Can depression cause inability to focus?CNN HealthDr. Charles Raison, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University, answers a question about ADHD, depression, and how antidepressants may affect your concentration.
Losing focus? 9 ways to concentrate at work
Losing focus? 9 ways to concentrate at workBy Amy Levin-Epstein, January 26, 2012"Here are some tips, from Nadeau and her co-author, professional organizer Judith Kolberg, for anyone who feels his or her attention isn't where it needs to be. While Nadeau and Kolberg are focused on helping people who have an actual diagnosis of ADD, their advice can help all of us navigate the onslaught of distractions at the office."
Untangling the Myths About Attention Disorder
Untangling the Myths About Attention DisorderNew York TimesBy Perri Klass, M.D."In recent years, it has been rarer to hear serious doubt that the disorder really exists, and the evidence explaining its neurocircuitry and genetics has become more convincing and more complex. Even so, I’ve lately read a number of articles and essays that use attention (or its lack) as a marker and a metaphor for something larger in society — for the multitasking, the electronic distractions, the sense that the nature of concentration may be changing, that people feel nibbled at, overscheduled, distracted, irritable.But A.D.H.D. is not a metaphor."
Study Finds ADD Medication Improves Memory & Attention in Menopausal Women
Study Finds ADD Medication Improves Memory & Attention in Menopausal WomenPR Newswire, 2/17/12"A recent report offers hope for women suffering with these symptoms. In a study published in Menopause, Feb. 2011, researchers at University of Pennsylvania found that atomoxetine (brand name Strattera), a medication for attention deficit disorder, may restore organizational skills and reduce memory difficulties in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women."
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps reverse the negativity that torments adults with ADD — and prevents them from reaching goals.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps reverse the negativity that torments adults with ADD — and prevents them from reaching goals.by Carl Sherman, Ph.D. on ADDitudemag.comThis article describes how CBT can help treat adult ADHD, however it leaves out a crucial piece of the therapy. CBT for ADHD includes the standard skills they described but it is also teaches skills specific to ADHD symptoms. Tools for time management, organization, and reducing distractibility to name a few. This is why it is important to work with a therapist who has experience with these ADHD specific tools.
Shared Genes May Link ADHD, Autism and Depression
"'This study, for the first time, shows that there are specific genetic variants that influence a range of childhood and adult-onset psychiatric disorders that we think of as clinically different,' said lead researcher Dr. Jordan Smoller, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston.'We also found that there was significant overlap in the genetic components of several disorders, especially schizophrenia with bipolar disorder and depression, and to a lesser extent autism with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder,' he said."Source: US New and World Report, February 28, 2013, "Shared Genes May Link ADHD, Autism and Depression. Largest study of its kind also found ties to schizophrenia, bipolar disorders"http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/02/28/shared-genes-may-link-adhd-autism-and-depression
Is It ADHD, OCD or Both?
Is It ADHD, OCD or Both?by Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D.Dr. Sarkis talks about the differences between ADHD and OCD and why people with ADHD sometimes look like they have compulsive tendencies. But as the title implies, it is possible to have both diagnoses.
More women have ADHD ... or is it the stress of modern life?
More women have ADHD ... or is it the stress of modern life?By Brigid SchulteOriginally diagnosed more often in men, now women are being diagnosed in equal numbers. This article follows a few woman with ADHD and discusses the difficulties they encounter.
New ADHD Gene Study Points to Defects in Brain Signaling Pathways
New ADHD Gene Study Points to Defects in Brain Signaling Pathways"Pediatric researchers analyzing genetic influences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have found alterations in specific genes involved in important brain signaling pathways. The study raises the possibility that drugs acting on those pathways might offer a new treatment option for patients with ADHD who have those gene variants—potentially, half a million U.S. children."
Music can improve concentration in some children with ADHD
Music can improve concentration in some children with ADHDThis article describes a study which found that for many children playing music in the background can actually improve concentration. This is something that many of the people I work with have described as well so it's good to see some research supporting this. It does vary from person to person though. On the other hand, having TV on in the background is actually a significant distraction.