Health

AI Tool Shows Promise in Detecting ADHD Risk Years Before Diagnosis

Published

3 months ago

April 28, 2026

Artificial intelligence could soon help doctors identify children at risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) years before they receive a formal diagnosis, according to new research that could transform early intervention for one of childhood’s most common neurodevelopmental disorders.

The study, conducted by researchers at Duke Health and published in Nature Mental Health, found that AI can analyse routine electronic health records to detect early warning signs of ADHD long before symptoms typically lead to a diagnosis.

ADHD affects an estimated 8% of children and adolescents. It is characterised by symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, restlessness and problems with organisation. Despite its prevalence, many children are not diagnosed until years after symptoms first appear, delaying access to treatment and support.

Researchers examined health records from more than 140,000 children, including both those diagnosed with ADHD and those without the condition. Using data collected from birth through early childhood, the AI model was trained to identify patterns linked to later ADHD diagnoses.

The system successfully recognised combinations of developmental, behavioural and clinical indicators that often emerged years before a formal diagnosis. It was particularly accurate in assessing risk among children aged five and older, and its performance remained consistent across sex, race, ethnicity and insurance status.

Elliot Hill, the study’s lead author and a data scientist at Duke University School of Medicine, said electronic health records contain a wealth of information that can reveal important patterns.

The researchers believe the technology could help clinicians identify children who may benefit from earlier assessment, allowing families to access support sooner. Early intervention has been shown to improve academic performance, social development and long-term health outcomes.

Naomi Davis, an associate professor in Duke’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and a co-author of the study, said timely support is critical for children with ADHD.

“Children with ADHD can really struggle when their needs aren’t understood and adequate supports are not in place,” she said.

The research team stressed that the tool is not intended to replace doctors or provide a definitive diagnosis. Instead, it is designed to assist clinicians by highlighting children who may require further evaluation.

Matthew Engelhard, senior author of the study, described it as a way to ensure that children who need help are identified earlier and do not face unnecessary delays.

Experts say the approach could eventually be expanded to other areas of mental health, with similar AI models already being explored to better understand psychiatric risks in adolescents.

The findings also highlight the potential to improve recognition of ADHD in girls, who are often underdiagnosed because their symptoms tend to be less overt than those seen in boys.

Health

Summer Heat Linked to Seasonal Depression as Mental Health Concerns Rise Worldwide

Published

4 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Web Reporter

Seasonal depression is commonly associated with the short, dark days of winter, but health experts are warning that hot weather and prolonged heatwaves can also trigger a lesser-known form of the condition during the summer months.

Medical professionals say Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a recognised type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern and can significantly affect daily life. Although far less common than winter SAD, experts stress that it should be treated as a serious mental health condition.

According to a recent study, summer SAD affects around 0.57% of the global population, compared with about 5% for the winter form of the disorder. Rising temperatures, frequent heatwaves and tropical nights have been identified as factors that can contribute to symptoms in vulnerable individuals.

Unlike winter depression, which is often linked to reduced daylight and social isolation, summer SAD is associated with excessive heat, disrupted sleep and physical discomfort. Symptoms may include insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, agitation and persistent low mood. In severe cases, the condition can interfere with work, relationships and everyday activities.

Adam Borland, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, said people experiencing symptoms may benefit from maintaining a regular daily routine, limiting exposure to extreme heat and making sleep a priority. He added that anyone with severe or persistent symptoms should seek professional medical care.

The warning comes as mental health conditions continue to rise across the world. A recent analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study, published in The Lancet, estimated that approximately 1.2 billion people, or around 15% of the global population, were living with a mental health condition in 2023.

The study found that the number of people affected by mental health disorders increased by 95% between 1990 and 2023. During the same period, mental disorders climbed from the 12th to the fifth leading cause of health loss worldwide.

Major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders recorded some of the sharpest increases. Cases of major depression rose by 131%, while anxiety disorders increased by 158%, making them the two most common mental health conditions globally.

Researchers behind the Global Burden of Disease Study said meeting the growing demand for mental health services should be regarded as a public health priority, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The situation is also a concern across Europe. The World Health Organization estimates that one in six people in the European region, around 140 million individuals, lives with a mental health condition. Despite the high number of cases, only one in three people suffering from depression receive the treatment they need.

Health experts have also highlighted the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression and anxiety among young people have increased by an estimated 25% since the pandemic, while suicide has become the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 in the European region.

Health

Nearly Three Billion People Cannot Afford a Healthy Diet, UN Warns

Published

4 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Web Reporter

Nearly three billion people around the world remain unable to afford a healthy diet as food costs continue to rise, with nutritious meals now costing more than the international extreme poverty threshold, according to the United Nations.

The warning comes ahead of the release of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report on July 21. Máximo Torero Cullen, chief economist at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said the cost of maintaining a healthy diet has increased by 25 percent over the past five years.

Speaking to reporters, Torero said the average daily cost of a healthy diet has reached $4.28 (€2.62 adjusted for purchasing power), exceeding the international extreme poverty line of $3.00 per person per day.

“As a result, 2.69 billion people, almost one in every three people in the world, still cannot afford a healthy diet,” Torero said.

He explained that the challenge facing many households is not the availability of food, but the affordability of nutritious products needed for a balanced diet.

“Calories are relatively inexpensive, but nutrition is not,” he said.

According to the FAO, staple foods such as grains and root vegetables provide most of the calories people consume each day, yet they account for only about 13 percent of the total cost of a healthy diet. These foods are generally affordable and widely available.

By contrast, fruits and vegetables contribute only about 5 percent of daily calorie intake but make up around 16 percent of the overall cost of a healthy diet. Animal-based foods account for nearly 30 percent of the total cost, making them among the most expensive components of a nutritious meal.

Torero said the findings highlight the need to improve access to nutrient-rich foods rather than simply increasing food production.

“The challenge is not to produce enough calories but to make nutrient-rich foods more affordable,” he said.

The rising cost of healthy eating has become a growing concern for governments and international organisations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where millions of families already struggle with limited incomes and rising living costs.

Health experts warn that poor nutrition has long-term consequences beyond hunger. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unhealthy diets are among the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and several forms of cancer.

The upcoming UN report is expected to provide a broader assessment of global food security and nutrition, examining how inflation, economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions continue to affect access to healthy food. The findings are likely to add urgency to international efforts aimed at reducing food insecurity and improving nutrition for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Health

Oxford Launches World’s First Human Trial of Vaccine Against Bundibugyo Ebola

Published

3 days ago

July 14, 2026

Web Reporter

Scientists at the University of Oxford have launched the world’s first human clinical trial of a vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola as health authorities work to contain a growing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The Phase I trial will evaluate the vaccine’s safety and its ability to trigger an immune response in 50 healthy adult volunteers aged between 18 and 55. Researchers have begun recruiting participants, with vaccinations expected to start in the coming weeks after regulatory approval for the study.

The trial comes as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak continues to expand across Central Africa. According to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ministry of Health, 1,926 confirmed cases and 702 deaths had been recorded across five provinces as of July 11. Uganda reported 20 confirmed infections, including two deaths, on July 12. Health officials have identified 10 provinces in Congo, including the capital Kinshasa, as high-risk areas.

The University of Oxford’s Vaccine Group said the study represents the first effort to test a vaccine specifically designed to protect against the Bundibugyo strain in humans. While vaccines exist for other Ebola virus species, no approved vaccine currently targets Bundibugyo Ebolavirus.

Nicole Lurie, Executive Director of Preparedness and Response at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), described the trial as an important step in the international response to the outbreak.

“Every step that brings a safe and effective vaccine closer helps strengthen our ability to protect vulnerable communities, save lives and bring this outbreak under control,” Lurie said, adding that Oxford’s work marks a significant milestone in efforts to combat the disease.

Researchers are also preparing additional clinical studies in Uganda, subject to approval from local regulators. Those trials are expected to be carried out through a partnership involving the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine’s Uganda Research Unit.

Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, welcomed the progress while stressing the importance of maintaining rigorous scientific and regulatory standards.

He said that although early-stage clinical trials will not provide an immediate solution for communities currently affected by the outbreak, they remain essential for developing medical tools capable of responding to both the current emergency and future Ebola outbreaks.

The Bundibugyo strain is one of several Ebola virus species known to infect humans and has caused multiple outbreaks in Africa over the past two decades. Public health officials continue to focus on surveillance, patient care, contact tracing and infection control measures while researchers work to develop vaccines and treatments that can help reduce the impact of the disease.

The Oxford trial is expected to provide initial data on the vaccine’s safety and immune response, laying the foundation for larger studies if the early results prove successful.