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ADHD chemistry clue found

(BBC 09/09/2009)

US researchers have pinned down new differences in the brain chemistry of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They found ADHD patients lack key proteins which allow them to experience a sense of reward and motivation. The Brookhaven National Laboratory study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It is hoped it could help in the design of new ways to combat the condition.

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ADHD 'queue jumpers' row

(BBC 01/09/2009)

Allowing children with attention-deficit disorders to "queue jump" at theme parks could be doing them more harm than good, one expert suggests. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are given passes in most theme parks if they can prove they have the condition.

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Child behaviour 'linked to sleep'

(BBC 28/04/2009)

Simply getting a good night's sleep could reduce levels of hyperactivity and bad behaviour among children, a Finnish study reports. It has been suggested that some children who lack sleep do not appear tired, but instead behave badly. Of the 280 examined in the Pediatrics study, those who slept for fewer than eight hours were the most hyperactive. Experts said adequate sleep could improve behaviour in healthy children and reduce symptoms in those with ADHD.

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Injuries link to ADHD diagnosis

(BBC 07/11/2008)

Injuries in very young children may be indicative of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, UK research suggests.

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'How I weaned my son off Ritalin and proved discipline is better then drugs'

(Daily Mail 08/10/2008)

Jake, who lives with Yvonne, 44, a nurse, and his stepfather John, a 44-year-old retail manager, is one of the 5 per cent of children diagnosed with ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.What is remarkable about Jake is that he appears cured. His mother doesn't think that is because he spent three years on Ritalin and a similar drug, dexanphetamin, but is down to old-fashioned discipline

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Controversial anti-hyperactivity drug Ritalin 'should only be given to most unruly children'

(Daily Mail 25/09/2008)

The controversial anti-hyperactivity drug Ritalin should be given only to the most unruly children and not at all to under-fives, according to new (NICE) guidelines. Psychological approaches, including training courses for parents and therapy for children, should be the mainstay of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the advice issued to doctors says.

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Parents 'need lessons about ADHD'

(BBC 24/09/2008)

Parents need lessons in how to manage their children's hyperactive behaviour, new guidelines say.

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Schoolchildren could be given 'smart drugs' in a bid to boost brainpower

(Daily Mail 19/09/2008)

Schools will soon have to ensure all pupils have access to brain-enhancing 'smart drugs', according to officially funded experts. Doctors are already reporting that healthy students are taking Ritalin, the controversial hyperactivity medication, as it is thought to boost concentration. Modafinil, a stimulant known as the 'stay awake' pill, is also being taken to boost exam performance.

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Behaviour link to pre-term birth

(The Scotsman 09/09/2008)

CHILDREN born extremely prematurely are four times more likely to have emotional problems or behavioural disorders later in life than their peers, according to a new study. Research into 200 six-year-olds born earlier than 26 weeks showed 30.6 per cent were hyperactive, compared with 8.8 per cent of a "control" group.

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