Children with low attention are more likely to develop mental health conditions in adulthood

Children with low attention are more likely to develop mental health conditions in adulthood

by

Children with low attention and poor memory are more likely to develop mental health conditions, including depression and psychosis in adulthood, warns study

  • Experts studied data from a group of more than 13,000 people born in 1991 and 1992
  • They looked for connections between cognitive problems in childhood and mental health
  • Those with little attention span over eight years have developed depression from the age of 18
  • Knowing these markers in childhood can help with mental health problems later on.

By Ryan Morrison For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Children who struggle with memory problems and have a poor attention span are more likely to develop mental health conditions when they become adults, study shows.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham analyzed data from a group of 13,988 individuals born in 1991 and 1992 and re-examined it over decades.

They tried to look at any connection between cognitive problems in childhood, such as lack of control and memory, and mental health conditions later.

They found that a poor attention span in eight-year-olds at 18 can lead to depression, and memory problems by ten can lead to hypomania when they are 22.

Targeting specific markers in childhood for early treatment can help reduce the risk of developing certain psychopathological problems later in life. said the team.

Children who struggle with memory problems and have a poor attention span are more likely to develop mental health conditions when they become adults, study shows. Stock image

Children who struggle with memory problems and have a poor attention span are more likely to develop mental health conditions when they become adults, study shows. Stock image

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral condition defined by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

It affects about five percent of children in the United States. About 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls in the UK suffer.

Symptoms usually appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. It can also include:

  • Constant fidgeting
  • Poor concentration
  • Excessive movement or talking
  • Act without thinking
  • Little or no sense of danger
  • Careless mistakes
  • Forgetfulness
  • Problems organizing tasks
  • Inability to listen or follow instructions

Most cases are diagnosed between the ages of six and 12 years. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research on this.

The exact cause of ADHD is unclear, but it is thought to be genetic mutations that affect a person’s brain function and structure.

Premature babies and babies with epilepsy or brain damage are at greater risk.

ADHD is also associated with anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette’s and epilepsy.

There is no cure.

A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve the symptoms and make daily life easier.

Source: NHS Choices

These include conditions such as borderline personality disorder, depression and psychosis that can start to appear in people as young as 17 or 18 years old.

According to lead author Dr Isabel Morales-Munoz, cognitive deficits are the most important features of mental disorders and it is important to predict long-term prognosis.

It appears from the work from this new study that individual patterns of these deficits, such as a short attention span, are before some mental illnesses.

Morales-Muñoz said: “Prevention strategies aimed at alleviating these specific cognitive problems can help reduce the likelihood of such children developing linked mental health problems in adolescence and early adulthood.”

The study was the first to examine specific associations between cognitive deficits in childhood and psychopathological problems in adolescents over a period of time.

Deficiencies in sustained attention for eight years due to borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms at 11-12 are similar to similar deficits in adult BPD patients associated with difficulty sticking to therapy programs.

Previous evidence also suggests a significant association between adult BPD and ADHD symptoms in children.

This suggests that ADHD may be a risk factor for BPD, the team explained.

The study also supports the theory that lack of inhibition in childhood precedes psychotic experiences, with a lack of inhibitory control commonly found in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Mental disorders worldwide cause a significant disease burden and at least 10% of children and teenagers worldwide have a mental illness.

The team said that 75% of mental disorders diagnosed in adults have their onset in childhood and adolescence.

Bipolar disorder, depression, and psychosis usually occur during adolescence and persist into adulthood – possibly related to disorders in the way adolescents mature through psychosocial, biological, or environmental factors.

“It is crucial to study the onset of mental disorders in these early stages and to evaluate the risk factors that precede these conditions,” says co-author Matthew Broome.

“These factors are core characteristics of mental disorders such as psychosis and mood disorders,” he explained.

They tried to look at any connection between cognitive problems in childhood, such as lack of control and memory, and mental health conditions later. Stock image

They tried to look at any connection between cognitive problems in childhood, such as lack of control and memory, and mental health conditions later. Stock image

“Deficiencies in cognitive functions, ranging from impaired attention and working memory to impaired social cognition and language, are common in psychiatric disorders,” adds senior study author Professor Steven Marwaha.

“It seriously jeopardizes quality of life and can precede serious mental health conditions by a few years.”

The findings were published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

DEPRESSION FINDS ONE AND TEN PEOPLE AT ONE POINT

Although it is normal to feel down from time to time, people with depression may feel persistently unhappy for weeks or months.

Depression can occur to anyone at any age and is fairly common – about one in ten people are likely to experience it at some point in their lives.

Depression is a real health condition that people can not just ignore or ‘withdraw’.

Symptoms and effects vary, but may include: feeling upset or hopeless, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy.

It can also cause physical symptoms, such as sleep problems, fatigue, low appetite or sex drive, and even physical pain.

In extreme cases, it can lead to suicidal thoughts.

Traumatic events can cause this, and people with a family history may be at greater risk.

It is important to see a doctor if you think you or someone you know has depression, as it can be treated with lifestyle changes, therapy or medication.

Source: NHS Choices

.Source