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Researchers found one childhood behavior linked to folic acid use before pregnancy

Researchers analyzed 646 children aged 2–8 years and their 563 mothers to examine whether maternal folic acid supplementation before conception was associated with childhood behavioral difficulties. Preconception supplementation was associated with a 34% lower risk of peer relationship problems, while no significant associations were found for total behavioral difficulties, emotional, conduct, hyperactivity/inattention, or prosocial problems.

1 Sep 2026

What does more screen time mean for how children see and focus?

A cross-sectional study of children aged 4 to 9 found that greater caregiver-reported daily screen time was associated with lower contrast sensitivity and differences in how age related to visual-search performance. The associations varied by visual feature and task demands, suggesting that screen exposure may relate differently to lower-level visual processing and selective attention across middle childhood.

31 Aug 2026

Dexamphetamine and methylphenidate work similarly for ADHD but differ in weight effects

A head-to-head trial of ADHD treatments finds dexamphetamine and methylphenidate equally effective, with notable differences in weight management over time.

17 Jul 2026

ADHD and autism traits share a common developmental spectrum

Research identifies a neurodevelopmental spectrum for ADHD and autism, emphasizing genetic links and their impact on cognitive and educational outcomes.

7 Jul 2026

Longer breastfeeding links to fewer ADHD symptoms in children

Longer durations of full breastfeeding are linked to fewer ADHD symptoms in children, suggesting early feeding patterns may influence neurodevelopment.

23 Jun 2026

GSV hospitals achieve substantially higher delirium screening in older surgical patients

There is a stark gap in how often hospitals screen older adults for postoperative delirium, with verified geriatric surgery programs screening nearly every patient while non-accredited programs screen just half, according to new findings published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

10 Jun 2026

What drives adult ADHD symptoms? Study points to executive function over environment

Adults diagnosed with ADHD later in life had fewer childhood symptoms than those diagnosed in childhood, but both groups showed similar symptom severity in adulthood. Executive function, rather than childhood trauma, resilience, or parental bonding, was the strongest correlate of current ADHD symptoms across both diagnostic-history groups.

10 May 2026

Study links ADHD-related traits to increased chronic pain severity

A new study, led by researchers from the University of Tokyo, involving nearly 1,000 patients in Japan suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related traits may be associated with and may contribute to chronic pain.

23 Apr 2026

Integrated motor exercise improves core ADHD symptoms and executive function

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and is marked not only by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but also by weaknesses in executive functions such as inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.

7 Apr 2026

Study finds treatment gap for young ADHD patients with substance use disorders

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting 12%–13% of adolescents in the United States, according to some studies.

12 Mar 2026

Kids with autism and ADHD show different cognition–behavior patterns than single diagnoses

Research on children with autism and ADHD shows distinct cognitive and behavioral patterns, suggesting comorbidity may require unique intervention approaches.

10 Mar 2026

Penn State study links family structure to lower ADHD symptoms

Starting elementary school is a major milestone, but it can be a difficult transition as children can experience separation anxiety or have trouble adapting to school rules and structure. However, a team led by Penn State researchers found that consistent routines in the home can reduce the likelihood that children will struggle with the school transition.

3 Mar 2026

Study reveals a clear link between wildfire smoke pollution and increase in violent assaults

A new study spanning eleven years of data has revealed a clear link between wildfire smoke pollution and an increase in violent assaults in Seattle.

26 Feb 2026

Study finds ADHD symptoms linked to higher internet addiction risk in college students

A cross-sectional study of Chinese college students found ADHD symptoms were associated with internet addiction, with insomnia and executive dysfunction acting as mediating factors. Moderate and high physical activity levels were also linked with lower internet addiction symptoms, although causality cannot be inferred.

4 Feb 2026

Screen time and ADHD: why social media stands out from gaming and TV

Over four years in a large US cohort, greater social media use was associated with small but consistent increases in inattention symptoms in children, while video games and television were not. Genetic risk for ADHD did not modify this inattention association, and analyses supported a directional link from social media use to later attention difficulties.

10 Dec 2025

Social media affects children's ability to concentrate, study reveals

Children who spend a significant amount of time on social media tend to experience a gradual decline in their ability to concentrate.

8 Dec 2025

Regular exercise linked to better sleep and fewer ADHD symptoms

Regular exercise has been shown to enhance quality of life, promote better sleep, and reduce ADHD symptoms - according to a recent study by örebro University.

1 Dec 2025

Changing school shifts does not improve academic performance in students with ADHD

Several studies have shown that students who attend afternoon classes tend to perform better in school than those who attend morning classes. This is due to greater synchrony between class times and students' biological clocks.

27 Aug 2025

Ultra-processed foods threaten brain health in kids and teens, review warns

Children, adolescents, and unborn babies exposed to high levels of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) face increased risks of impaired brain development, cognitive deficits, and long-term mental health challenges. The review underscores how UPF-driven changes in reward pathways, nutrient deficits, inflammation, and the gut–brain axis can have lasting impacts across generations.

13 Jul 2025

Study spotlights postoperative delirium as a preventable and high-impact complication

A new large-scale study spotlights postoperative delirium as a preventable and high-impact complication, which is driven by patient frailty and surgical stress-and one that can be addressed through low-cost, evidence-based interventions.

9 Jul 2025