Psychiatry

Many studies have correlated low greenspace and high air pollution with a child’s risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, studies conducted at the population level are limited. This study, published in ​​Environment International, investigated the association among ADHD incidence and air pollution, noise, and greenspace in a population-based birth cohort.  The cohort was assembled...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) commonly co-occur. However, the two conditions are generally studied separately. This study, published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, sought to evaluate the typical trajectories of these disorders and how they co-develop in early childhood. A total of 273 parents who participated in the study completed...

Irritability is associated with more severe clinical presentations and poorer longitudinal outcomes among individuals with ADHD. This study, published in BMC Psychiatry, looks at the cognitive mechanisms underlying irritability in individuals with ADHD. The researchers hypothesized that increased irritability would be associated with hot executive functions involving emotional contexts rather than with cool executive functions involving abstract...

New evidence shows that stimulants have sensitization effects on the brain. These effects have been shown to result in neurophysiological changes to the brain’s reward system, some of which could be long-lasting. This study, published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, reviews the risk for substance abuse and the development of substance use disorder (SUD) in people...

The Quantified Behavioural Test Plus (QbTest+) is a test commonly used to assess patients with ADHD. This study, published in Nordic Psychology, sought to determine the specific measures that the test can accurately assess in adults with diagnosed ADHD. Questions of interest for this study population included how accurately the QbTest+ assesses problems with impulsivity, attention, and...

ADHD in adults is commonly associated with other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. This study, published in Psychiatry Research, sought to determine the prevalence and impact of anxiety disorders among adults with ADHD.  A total of 353 adults with diagnosed ADHD participated in the study. They were assessed for the severity of their ADHD and...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani, we discuss how to provide culturally sensitive care and overcome language barriers. MD Newsline: How have you been able to implement culturally sensitive care in your practice? Dr. Sasha Hamdani: “I think my cultural background and experiences growing up as a minority have helped...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani, we discuss how to address ADHD disparities and psychiatrist implicit bias. MD Newsline: How would you recommend psychiatrists rectify disparities in ADHD diagnosis and treatment? Dr. Sasha Hamdani: “I think doing a comprehensive mental health screening when focused mental health issues arise could help...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani, we discuss how ADHD is underdiagnosed and undertreated in females and racial/ethnic minority groups. MD Newsline: Is ADHD underdiagnosed and undertreated in females?  Dr. Sasha Hamdani: “Yes. Males with ADHD are about three times as likely as females with ADHD to receive a diagnosis,...