New Delhi: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterised by lack of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This can often take a toll on health and quality of life. And while it is largely believed to be a cause of concern in young children, adolescents, and teenagers are no safer. Experts say that most children are not diagnosed with ADHD till they reach adolescence or become adults. But a study by Maastricht University, including 16 to 20-year-olds in the Netherlands, dietary choices of teens could give hints of ADHD. Data was obtained from 810 teen-parent pairs wherein teens completed a diet-related assignment and parents completed an assessment on behavioural patterns of kids.
Teenagers answered questions on how much they consumed daily from a list of 28 items including food and drinks. Parents’ assessment, on the other hand, was based on the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale that let researchers evaluate ADHD symptoms. Habits were divided into five groups: animal-based foods, snacks, sweets, beverages, and healthy foods. 80 participants were diagnosed with ADHD and the findings also stated that these kids had more snacks than their peers. These snacks included dried snacks, nuts, energy drinks, soft drinks, chips, and dried snacks.
Researchers also asked questions about impulsivity in children when they were seven to 10 years of age. The same effect was noted in children who were impulsive but did not eat sweet foods. However, their diet included sweetened beverages as well. The study also found that other than ADHD, the most robust dietary behaviour was noted among adolescents. The research was published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
The symptoms of ADHD are:
Difficulty in staying still
Forgetting tasks
Difficulty in maintaining focus
Excessive movement
Interrupting others
Being easily distracted
However, eating snacks is not a known symptom of ADHD. However, diet does have an association with mental health in both adults and kids.
The study also found that other than ADHD, the most robust dietary behaviour was noted among adolescents. The research was published in the Journal of Attention Disorders. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
