
Spotlight on ADHD and autism
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum conditions are examples of neuropsychiatric disabilities which can affect, for example, the ability to concentrate or to understand social codes. Scientists at Karolinska Institutet are constantly searching for ways to facilitate everyday life for people with a neuropsychiatric diagnosis and to explain the causes behind these conditions.

ADHD – a controversial diagnosis
"Uh-oh, why did I do that?!" Researchers are trying to improve the lives of people diagnosed with ADHD.

Researchers try to break vicious circles
Research shows that alcohol and substance abuse and criminal behaviour are overrepresented among sufferers of Adhd. Can a downward life spiral be arrested by the right treatment?

Focus on early detection
Researchers are slowly getting closer to achieving an understanding of the causes of autism. However, the research focusses just as much on the question of how to diagnose and care for today's autistic children as early as possible.

Migration during pregnancy increases the risk
"If the findings prove to be correct, this indicates that the occurrence of autism is linked with environmental factors, something connected to the migration process", says Cecilia Magnusson, Adjunct Professor at the Department of Public Health Sciences.

No association between celiac disease and autism
A registry study dismiss the long-debated association between celiac disease – also called gluten intolerance – and increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in children. The study was led from Karolinska Institutet and published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.
News in selection
More researchers in this area

Studying how genetic factors contribute
Kristiina Tammimies research is about understanding how genetic factors contribute to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), and how these factors translate into biological pathways affecting brain development.

Link between childhood asthma and adhd
Catarina Almqvist Malmros studies heritage and environment in connection with asthma. Children with asthma are at increased risk for, among other things, neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD.

Focusing on autism and ADHD in children
Sven Bölte is a professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Science. For over 20 years, he has been studying neuropsychiatric disabilities in children, particularly ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.

A model to meet individual needs
Tatja Hirvikoski is a neuropsychologist and associate professor focusing on the development and dissemination of stepped care model for adults with ADHD. A core idea of the model is to combine pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment methods to meet the needs of each individual.