, and cultural identity through the case of Kent, a nine-year-old Asian American boy who is not only profoundly gifted but has also been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and possibly developmental coordination disorder (DCD). This study offers a comprehensive exploration of how these overlapping factors shape Kent’s early talent development and educational experiences, while also highlighting the challenges faced by his family and their need for a personalized, holistic support system tailored to his unique combination of abilities and disabilities. While Kent’s case is not generalizable, it underscores the critical importance of understanding the dynamic interplay among giftedness, disability status, and cultural identity in developing effective educational strategies. Furthermore, we advocate for personalized interventions that extend beyond conventional approaches, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), to adequately address the complex needs of multi-exceptional individuals like Kent. Full article

Objective: Retained primitive reflexes are associated with delayed motor and behavioral development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study examined the effects of a 12-week structured exercise intervention on reflex integration, motor coordination, and socio-behavioral outcomes in these populations. Method: Fifteen children with ASD (13 boys, 2 girls) and twelve with ADHD (8 boys, 4 girls), aged 6–12 years, participated in rhythmic, balance, and coordination-based exercises. Primitive reflexes, including the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR), were assessed using standardized protocols, and fine motor coordination was evaluated using the Finger and Thumb Opposition Test (FOT). Behavioral outcomes were measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2) for the ASD group and the Conners 3 for the ADHD group. Results: The ASD group showed significant reductions in left-standing ATNR retention scores (p = 0.012) and improvements in right-hand FOT scores (p = 0.023). In the ADHD group, significant improvements were also observed in right-hand FOT scores (p = 0.007). Furthermore, Conners 3 Total and Global Index scores significantly decreased in the ADHD group (p = 0.016 and 0.020, respectively). Reflex retention patterns appeared broader and more bilateral in ASD than in ADHD, suggesting distinct motor developmental profiles. Conclusions: Short-term rhythmic, balance, and whole-body coordination exercise interventions may support behavioral and motor development in children with ASD and ADHD. Tailored programs emphasizing reflex integration hold promise for clinical and educational applications. Full article

Pathogenic variants in the MAP1B gene have been associated with neurological impairment, including intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, brain malformations, cognitive hearing loss, short stature, and dysmorphic features. However, few cases with detailed clinical characterization have been reported. We describe a 12-year-old boy carrying a loss-of-function MAP1B variant, presenting with severe elimination disorders despite normal intelligence. He was referred to the genetics service due to persistent elimination issues, including daytime urinary incontinence, nocturnal enuresis, and fecal incontinence. He had normal motor and cognitive development, with an IQ of 99; however, he also presented with ADHD, short stature, microcephaly, and myopia. Brain MRI revealed bilaterial subependymal periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH). Audiometry showed normal bilateral hearing. Testing fragile X syndrome (FXS) and karyotype analyses yielded normal results. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a nonsense pathogenic variant in MAP1B (c.895 C>T; p.Arg299*). No other family members showed a similar phenotype; however, a great-uncle and a great-aunt had a history of nocturnal enuresis until age 10. The patient’s deceased mother had short stature and psychiatric disorders, and a history of consanguinity was reported on the maternal side. This case broadens the phenotypic spectrum associated with MAP1B syndrome, suggesting that elimination disorder, frequently reported in FXS, should also be evaluated in MAP1B pathogenic variant carriers. In addition, the presence of short stature also appears to be part of the syndrome. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between serum ferritin levels and functional impairment in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In addition, we investigated whether this relationship remained significant after controlling for core symptom severity and examined the correlations between ferritin levels and ADHD symptom levels. Methods: The sample included 88 children aged 6–13 years: 44 diagnosed with ADHD and 44 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age and sex. ADHD symptom severity was assessed using Turgay’s DSM-IV-Based ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Screening Scale (T-DSM-IV-S; parent-report) and the Clinical Global Impression—Severity (CGI-S) scale (clinician-rated). Functional impairment was measured using the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale—Parent Report (WFIRS-P). Serum ferritin levels were determined through venous blood samples. Statistical analyses included group comparisons, Spearman correlations, and partial correlations controlling for symptom severity. Results: Children with ADHD had significantly lower serum ferritin levels and higher levels of both symptom severity and functional impairment compared to HCs. Ferritin levels were negatively correlated with ADHD symptom severity and with functional impairment in the Life Skills domain. However, after controlling for ADHD symptom severity, the association with Life Skills was no longer statistically significant. Conclusions: Ferritin levels were found to be associated with both ADHD symptom severity and functional impairment in the Life Skills domain. However, this relationship was not independent of symptom severity, suggesting that core ADHD symptoms may mediate the impact of iron status on daily functioning. Due to the study’s limitations (e.g., cross-sectional design, small sample size, gender imbalance, and lack of inflammatory and dietary data), our findings should be interpreted with caution, as they do not establish causality or resolve the ongoing inconsistencies in the literature. These results underscore the relevance of iron metabolism in the clinical presentation of ADHD and highlight the need for future research to determine whether improving iron status could serve as an adjunctive strategy in the management of functional impairments in this population. Full article

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are increasingly recognized as conditions arising from multifaceted interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and epigenetic modifications. Among epigenetic mechanisms, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), have gained attention as pivotal regulators of gene expression during neurodevelopment. These RNA species do not encode proteins but modulate gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, thereby influencing neuronal differentiation, synaptogenesis, and plasticity. Objectives: This systematic review critically examines and synthesizes the most recent findings, particularly in the post-COVID transcriptomic research era, regarding the role of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and potential treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies reporting on the expression profiles, functional implications, and clinical relevance of ncRNAs in neurodevelopmental disorders, across both human and animal models. Results: Here, we highlight that multiple classes of ncRNAs are differentially expressed in individuals with ASD and ADHD. Notably, specific miRNAs and lncRNAs demonstrate potential as diagnostic biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. Functional studies further reveal that ncRNAs actively contribute to pathogenic mechanisms by modulating neuronal gene networks. Conclusions: Emerging experimental data indicate that the exogenous administration of certain ncRNAs may reverse molecular and behavioral phenotypes, supporting their therapeutic promise. These findings broaden our understanding of neurodevelopmental regulation and open new avenues for personalized diagnostics and targeted interventions in clinical neuropsychiatry. Full article

(1) Background: Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) engage in significantly less physical activity than their peers. While ample research has shown the beneficial effect of physical activity on ADHD management, we have little to no knowledge of how children with ADHD experience physical activity, which may ultimately undermine the utility of prescribed physical activity programming. This study compared experiences and perspectives of physical activity in school and non-school settings, between children with and without ADHD. (2) Methods: In this study, 23 children with ADHD and 24 children without ADHD participated in semi-structured interviews, sharing their views on physical activity in school and non-school settings. (3) Results: Inductive content analysis revealed that, compared to children without ADHD, children with ADHD reported lower physical activity levels, more often emphasized the benefits of movement for improving mood and focus during learning, viewed classroom-based desk cycling as a helpful tool to focus their attention, and expressed a desire to use desk cycling during classroom learning. (4) Conclusions: This study emphasizes key differences in the physical activity experiences and preferences between children with and without ADHD; it also offers insight into how classroom learning may be enhanced by offering optional physical activity outlets for children who identify as benefiting from movement during learning. Full article

This study proposes an interpretable hybrid deep learning framework for classifying attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using EEG signals recorded during cognitively demanding tasks. The core architecture integrates convolutional neural networks (CNNs), gated recurrent units (GRUs), and long short-term memory (LSTM) layers to jointly capture spatial and temporal dynamics. In addition to the final hybrid architecture, the CNN–GRU–LSTM model alone demonstrates excellent accuracy (99.63%) with minimal variance, making it a strong baseline for clinical applications. To evaluate the role of global attention mechanisms, transformer encoder models with two and three attention blocks, along with a spatiotemporal transformer employing 2D positional encoding, are benchmarked. A hybrid CNN–RNN–transformer model is introduced, combining convolutional, recurrent, and transformer-based modules into a unified architecture. To enhance interpretability, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) are employed to identify key EEG channels contributing to classification outcomes. Experimental evaluation using stratified five-fold cross-validation demonstrates that the proposed hybrid model achieves superior performance, with average accuracy exceeding 99.98%, F1-scores above 0.9999, and near-perfect AUC and Matthews correlation coefficients. In contrast, transformer-only models, despite high training accuracy, exhibit reduced generalization. SHAP-based analysis confirms the hybrid model’s clinical relevance. This work advances the development of transparent and reliable EEG-based tools for pediatric ADHD screening. Full article

Understanding the students’ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is crucial for teachers as it significantly impacts their ability to support and manage ADHD students effectively. Thus, this study aimed to investigate ADHD knowledge among kindergarten and primary school teachers (n = 732). The ADHD-related knowledge questionnaire was employed to gather teachers’ required knowledge about ADHD. The findings showed that teachers were knowledgeable in ADHD knowledge, especially its etiology and symptoms. A significant difference was also found between teachers with special education need (SEN) training and those without SEN training. However, there was no significant difference in ADHD knowledge between kindergarten and primary school teachers. Based on the regression analyses, SEN training significantly contributed to the prediction of teachers’ ADHD knowledge acquisition in both kindergarten and primary schools. This study provides valuable insight into ADHD knowledge among kindergarten and primary school teachers, particularly in etiology and symptoms, highlighting gaps in treatment and diagnostic understandings. It also emphasized the importance of SEN training in enhancing teachers’ ADHD knowledge. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parenting stress, the emotional strain resulting from the demands of child-rearing, can profoundly affect both parental well-being and children’s emotional and behavioral development. This study examined the impact of maternal parenting stress during early childhood on the longitudinal progression of children’s internalizing, externalizing, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, from early childhood through adolescence. Methods: The study included 406 mother–child pairs from the Rhea mother–child cohort in Crete, Greece. Maternal parenting stress was assessed at age 4 using the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). Children’s symptoms were evaluated at ages 4 (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, ADHD Test), 6, 11, and 15 years (Child Behavior Checklist, Conners’ Parent Rating Scale) through maternal reports. Multivariate mixed regression models, incorporating a random intercept for each child and a random slope for age at follow-up, were used to analyze the trajectories of symptoms from ages 4 to 15. Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to identify trajectory groups from 4 to 15 years, and multinomial logistic regression models were implemented to examine the associations between parental stress and group trajectories. Results: The results revealed that higher parental stress at age 4 was significantly associated with increased internalizing (b = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.68, 1.21), externalizing (b = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.30), and ADHD symptoms (b = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.58, 1.14) over the study period. Notably, the impact of parenting stress on behavioral problems decreased with age (interaction with age, p = 0.032). Additionally, higher parenting stress at age 4 was linked to a greater likelihood of belonging to adverse symptom trajectories, including high decreasing, low increasing, and stable high trajectories for both internalizing and externalizing problems. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of early maternal parenting stress as a predictor of long-term emotional and behavioral difficulties in children, emphasizing the need for early intervention programs that support maternal mental health and children’s emotional development. Full article

The growing influence of technology in the healthcare industry has led to the creation of innovative applications that improve convenience, accessibility, and diagnostic accuracy. However, health applications face significant challenges concerning user privacy and data security, as they handle extremely sensitive personal and medical information. Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs), such as Privacy-Attribute-based Credentials, Differential Privacy, and Federated Learning, have emerged as crucial tools to tackle these challenges. Despite their potential, PETs are not widely utilized due to technical and implementation obstacles. This research introduces a comprehensive framework for protecting health applications from privacy and security threats, with a specific emphasis on gamified mental health apps designed to manage Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. Acknowledging the heightened sensitivity of mental health data, especially in applications for children, our framework prioritizes user-centered design and strong privacy measures. We suggest an identity management system based on blockchain technology to ensure secure and transparent credential management and incorporate Federated Learning to enable privacy-preserving AI-driven predictions. These advancements ensure compliance with data protection regulations, like GDPR, while meeting the needs of various stakeholders, including children, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. Full article

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition typically requiring information from multiple informants for accurate diagnosis. However, the consistency and diagnostic value of reports from teachers, parents, primary care providers (PCPs), and other professionals remain debated. This study aimed to examine the role and diagnostic accuracy of different informants in the referral and diagnostic process for ADHD in children aged 3–11. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 120 children referred for suspected ADHD. Initial reports were obtained from teachers, parents, PCPs, and other professionals, and final diagnoses were determined through comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluations. Diagnostic concordance and informant-specific contributions were assessed. Results: Of the 120 children, 64 (53.3%) received an ADHD diagnosis. Teachers were the most frequent informants, followed by parents, with fewer referrals from PCPs and other professionals. No significant differences in diagnostic accuracy were found among informants, aligning with previous studies suggesting that no single informant is superior in identifying ADHD. Notably, over 93% of referred children were diagnosed with a neuropsychiatric disorder, though not necessarily ADHD. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of combining reports from parents and teachers to capture symptom expression across different environments, which is essential for accurate ADHD diagnosis. Enhanced training for informants and a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy and support early identification and intervention efforts. These results support nuanced evaluation strategies that account for informant variability and help mitigate potential misinterpretations of ADHD symptoms. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social media use (SMU) in children diagnosed with major depression (MD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and various psychosocial factors, including familial functioning, parental SMU, and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms. A healthy control group was included for comparison. Methods: The study included 121 children and adolescents aged 10–18 years (36 with MD, 41 with ADHD, and 44 healthy controls). The Social Media Addiction Scale—Short Form (SMDS) was administered to all participants, while mothers completed the McMaster Family Assessment Scale (FAS), the Social Media Addiction Scale—Adult Form (SMAS-AF), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Psychiatric diagnoses were made using the K-SADS-PL DSM-5-T. Correlation and linear regression analyses were used to assess associations among variables. Results: SMU scores were significantly higher in the ADHD group compared to both the depression and control groups. Parental SMU was also higher in the ADHD group. In the depression group, child SMU was significantly associated with internalizing symptoms and impaired family communication. In the ADHD group, child SMU was predicted by poor family problem-solving and communication. Regression analyses showed that internalizing symptoms and family communication predicted SMU in the depression group (R² = 0.335), while family problem-solving and communication predicted SMU in the ADHD group (R² = 0.709). Conclusion: The findings suggest that social media use in children with depression and ADHD is associated with different psychosocial factors. While internalizing symptoms and family communication are more prominent in depressed children, family functioning—particularly problem-solving and communication—plays a larger role in children with ADHD. These results emphasize the need for targeted family-based interventions to mitigate problematic SMU in clinical populations. Full article

Background: Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) has been extensively used in several commercial industries as a preservative. It causes severe cellular and neurological damage affecting the developing fetus and might induce attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Zebrafish embryos were subjected to five distinct doses of BHA—0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 ppb up to 96 h post fertilization (hpf). Hatching rate, heart rate, and body malformations were assessed at 48 hpf, 72 hpf, and 48–96 hpf, respectively. After exposure, apoptotic activity, neurobehavioral evaluation, neurotransmitter assay, and antioxidant activity were assessed at 96 hpf. At 120 hpf, the expression of genes DRD4, COMT, 5-HTR1aa, and BDNF was evaluated by real-time PCR. Results: BHA exposure showed a delay in the hatching rate and a decrease in the heart rate of the embryo when compared with the control. Larvae exhibited developmental deformities such as bent spine, yolk sac, and pericardial edema. A higher density of apoptotic cells was observed in BHA-exposed larvae at 96 hpf. There was a decline in catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, indicating oxidative stress. There was a significant decrease in Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and serotonin levels with an increase in concentration of BHA, leading to a dose-responsive increase in anxiety and impairment in memory. A significant decrease in gene expression was also observed for DRD4, COMT, 5-HTR1aa, and BDNF. Conclusions: Even at lower concentrations of BHA, zebrafish embryos suffered from developmental toxicity, anxiety, and impaired memory due to a decrease in AChE activity and serotonin levels and altered the expression of the mentioned genes. Full article