Fruit-fly study could hold key to ADHD treatment

Date: 26/11/2009 / Category: Indoor play for disability schools and groups

Scientists have found evidence of a primitive emotion-like behaviour in the fruit fly, which may help in the understanding of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

According to the study, humans possess a lot of the same genes as fruit flies, including neurons that have been implicated in psychiatric disorders.

Tests were carried out on the fruit flies and it was found that those with an abnormally exaggerated hyperactivity response had a mutation in their dopamine receptors.

Tim Lebestky, leader of the study, said that the way the flies responded was "reminiscent of the way in which individuals with ADHD display hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli and are more easily aroused by such influences."

He added that the results "suggested that dopamine actively inhibits the hyperactivity response."

Website familyplayandlearn.com says that ADHD children change play activities frequently and have difficulty staying still, waiting patiently for their turn and maintaining attention.

Indoor play centres provide a safe and interesting environment for kids play with a number of different areas and activities for children to choose from.ADNFCR-2594-ID-19481310-ADNFCR

Share this Article

Post to MySpace! Post to bebo! Post to Twitter! Post to facebook! Post to linked in!

Related Articles

Kids play 'overlooked' by many Brits

Disabled kids need 'more options' during summer holidays

Parents urged to 'understand' child's development

Autism test accuracy improved

ADHD children "lack brain reward system"

DoH Healthy Schools programme expanded

MMR - autism link rubbished by study

New device helps spot eye conditions in infants

Gene therapy could improve 'kids' visual impairments'

Parental training 'key to controlling kids behavioural problems'

Parents should 'buy educational toys'

Infant gesturing could signal 'enhanced comprehension'

Gentle exercise for kids used to help child cerebral palsy sufferers

School with soft play area to be built for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Medical centre installs soft play area to aid kids' recovery

Unique accessory launched for kids with sensory and attention disorders

Soft play centre to be built at school for autistic children

Soft play area included in plans for £10m special school

Study involving soft play sheds light on language development of autistic kids

Specialist training for teachers of disabled children

Soft play for kids 'part of mainstream education in Gwersyllt'

Children 'miss out on education and soft play time due to poor hygiene'

Disabled girl 'should be allowed to live normal life'

AIN: Grandparents help autistic children

Information helps in autism diagnosis

Soft play can 'help' ADHD

Art activities 'can help kids cope with asthma'

'Strong link' between IVF and autism

Will austerity measures threaten kids' play facilities?