The Causes of ADHD

We all know ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. However, not much focus is put on the cause. Unfortunately, a simple, definitive answer is not fully known or understood. While no one truly knows, evidence strongly points to genetic factors.

Always in Overload Mode? HSP Commonly Concurrent With ADHD

Do you find that you’re highly sensitive to physical and/or emotional stimulation, becoming easily overwhelmed by things that others may just pass by? It’s possible that you suffer from hypersensitivity, not classified as a disorder, but rather a condition where the body has an exaggerated response to stimuli. For example, allergens are an example of [...]

Research Shows Sleep Problems in ADHD Patients

Scientists in Taiwan have learned that ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) patients experience abnormal sleep patterns.1 In a 2010 study, the scientists found that young people with this psychological disorder had sleep problems, altered sleep schedules, and inadvertent napping in some cases. The study appeared in the Journal of Sleep Research and is entitled, Association [...]

Sleep Tips for Kids With ADHD

While sleep problems are typically classified as a coexisting problem without a distinct causation to ADHD itself, more researchers are suggesting that they should be viewed as a diagnostic criterion. One reason why sleep disturbances related to ADHD may have been disregarded is because they did not meet the requirement from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which specified that all ADHD symptoms must be present by age 7 – as most sleep-related problems resulting from ADHD begin occurring by age 12 ½.

Immaturity and ADHD Diagnosis

ADHD is the most common neurobehavioral condition diagnosed to our children. According to the CDC, 9.5% of children age 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD since 2007 – that’s 5.4 million children! On average, there is a 3% increase in children diagnosed each year. That is an alarming number, and what is leading to this drastic increase? A recent study published in the CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) found that the youngest children in the classroom are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.

Can Computer Technology Reduce ADHD Symptoms?

Biofeedback, a mind-body technique, is now being used to help children suffering from ADHD. German scientists recently published a study showing that a variation of biofeedback may help alleviate ADHD symptoms.The published results show that a significant portion of the participating children benefited from this specialized training technique.

Scientists Say Ginkgo May Improve Memory Functions

New research shows that the herb, ginkgo biloba, may improve human performance on tasks requiring short-term memory.1 These findings are detailed in a study from Australian and British scientists. The study participants were given a ginkgo extract for fourteen days and showed improvements in memory-related functions, according to the results. These functions included working memory [...]

Helping Your ADHD With Exercise

A new study revealed that exercise can be beneficial for people with ADHD. When exercising, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, which are known to be low in children and adults with ADHD. Dopamine and serotonin are chemicals released in the brain that make us feel “good”. These chemicals regulate things such as mood, anger, and attention.

Scientists Find New Clues to Cause of ADHD

Two recent studies have linked ADHD to possible problems with the body’s ability to create serotonin, a neurotransmitter that’s essential for good psychological health.

According to the research results, the abnormalities could involve the amino acid, tryptophan, and a gene that helps produce serotonin.

ADHD and Sleep

According to a research abstract which was presented at the 25th meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS), lack of sleep in adolescence may have a direct link to ADHD symptoms. Around 6,680 children were analyzed and the results showed that lack of sleep in pre-school aged children was a predictor for inattentive and hyperactive problems during kindergarten. The ratings of amount of sleep and inattentive/hyperactive problems were reported by the children’s parents.