A US study has found that teenagers diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are far more likely to have suicidal tendencies compared to other teens.
The University of Maryland research team surveyed 248 young people aged nine to 18 years, of whom half had been diagnosed with ADHD as young children, the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported.
The research team, led by Dr Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, wrote in the Archives of General Psychiatry that their findings suggested young children with ADHD are at “high risk for both single and recurrent episodes of adolescent depression and for suicidal behaviour”.
The research found a greater risk of depression among those with the condition. One in eight of those with ADHD had developed their own specific “suicide plan” compared to 1.6 percent of those without it.
Meanwhile, scientists at UK’s Cardiff University believe they have discovered as genetic basis for ADHD stating that children with the condition are more likely to have particular faulty sections of genetic code than those without it.
Professor of child and adolescent psychiatry, Anita Thapar, said the Cardiff findings were exciting.
“Now we can say with confidence that ADHD is a genetic disease and that the brains of children with this condition develop differently to those of other children,” she said.
The Royal Children’s Melbourne Hospital has said that between 3 and 5 percent of Australian children have the disorder, and it’s much more common in boys than girls.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental problem which results in poor concentration and control of impulses. ADHD is not an illness. It can affect children’s learning and social skills, but can be controlled with medical treatment and understanding from parents and teachers.
It is important to note that no single test can diagnose ADHD. Diagnosis is done through an assessment by a doctor or psychologist after a number of factors are taken into consideration.
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