ScienceDaily, published May 6, 2011This article describes how as many half of people with ADHD may also have poor emotional control and that both run in families. According to Craig Surman, MD, of the MGH Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD Program, the study's lead author, "Our findings also indicate that ADHD doesn't just impact things like reading, listening and getting the bills paid on time; it also can impact how people regulate themselves more broadly, including their emotional expression."http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505103341.htm
ADHD: Genetic Mutation May Be Key
WebMD Health News, By Daniel J. DeNoon and reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MDA particular "misspelling" in the genetic code of individuals with ADHD may make brain cells more excitable. This article discusses the preliminary evidence from research on mice. Mice that were genetically modified to have this specific mutation developed ADHD symptoms. When given stimulant medication, the symptoms decreased.http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20110418/adhd-genetic-mutation-may-be-key
The Art of ADHD and Engagement: Learning to Use Your Senses
By Kathryn GoetzkeThis article describes simple ways to be mindful in your everyday life. You can use these tools to ground yourself when your thoughts are racing or when you simply want to relax a little. For those of you familiary with DBT, this is also similar to items you might keep in a "distress tolerance kit."http://blogs.psychcentral.com/adhd/2011/04/the-art-of-adhd-and-engagement-learning-to-use-your-senses/
Brain is not fully mature until 30s and 40s
by Lin Edwards of PhysOrg.comThe prefrontal cortex is a key area responsible for ADHD deficits as well as social behavior, empathy, and various personality traits. Research indicates we continue to develop this part of the brain well into adulthood.http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-12-brain-fully-mature-30s-40s.html
Why so many new posts?
Just a note about the posts. I switched platforms for my website, which I think will be a great improvement and better experience for visitors. However, it did mean adding all the links from the old site manually as posts. So dozens of posts are going up at once, but this will slow down in a few weeks after all the content has been moved.I hope you enjoy the new site layout!-David Fazzari
Your Brain on Computers: Outdoors and Out of Reach, Studying the Brain
By Matt Richtel, published: August 15, 2010A group of experts share there thoughts on the relationship between heavy use of digital devices and our attention and overall mental health. Five neuroscientists put their heads together to discuss this issue, not around a conference table at a hotel, but in a remote area of southern Utah rafting the San Juan River.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/technology/16brain.html?_r=2&ref=matt_richtelattention&pagewanted=all
Adults with ADHD Score High in Creativity
People often talk about creativity and "out of the box" thinking as being one of the positive parts of having ADHD. Researchers at the University of Michigan have some data supporting that conclusion. To find out more, click on the link below.http://ur.umich.edu/1011/Feb14_11/2041-adults-with-adhd
Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with Medication
Questions about medication? This is a good, brief introduction to ADHD medication. It isn't comprehensive, but it gives you the basics. However, this is not an endorsement or recommendation for any other products or content on the New Ideas website.http://newideas.net/adhd/medication
A Procrastinators Story
By Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D., October 16, 2009This is an episode from an excellent podcast by Dr. Pychyl, a procrastination researcher. Procrastination is often a part of ADHD, but it can also be present in anxiety, depression, and other conditions. I chose to highlight this podcast because he reads a few emails from listeners who describe their difficulties with procrastination. Their descriptions are similar to many of the stories I've heard patients tell me over the years. The link takes you to the podcast on Dr. Pychyl's website, but you can also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes.http://iprocrastinate.libsyn.com/a_procrastinator_s_story
ADHD drugs have no long-term growth effects: study
By Genevra Pittman of Reuters New Service, published Fri Jun 18, 2010A recent study indicates that after an initial delay in growth, children who take stimulants long term to treat ADHD catch up to their peers height and weight by the end of the study.http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65H4DX20100618