ADHD

Posted on ADHD, Mental health, Women's Health

Significant impact of partners’ ADHD on women’s mental health and quality of life new study reveals

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A new study brings attention to the often-overlooked challenges faced by women in relationships with partners diagnosed with ADHD. The research reveals that the partners’ ADHD symptoms are associated with higher rates of depression and lower quality of life in women. However, women who engage in health-promoting activities experience fewer depressive symptoms and improved well-being. The findings suggest that ADHD treatment should not only focus on the individual with ADHD but also consider the well-being of their partners, offering new opportunities for supportive interventions. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and develop targeted solutions.

A recent study by researchers Dana Zeides Taubin, Haya Fogel-Grinvald, and Prof. Adina Maeir from the School of Occupational Therapy at Hebrew University brings attention to the often overlooked experiences of women in relationships with partners diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The research investigates the link between partners’ ADHD symptoms and women’s mental health and quality of life, providing valuable insights for both clinicians and couples.

The study’s results show that:

  • Women partnered with individuals diagnosed with ADHD may face an increased risk of depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life.
  • Partners with ADHD who have more difficulties in daily functioning are linked to higher levels of depression in women and a lower quality of life for them.
  • Engagement in health-promoting activities (HPA) by women is positively linked to their quality of life and negatively associated with depressive symptoms.
  • Women partnered with individuals diagnosed with ADHD may face an increased risk of depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life.
  • Partners with ADHD who have more difficulties in daily functioning are linked to higher levels of depression in women and a lower quality of life for them.
  • Engagement in health-promoting activities (HPA) by women is positively linked to their quality of life and negatively associated with depressive symptoms.

This research has important implications for clinical practice and emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to treating adult ADHD. Clinicians are encouraged to take into account not only the individual diagnosed with ADHD but also the experiences and well-being of their partners.

The study suggests that integrating health-promoting activities into therapeutic approaches may benefit partners of individuals with ADHD. This discovery creates new opportunities for developing tailored supportive interventions for this often overlooked group.

Posted on ADHD, Mindfulness

Mindfulness for ADHD folks

Study suggests that adopting a supine or upright posture facilitates ease of performing body-scan meditation for people with hyperactivity tendency
A study suggests that adopting a supine or upright posture facilitates the performance of body-scan meditation for people with hyperactivity tendencies.

ADHD is a developmental brain condition with symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD struggle with self-control and may also experience anxiety, depression, academic challenges, and low self-confidence. These symptoms can be alleviated through holistic approaches such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. These practices help patients focus on the present moment with purpose and without judgment. However, these meditation practices, which involve sitting in specific postures, can be challenging for patients with high ADHD tendencies.

“Even though mindfulness programs have been created for patients with ADHD, there are challenges with mindfulness meditation. To address this, we have researched different postures that can be used by both high and low ADHD tendencies patients to make meditation easier without the need for special tools,” explained Dr. Fukuichi.

In this study, the participants were divided into four groups: combined, hyperactive/impulsive, inattentive, and without ADHD tendencies. They were then asked to perform body-scan meditations in upright, slumped, leaning-back sitting, and supine postures and answer a questionnaire. To assess their responses to various postures during meditation, researchers developed the Mindfulness Encouraging Reactions Scale (MERS) and the Mindfulness Discouraging Reactions Scale (MDRS).

The researchers discovered that individuals with a tendency for hyperactivity and impulsivity found body-scan meditation to be more challenging when performed in a slumped posture, but easier when done in supine or upright postures. These findings suggest that individuals with hyperactivity and impulsivity tendencies may benefit from adopting an upright or supine posture when practising body-scan meditation in order to facilitate sustained focus and attention.

Posted on ADHD, Autism, Mental health, Neurodiversity

Beyond labels: A new framework for neurodiversity and mental health

A new article introduces a dimensional approach to understanding the mental health needs of neurodivergent people
A new article introduces a dimensional approach to understanding the mental health needs of neurodivergent people.

A groundbreaking article published in the leading psychiatry journal World Psychiatry challenges the traditional approach to diagnosing neurodivergent conditions (also known as “neurodevelopmental disorders” in the medical literature), such as autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. The research introduces a new transdiagnostic that views these conditions as points on a spectrum rather than distinct categories and recognizes their frequent overlap with mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety. 

Around 15% of the global population is neurodivergent, often experiencing multiple conditions at the same time. Current diagnostic systems, such as the DSM-5 and ICD-11, separate these conditions into distinct categories or “labels,” overlooking their shared characteristics and complex interplay. Dr Giorgia Michelini, a Lecturer in Psychology at the Queen Mary University of London, is leading an international group of experts in the field to propose a more holistic approach that focuses on the commonalities among these conditions.

“Dr. Michelini stated, ‘By acknowledging the common features of neurodivergent conditions, we can gain a more precise and thorough understanding of their varied expressions. This fresh perspective has the potential to transform how we recognize, evaluate, and assist the mental health requirements of neurodivergent individuals.'”

The study introduces the concept of a “neurodevelopmental spectrum,” which encompasses the shared characteristics of various neurodivergent conditions. This approach acknowledges that individuals vary in the degree to which they exhibit these characteristics, allowing for a more nuanced and personalized assessment. It also provides a better way to identify and support additional mental health challenges, which affect the majority of neurodivergent people.

“Dr. Michelini explained that moving beyond rigid diagnostic labels will allow clinicians to provide more personalized support and interventions for the diverse range of difficulties experienced by neurodivergent individuals. By concentrating on an individual’s unique strengths and challenges, we can enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.”

This research represents a significant advancement in neurodiversity and mental health. Dr. Michelini’s work challenges the status quo and offers a fresh perspective, with the potential to transform the lives of millions of neurodivergent individuals.

Posted on ADHD, Autism

Dyslexia and ADHD share genetic links, DNA study shows

Scientists have shed new light on the genetic basis of dyslexia, showing how it overlaps with that of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Scientists have shed new light on the genetic basis of dyslexia, demonstrating its overlap with that of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

A study led by the University of Edinburgh shows that dyslexia and ADHD often occur together and share many common genes. This sets them apart from other developmental and mental health diagnoses such as autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The study is the first to explore the genetic links to dyslexia, which is believed to affect 10% of the population, in the context of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric traits.

The findings from the University of Edinburgh could help in customizing targeted educational, employment, and wellbeing support systems for people with dyslexia or ADHD, experts say. These findings contribute to our understanding of the biological factors underlying dyslexia, a condition that affects reading and spelling, and ADHD, a condition associated with difficulty concentrating hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh analyzed large public anonymized datasets of genetic data on 10 neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Additionally, they used dyslexia genetic statistics from an analysis of around 1 million people in collaboration with 23andMe, a genomics and biotechnology company.

They used a statistical tool to find clusters of genetically similar traits for dyslexia and 10 neurodevelopmental and psychiatric traits including ADHD, anorexia nervosa and Tourette syndrome. They conducted more detailed analyses to identify specific genetic regions that overlap between dyslexia and ADHD.

In the study, researchers identified five genetic clusters, called latent genomic factors, among the 10 psychiatric traits. They found that ADHD was more closely linked to a factor related to attention and learning difficulties rather than factors associated with neurodevelopmental traits such as autism and Tourette syndrome.

Posted on ADHD

Low ADHD risk from prenatal cannabis use study shows

8 in 10 cannabis users report combining marijuana with exercise, saying it boosts motivation and mood, eases pain

A new study reveals nuanced findings on the neuropsychiatric risks of prenatal cannabis exposure. The research found a slight increase in the risk of ADHD and a heightened vulnerability to cannabis use in offspring. These results highlight the need for continued caution and further investigation into the long-term effects of cannabis use during pregnancy.

A new study led by Prof. Ilan Matok and Hely Bassalov PharmD from the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the School of Pharmacy in the Faculty of Medicine at Hebrew University in collaboration with Prof. Omer Bonne and Dr. Noa Yakirevich-Amir from the Department of Psychiatry at the Hadassah Medical Center, sheds light on the potential long-term neuropsychiatric risks associated with prenatal cannabis exposure. As the global trend toward cannabis legalization continues, the prevalence of cannabis use among pregnant women is on the rise, raising concerns about its impact on fetal development.

The study, a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis involving over 500,000 participants from observational studies, aimed to assess the potential risks posed by prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC is known to cross the placenta, potentially affecting the developing fetal brain.

The results of the study provide a nuanced understanding of the potential risks. Most notably, the findings indicate no significant association between prenatal cannabis exposure and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), psychotic symptoms, anxiety, or depression in offspring. However, the study did identify a slight increase in the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a heightened vulnerability to cannabis consumption in children exposed to cannabis in utero.

“These findings suggest that while prenatal cannabis exposure does not appear to increase the risk for many neuropsychiatric disorders significantly, there is still a mild increase in the risk for ADHD and a greater likelihood of cannabis use in the offspring,” said Prof. Matok. “This calls for cautious interpretation, as it does not confirm the safety of cannabis consumption during pregnancy.”

The study emphasizes the importance of continued research in this area, especially given that most of the studies on the subject were conducted between the 1980s and early 2000s when cannabis was characterized by considerably lower Δ9-THC content than currently used compounds. Thus, findings presented in the current study may potentially underestimate the impact of contemporary prenatal cannabis exposure on long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes.

“While our study provides important insights, it is crucial to recognize that these results are not definitive. Pregnant women should be aware of the potential risks, and healthcare providers should continue to advise caution when it comes to cannabis use during pregnancy,” Prof. Matok added.

This research marks a significant step forward in understanding the complex relationship between prenatal cannabis exposure and neuropsychiatric outcomes in children. As the legal landscape surrounding cannabis continues to evolve, studies like this will be essential in guiding public health recommendations and ensuring the well-being of future generations.