Scientists think they have found a way to spot ADHD in kids just by looking at one body part

A recent study has uncovered a new possible way to detect ADHD by looking just one body part.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopment condition that can affect people's behaviour when it comes to areas such as time management, restlessness and forgetfulness.

According to the NHS, children and adults with ADHD can seem restless and fidgety, may forget everyday tasks and can struggle to focus and follow instructions.

In the UK, there are an estimated 2.6 million people with ADHD, according to ADHD UK.

In order to receive an ADHD diagnosis, you must first have a consultation with a GP, who will then refer you to a specialist for two other appointments - one to establish if there is a chance you have ADHD, and the other to officially diagnose it.

Now, a new study from South Korea has claimed that certain markers of ADHD could be identified in another way.

Scientists think one body part could be the key to diagnosing ADHD (Getty Stock Images)

Scientists from the Yonsei University College of Medicine trained computers to spot signs of ADHD by looking at changes in the retina - the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.

An AI computer model was able to analyse images of the retina and predict the condition with 96 per cent accuracy in a study of 323 children and adolescents with ADHD and 323 without it.

It found that the retinas of kids with ADHD were different to those without the condition, especially in the shape and pattern of their blood vessels.

According to the study, the presence of more blood vessels, thicker vessels and smaller optic discs (how the eyes connects to the brain) could indicate that someone has ADHD.

"Our analysis of retinal fundus photographs demonstrated potential as a noninvasive biomarker for ADHD screening," the researchers wrote. "Notably, earlier high-accuracy models typically relied on a diverse set of variables, each contributing incrementally to differentiating subjects.

"Our approach simplifies the analysis by focusing exclusively on retinal photographs. This single-source data strategy enhances the clarity and utility of our models."

However, researchers stressed that this is preliminary study with findings based on an extremely limited sample size and age range.

Participants with ADHD had more blood vessels, thicker vessels and smaller optic discs (Getty Stock Images)

Next, the team of scientists want to try the tests across a larger and more diverse group of participants.

They also add that other conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which can co-exist alongside ADHD as AuDHD, aren't accounted for in their research as further tests showed that the technology wasn't very good at distinguishing the two conditions apart from each other (via Science Direct).

With undiagnosed ADHD being linked to struggles at work, relationship breakdowns and poor mental health, a faster, non-invasive and more accurate diagnosis could help people get the support they need sooner.

"Early screening and timely intervention can improve social, familial, and academic functioning in individuals with ADHD," the researchers said.