Finding The Causes Of ADHD - New Study Launched By Norwegian Institute Of Public Health

Main Category: ADHD
Article Date: 21 Jan 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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An unprecedented ADHD study was launched on Wednesday 16th January to find causes and early warning signs of ADHD among pre-school age children.

ADHD is frequently diagnosed but little is known about the causes, despite all the published research. Today there are no diagnostic criteria for ADHD in children under 6 years of age. The ADHD study intends to address many unanswered questions around the causes of this condition. The study will also contribute to identifying early signs of ADHD, allowing for earlier identification and therefore develop better prevention and support for this group.

"The study is unique because we have access to biological material and information about foetal conditions and early infancy via the ongoing Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study" says project leader Heidi Aase at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) in Oslo. The ADHD study is a collaboration project with nearby Ullevaal University Hospital.

Children taking part in the ADHD study are recruited through the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study run by the NIPH. This unique resource gives pre-birth information about the children, plus blood samples from both parents and from the child's umbilical cord. Thus genetic and environmental links can also be investigated.

The ADHD study will include thorough clinical and neuropsychological examinations of approximately 1500 children at an early age (from 3 - 3.5 years) to build a picture of their difficulties and how they develop.

The ADHD study is a major focus for both the NIPH and Ullevaal University Hospital. The study is financed by the Department of Health and Social Care, the Directorate for Health and Social Affairs and the Research Council of Norway.

About the Norwegian Institute of Public Health

Our goal is to improve public health through promotion of good health and prevention of disease. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health is a national centre of excellence in the areas of epidemiology, mental health, infectious disease control, environmental medicine, forensic toxicology and drug abuse. Our vision: A healthier society. Our motto: Knowledge for better public health.

http://www.fhi.no