Recognising ADHD and Dyslexia before starting school?
Children aged 6 and over are being sought for a new study by the University Hospitals of Magdeburg and Jena to investigate early signs of developmental and learning disorders!
Developmental disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disorders such as reading and spelling disorder (LRS) are common in childhood and adolescence and lead to considerable impairments in various areas of life. In order to identify the first signs of these disorders in children with a family history of risk before they start school, the University Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine in Magdeburg and the University Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy in Jena are launching a new study. Children who will start school in August 2024 and are at least 6 years old are being sought for the study.
Dr Katharina Rufener, psychologist and head of the study in Magdeburg, emphasises: " If we identify risk factors early on, we can take measures to improve the school experience and future development of the affected children before they start school." Both children with a family history of ADHD and/or Dyslexia and children without a family history of either disorder can take part in the study.
As part of the study, various short tests will be carried out with the children to analyse their attention, memory and language skills.In addition, brain waves will be measured using electroencephalography (EEG). Parents are asked to complete questionnaires on their children's developmental status.
The research initiative entitled "Same and yet quite different? A transdiagnostic approach to investigate neurophysiological biomarkers and related comorbidity in ADHD and Developmental Dyslexia (CADDY)" is financially supported by the German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg site.
Further information on the study can be found here and in the flyer.
About the German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG)
The German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG) is an association of 27 research institutions at six locations in Germany, including the Halle-Jena-Magdeburg site.The aim of the DZPG is to research new methods for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and to make them available to people as quickly as possible.
Contact for prospective students
Kerstin Scheunemann, Secretariat, University Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine of Childhood and Adolescence at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Tel. 0391 67 17000.
Scientific contact
Dr Katharina Rufener, Study Director, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, tel. 0391 67 17008.
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