There is a large, ongoing crisis that gets surprisingly scant attention in the media or from politicians. It is pervasive throughout the nation, affecting every demographic. It exacts a huge toll in terms of human misery, ruined lives and financial cost to society. It is the ACE crisis. Fortunately, we as individuals can play an important role in combating the toxic effects of childhood maltreatment.
A group of international doctors has uncovered the genes that contribute to the development of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia. This knowledge may lead to the development of more effective treatments for all 5 conditions.
Recent research shows that about 60% of adults with ADHD have comorbid psychiatric conditions including: mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. The presence of these other conditions can often complicate the process of diagnosing and treating ADHD in an adult. Early recognition and treatment of ADHD and its comorbidities has the potential to change the trajectory of these psychiatric conditions later in life.
Recent research shows that a significant subgroup of people with ADHD has serious difficulties in regulating their emotions. It confirms that, in many cases, psychotherapy – to address emotional regulation issues – has a more important role to play as pat of an overall treatment plan for ADHD.
The results of a new researchers study show that trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS), administered during sleep, is both effective and safe for treating ADHD in children. The study concludes that the treatment helps reduce behavioral symptoms of ADHD and increases activity in brain circuits that control hyperactivity. These results indicate the strong potential of TNS as an ADHD therapy.
A new research study shows positive, long lasting results for children with ADHD, from a two-session sleep program. The program improves the children’s sleep, ADHD symptoms, quality of life, daily functioning and behavior, with benefits lasting at least 12 months. Because the intervention is brief, it is suitable for use by most families as well as a wide variety of clinicians.
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance or vindictiveness toward parents and other authority figures by a child or teen. Parents should be aware that there are a number of persistent myths about ODD that can cause children with the condition to become stigmatized and make treatment more difficult.
Does having ADHD put you at higher risk of dying prematurely? Recent research suggests having ADHD can significantly shorten your life. Dr. Russell Barkley, an ADHD expert, has cast this as a serious public health issue that needs to be addressed through better education, evidence-based treatment interventions and lifetime monitoring. The importance and urgency of addressing ADHD as a public health concern have become higher as more children are diagnosed with ADHD.
Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences like autism and ADHD are the result of normal, natural variation in the human genome. Today, most organizations are familiar with the advantages they can achieve by fostering diversity in the backgrounds, disciplinary training, gender, culture, and other individual qualities of employees. As our understanding of the human brain expands, the wisdom of neurodiversity in all areas of human endeavor seems destined to become a recognized essential ingredient of innovation and achievement.
Going through grief or loss can mean experiencing symptoms like anger, sadness, emptiness and anxiety. For people with ADHD, however, grief and loss can be far more challenging. ADHD individuals tend to process and express emotions much more intensely. Grief and loss are part of life, but fortunately there are ways to handle it in healthy and constructive ways.