A British study observed a link between emotional disorders and the development of attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) in children and adolescents.
- Emotional disorders could be one of the main symptoms of attention disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD), according to a recent British study.
- Researchers observed that one in two children with ADHD showed signs of emotional dysregulation.
- A region of the brain responsible for understanding and processing emotions was also smaller in children with ADHD and emotional disorders.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge (UK) recently revealed that emotional disturbances, which can result in depression, anxiety or behavioral difficulties, could be central symptoms of attention disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD).
Emotional Disturbances at the Heart of ADHD
To reach this conclusion, the scientists analyzed data from the ABCD Study, a large cohort that followed the brain development and mental health of children living in the United States. Nearly 6,000 children suffered from ADHD. They were able to assign each individual a score indicating their likelihood of developing this attention disorder.
During this study published in Nature Mental Healthparents or guardians of children and adolescents were asked to complete a series of questionnaires that included questions about emotional behavior. These questions included this example:
- when my child is upset, he/she has difficulty controlling his/her behavior;
- when my child is upset, he knows he can find a way to feel better;
- When my child is upset, he starts to feel very bad about himself.
A particular area of the brain is smaller in children with ADHD
According to the results, nearly one in two children with ADHD showed signs of emotional dysregulation. Brain imaging data were also available for some volunteers. The study leaders observed that a particular region of the brain, called the pars orbitalis, was smaller in children with ADHD and emotional disorders.
This area participates in the understanding as well as the processing of emotions and communication, which could explain certain behaviors present in patients with ADHD. “The pars orbitalis is a well-connected part of the brain, and if it has not developed properly, it can be difficult for individuals to control their emotions and communicate with others appropriately, especially in social situations (…) He It could be that when children cannot express themselves properly – when they experience emotional difficulties – they are not able to control their emotions and throw a tantrum rather than communicate with the parent, teacher or caregiver. other child”underlined Barbara Sahakian, professor at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge.
