Search Results (137)

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

Background/Objectives: Executive function (EF) difficulties are increasingly recognized as closely linked to ADHD, particularly when assessed via rating scales. Methods: The present study investigated the nature of these associations, using the Conners 3 Rating Scales to assess ADHD symptoms and the Executive Function Questionnaire (EFQU) to assess EF impairments, in a sample of 1068 children (40.8% males, 38.8% females) aged 7–14 years (M = 10.7, SD = 1.74). Results: Both parent and teacher ratings revealed strong correlations, particularly between inattentive symptoms and EF difficulties, across multiple executive domains. To examine whether these associations stemmed from construct or phrasing overlap, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. The results demonstrate that the Conners 3 and the EFQU capture distinct latent dimensions of functioning, with virtually no overlap in item content. Conclusions: The strength and consistency of the associations between these latent factors support the interpretation that, although conceptually distinct, ADHD symptoms and EF impairments are empirically intertwined in everyday functioning, as consistently reported by both parents and teachers. Interestingly, teachers provided more integrated views of behavior, while parents tended to distinguish ADHD and EF traits more clearly. These findings underscore the importance of multi-informant assessment and contextual variability in understanding children’s functioning. Full article

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with chronic inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and is linked with significant functional impairment. Despite being highly prevalent, diagnosis of ADHD continues to rely on subjective assessment reports of behavior and is often delayed or inaccurate. This review summarizes current advances in biomarkers and neuropsychological tests for the improvement of ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Key biomarkers are neuroimaging methods (e.g., structural and functional MRI), electrophysiological measures (e.g., EEG, ERP), and biochemical measures (e.g., cortisol, vitamin D). Additionally, novel experimental measures, e.g., eye-tracking, pupillometry, and microbiome analysis, hold the promise to be objective and dynamic measures of ADHD symptoms. The review also comments on the impact of the burden of ADHD on quality of life, e.g., emotional well-being, academic achievement, and social functioning. Additionally, differences between individuals, such as age, sex, comorbidities, and the impact of social and family support, are also addressed in relation to ADHD outcomes. In summary, we highlight the potential of these emerging biomarkers and tools to revolutionize ADHD diagnosis and guide personalized treatment strategies. These insights have significant implications for improving patient outcomes. Full article

Background and objectives. Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are frequently present in university students, even without a clinical diagnosis, and may be aggravated by various factors. This study analyzes the relationship between these symptoms and the use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other drugs by young university students. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 397 university students using an anonymous online questionnaire. ADHD symptoms were assessed with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), alcohol use with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), nicotine dependence with the Fagerström test, cannabis use with the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST), and the use of other substances with an adaptation of the latter. Results. The mean age was 21.4 years, and most participants (76.6%) were women. Of the participants, 46.1% presented symptoms compatible with ADHD according to the ASRS. The most frequent items were difficulty maintaining attention during boring tasks (77.3%), avoiding tasks that require mental effort (76.8%), and being easily distracted by noise or external activity (73.8%). Significant differences were found between ASRS scores and gender, with scores being higher and more consistent among those students who identified themselves as non-binary gender (male or female) (p < 0.01). A significant association was also found between smoking and a higher ASRS score (p < 0.01). Although no significant associations with body mass index were detected, a trend toward greater symptomatology was observed in obese individuals. In multivariate analysis, still gender and smoking significantly (p = 0.12 and p = 0.031, respectively) predicted ADHD symptoms (ASRS score). The model R = 0.228 (R squared = 0.052, F = 1.62, p = 0.077). No statistically significant differences were found between ADHD symptoms and the use of alcohol, cannabis, or other substances in either bivariate or multivariate analyses. Conclusions. This study underscores the importance of early detection of ADHD symptoms in the university setting, considering factors such as gender and smoking habit. Future research should focus on aggravating factors such as academic stress and problematic technology use. Full article

Objectives: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Previous data on this condition did not study its different symptom clusters separately. Our aim was to compare perinatal outcomes between women with hyperactivity cluster (ADHD) and those with the inattentive cluster (attention deficit disorder (ADD)). Methods: A retrospective population-based study utilizing data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project–Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS). All deliveries or maternal deaths from 2004 to 2014 were available for analysis, and perinatal outcomes were compared between participants with an ADD diagnosis and those with an ADHD diagnosis. A multivariate logistic regression was used to control for confounders. Results: During the study period, there were 9,096,788 deliveries. Of them, 7103 had an ADHD diagnosis, and 2928 had an ADD diagnosis. Women with ADHD, compared to those with ADD, were more likely to be younger than 25 years of age; to be Black; to be from a lower income quartile; to smoke tobacco during pregnancy; and to use illicit drugs (p < 0.001 for all). Using multivariate logistic regression, women with ADHD, compared to those with ADD, had a higher rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.37, p = 0.02), preterm delivery (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.39, p = 0.038), maternal infection (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.04–1.85, p = 0.024), and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.04–1.69, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Women with an ADHD diagnosis, compared to those with ADD, had a higher incidence of various maternal and neonatal complications, including HDPs, preterm delivery, and SGA neonates. Full article

Background: Based on the multitude of findings, nutrition is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. One promising approach is the so-called oligoantigenic diet (OD). This intervention involves avoiding certain foods that often trigger intolerances and allergies. Previous studies have shown that around 60% of patients experienced a significant reduction in ADHD symptoms after completing such a diet. The aim of the present study was to further confirm the efficacy of the OD within an analysis focusing on the symptom of impulsivity. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the Parent Rating of the Diagnostic System of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents (DISYPS-II FBB-ADHD) questionnaire was used to measure the severity of ADHD symptoms. Of 34 children and adolescents (between 7 and 18 years of age) screened and included in this study, 31 participants completed the 4-week OD diet. Results: The corresponding post-diet analysis showed significant short-term improvements for the DISYPS-II FBB-ADHD total score, compared to the start of the diet. This pattern of results also applied to the respective subscales of the DISYPS-II FBB-ADHD questionnaire. A follow-up evaluation conducted 3.5 years after the intervention with 21 participants suggested that the improvements in ADHD symptoms were maintained over time. Specifically, 66.7% of the participants continued to meet the responder criterion, with particularly notable and lasting reductions in impulsivity. Discussion: These results suggest that the beneficial effects of the oligoantigenic diet followed by identifying and avoiding individual intolerant foods may persist long term, and participants’ dietary habits may have also evolved over the years. Conclusion: The oligoantigenic diet may have long-term therapeutic potential for reducing ADHD symptoms, especially impulsivity, in children and adolescents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Old age and cognitive impairment/dementia are risk factors for falling and fall-related injuries. We have, in a previous study in persons with cognitive impairment, shown that falls were associated with frailty, reduced physical fitness, and cognitive reduction. Falls were independent of the disorders causing the impaired functions. Because most falls are innocent, knowledge of predictors of fall-related injuries seems more clinically relevant than the predictors of falls. Predictors of falls and fall-related injuries are not necessarily identical. The aim of this follow-up study to our previous one in the same population was to explore predictors of fall-related injuries in fallers and compare these predictors with those of falls. Methods: This study and our previous study used data from the “The Norwegian Registry of Persons Assessed for Cognitive Symptoms” (NorCog), a Norwegian research and quality registry with a biobank. The registry included consecutive home-dwelling persons referred to Norwegian specialist healthcare units for assessment of cognitive decline. This study included 3774 persons from our previous study who experienced falls last year and compared persons with and without a fall-related injury. A fall-related injury was defined as admittance to a hospital for the injury. Results: The annual incidence of fall-related injuries in the fallers was 884/3774 (23.4%). Female sex, older age, lower BMI, in need of public health service and walking assistance, and low Hb and Ca were independent predictors of fall-related injuries, indicating reduced physical fitness and state of health and a high burden of comorbidity. Injuries were not associated with the degree of cognitive impairment or the dementia diagnosis. Conclusions: In home-dwelling persons with impaired cognitive functions and falls, fall-related injuries were associated with reduced physical fitness and state of health. In contrast to predictors of falls, neither the degree of cognitive impairment nor the dementia diagnosis was associated with fall-related injuries. The difference is comprehensible. Persons with cognitive impairment or dementia might have reduced power of judgment and be inattentive, unconcerned and careless, which increases the fall incidence but not the risk of injury once falling. Prevention of fall-related injuries should focus on relieving comorbidities, improving physical fitness and general health rather than on cognitive improvement. Full article

Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are neuropsychiatric diagnoses that commonly co-occur, as approximately 25% of youth with OCD also have a diagnosis of ADHD and 11% of youth with ADHD have OCD. Individuals with ADHD and OCD are also commonly treated for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and traumatic experiences. Conversely, Black and Latiné youth in the United States have limited access to culturally responsive providers to address these conditions due to systemic racism; the lower rates of appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and inclusion in research create worsening symptoms of OCD. Thus, we sought to understand how ADHD symptoms affect OCD symptoms and how these comorbid diagnoses, in addition to anxiety disorders, affect reported anxiety, depression, and trauma for Black and/or Latiné teens. Procedures: Participants (N = 48) are Black and/or Latina/é/o youth with ADHD in the United States. Self and parent-report measures were completed for ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and a semi-structured interview was conducted to assess current mental health diagnoses (OCD, ADHD, trauma). Results: A path analysis showed higher levels of ADHD inattentive (ADHDI) symptoms (β = 0.34) were positively associated with obsessions. In contrast, higher ADHD hyperactive/impulsivity symptoms (ADHDHI) (β = −0.11) were negatively associated with obsessions. Neither ADHDI nor ADHDHI symptoms were associated with compulsions. Interestingly, ADHDI (β = 0.33) & obsessions (β = 0.28) were both associated with depression; however, ADHDHI was negatively associated with depression (β = −0.29). Importantly, ADHDI was associated with trauma (β = 0.13) and obsessions were strongly associated with anxiety (β = 0.38). Conclusions: These findings may allow for better screenings and treatments for co-occurring OCD and ADHD symptoms and a greater understanding of the impact depression, anxiety, and trauma have on neurodivergent Black and/or Latiné youth. Full article

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. Recent concerns suggest a potential link between increased screen time and the manifestation of ADHD symptoms. This study examined the relationship between screen time and ADHD-related symptoms in neurotypical children aged 3–18 years in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through an online questionnaire completed by caregivers, focusing on screen time habits, ADHD-related symptoms (measured using the SNAP-IV scale), and potential confounders. A total of 324 children participated, with a slight male predominance (52.2%) and a median age of 9.07 years. Most of the children were Saudi nationals (97.5%) and resided in urban areas (70.7%). Using screens for more than 5 h was associated with higher total SNAP-IV scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that unrestricted screen time, related disorders, and lower maternal education were strongly associated with higher SNAP-IV scores. This study revealed a notable association between screen time characteristics, sociodemographic factors, and ADHD-related symptom severity in children in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often persisting into adolescence and adulthood, with significant impacts on social, academic, and occupational functioning. Emerging research highlights the role of personality traits in ADHD, suggesting their influence on symptom presentation, functional impairments, and treatment adherence. This study aims to investigate maladaptive personality domains and traits in adolescents with ADHD using the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) framework and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Short Form (PID-5-SF), with a particular focus on the differences among same-sex peers and differences from typically developing peers. Methods: This study included 30 ADHD and 25 TD adolescents aged 11–17 (12.6 ± 2.1 vs. 14.9 ± 1.7; p < 0.001), recruited at IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”. Participants underwent clinical assessments, cognitive evaluation, and standardized rating scales, with maladaptive personality traits measured using the PID-5-SF. Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare the two groups, as appropriate. Results: ADHD adolescents showed significantly higher scores than TD peers in restricted affectivity (p = 0.007), distractibility (p = 0.001), impulsivity (p = 0.049), irresponsibility (p = 0.036), hostility (p = 0.046), perseveration (p = 0.010), submissiveness (p = 0.023), and risk-taking (p = 0.032). Among personality domains, disinhibition was significantly higher in the ADHD group (p = 0.002), while detachment approached significance. Female ADHD participants scored higher than TD females in restricted affectivity, distractibility, and risk-taking. Conclusions: These findings suggest that maladaptive personality traits play a key role in ADHD during adolescence, highlighting the need for tailored interventions. Integrating personality assessment into clinical practice may enhance diagnostic accuracy and support more effective, individualized treatment strategies. Full article

Objective: This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of different supplements, such as L-theanine, caffeine, Ginkgo biloba L., and Bacopa monnieri for improving ADHD symptoms, to determine the most effective supplement and provide insight for medical practice. Methods: International databases (PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus) were searched for English-language RCTs, open-label studies, and cross-sectional studies. Results: Studies on L-theanine, caffeine, Ginkgo biloba L., and Bacopa monnieri have shown various effects on ADHD symptoms. L-theanine improved sleep efficiency but not other sleep parameters. Caffeine showed no significant benefits, although its combination with L-theanine may enhance attention. Bacopa monnieri consistently improved inattention, hyperactivity, and memory, whereas Ginkgo biloba L. reduced ADHD symptoms, particularly inattention, but was less effective than methylphenidate. Conclusions: The evidence revealed the potential use of supplements as complementary ADHD treatments under clinical guidance. The limited effect of supplements cannot replace the well-documented efficacy of stimulants for ADHD treatment. Additional studies are needed to ascertain the most effective dosages and the safety of these supplements as adjunctive treatments for ADHD. Full article

Objective: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. In recent years, studies have shown that patients with ADHD often experience sleep problems, raising clinical interest in the potential role of polysomnography (PSG) in the diagnosis and management of ADHD. This study examines polysomnographic findings in children with ADHD who present with diverse sleep complaints. Methods: A cohort of children aged younger than 18 years, diagnosed with ADHD based on DSM-5 criteria, underwent overnight polysomnography. The study assessed various sleep parameters, including sleep latency, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and the presence of sleep-disordered breathing. Results: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 children (29 boys and 7 girls) aged 6 to 14 years, diagnosed with ADHD, who underwent polysomnography between 2021 and 2024. Polysomnographic findings revealed that 77.78% of the children demonstrated significant snoring. Furthermore, 50.0% were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). In addition, eight children exhibited parasomnias. Among them, six had bruxism, three were diagnosed with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), and two experienced sleep talking. Other notable sleep-related conditions included two cases of narcolepsy, one case of prolonged sleep onset latency, and one case of central apnea syndrome. Total sleep time (TST) was significantly longer in females compared to males (400.71 ± 32.68 min vs. 361.24 ± 41.20 min, p = 0.0215), whereas rapid eye movement (REM) latency was longer in males compared to females (118.62 ± 55.60 min vs. 78.57 ± 27.82 min, p = 0.0194). These findings highlight the high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children with ADHD who present with sleep disturbances. Furthermore, sleep quality, as indicated by longer TST and shorter REM latency, appears to be better in females with ADHD. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the critical role of polysomnography (PSG) in the assessment of children with ADHD. PSG provides an objective evaluation of sleep abnormalities commonly associated with ADHD, which may influence symptom manifestation and treatment outcomes. Notably, the results suggest that females with ADHD exhibit better sleep quality, as indicated by longer total sleep time (TST) and shorter rapid eye movement (REM) latency compared to males. We recommend incorporating polysomnography (PSG) into the comprehensive assessment of children with ADHD who present with significant sleep disturbances. Further research is warranted to investigate the impact of targeted interventions for sleep abnormalities on ADHD symptoms, prognosis, and potential sex-specific differences. Full article

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Adolescents with ADHD have an elevated risk of developing Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), a condition involving excessive gaming that disrupts daily life. IGD is linked to traits such as low frustration tolerance and sensation-seeking, with comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression further increasing vulnerability. Gaming frequently serves as a coping strategy due to emotional regulation difficulties. The dynamics within family units and peer relationships play a pivotal role, with dysfunctional environments heightening the risks and positive interactions serving as protective factors. Methods: This scoping review analyzed empirical studies published in the last decade exploring the association between ADHD, Problematic Internet Use (PIU), or IGD, focusing on neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors. Results: The findings highlight that impulsivity and emotional dysregulation in ADHD contribute to IGD. Gaming is frequently used as a maladaptive coping strategy, with social and family influences modulating risk. Diagnostic complexities arise in distinguishing ADHD-related behaviors from IGD symptoms. Conclusions: Addressing these comorbid conditions requires interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based interventions. Future research should focus on understanding ADHD, PIU, or IGD interactions and developing targeted interventions. Longitudinal studies are necessary to establish causal links and assess effective treatment strategies. Full article

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent, heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Methods: This study presents, for the first time, a comprehensive investigation of white matter microstructural differences between familial ADHD (ADHD-F) and non-familial ADHD (ADHD-NF) using advanced diffusion tensor imaging analyses in a large community-based sample. Results: Children with ADHD-F exhibited significantly greater volume in the right anterior thalamic radiations and the left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus compared to controls, and greater volume in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus relative to ADHD-NF. The ADHD-NF group showed reduced fractional anisotropy in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus compared to the controls. In both the ADHD-F and ADHD-NF groups, a greater volume of anterior thalamic radiation significantly contributed to reduced ADHD symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that white matter microstructural alterations along the frontal-thalamic pathways may play a critical role in hereditary factors among children with ADHD-F and significantly contribute to elevated inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors in the affected children. Full article

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been described as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity affecting cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. While pharmacological and behavioral treatments remain primary, physical activity (PA) (digital and non-digital versions) has emerged as a great complementary intervention due to its potential impact on executive functions, emotional regulation, and neurobiological markers. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of PA on ADHD symptoms, executive function, and emotional regulation, exploring its potential impact and new practical applications in digital and non-digital treatment. Methods: This narrative review assessed 132 studies published between 1 January 2010 and January 2025, ensuring the inclusion of the most recent and relevant findings. The review was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, using a predefined combination of terms related to ADHD, physical activity, executive function, neuroplasticity, and emotional regulation. Results: Regular PA improves executive functions, attention, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility in ADHD. Aerobic exercise enhances sustained attention, high-intensity training improves impulse control, and coordinative activities boost cognitive flexibility. Non-digital and digital innovations, such as exergaming and wearable fitness trackers, offer promising solutions to improve adherence to PA regimens, reinforcing their role as a key intervention in ADHD management. Conclusions: PA could be a valuable complementary intervention for ADHD through a hybrid approach that may improve cognitive and emotional functioning while addressing comorbidities. Full article