“Access to natural environments that allow for physical activity should be protected and promoted because it can support normal neurodevelopment,” researchers say in a new study on ADHD.
- Symptoms of ADHD in children fall primarily into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Researchers have just shown in a new trial that children who live near green spaces do more physical activity, which indirectly reduces their risk of developing ADHD.
- Scientists also found that green spaces with trees were more stimulating and attractive to children than those containing only grass.
Several studies have already shown that living near green spaces is good for health, and it now appears that this is particularly beneficial for the healthy development of children.
ADHD and green spaces: a link with physical activity
In fact, researchers have just demonstrated in a new try that children who live near green spaces are more physically active, which indirectly lowers their risk of developing ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Scientists also found that green spaces with trees were more stimulating and attractive to children than those containing only grass.
It is worth noting here that the authors of the new survey only considered trees and natural gardens, which implies a lack of data concerning parks and playgrounds.
“These results suggest that access to natural environments that allow for physical activity should be protected and promoted because it can support normal neurodevelopment,” conclude the authors of the study. “Urban planners should therefore prioritise access to green spaces in cities in order to reduce mental health problems among urban dwellers.”they conclude.
ADHD: how to spot it in children?
Symptoms of ADHD in children fall primarily into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. “None of these difficulties are specific to ADHD. The duration, frequency and impact of these signs must also be taken into account,” indicates the association Coactis Health.
The prevalence of ADHD in France is subject to debate. “According to our study, the prevalence of hyperactivity/ADHD in France can be estimated at 0.3% of school-age children, with 0.2% for the prescription of psychostimulants,” explained in 2020 to Release Sébastien Ponnou, psychoanalyst and lecturer at the University of Rouen-Normandy. “These data are particularly robust because they are based on the reality of clinical practices and on doctors’ prescriptions for the entire population,” he said at the time.
“The prevalence of ADHD is about 5% in children,” estimates Health Insurance for its part.
The study detailed in this article and entitled “Lifelong greenspace exposure and ADHD in Polish children: Role of physical activity and perceived neighborhood characteristics” was published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology.
