ADHD in the News 2026-10-22
ADHD Medications Linked to Decreased Risk for Self-Harm in Adults and Youth
Key point: Initiating pharmacotherapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was associated with a reduction in self-harm events, emphasizing the clinical importance of timely intervention.
ADHD linked to higher mortality but medication may help
For the study, published in JAMA Network Open, the researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies that included data from close to 16 million study participants on three continents. In a meta-analysis of observational studies, they found that ADHD is linked to higher rates of suicide and injury deaths, as well as a moderate increase in natural-cause mortality. But they found some evidence that this mortality risk is lower among people who take ADHD medication.
Kenvue loses bid for rehearing after Tylenol autism lawsuits revived
Oct 16 (Reuters) - A US appeals court said on Friday it won’t reconsider a ruling reviving hundreds of lawsuits against Tylenol maker Kenvue alleging the popular painkiller can cause autism.
Norwalk, ‘A Community in Support,’ marks ADHD Awareness month
NORWALK, Conn. — City officials, educators and others gathered Thursday afternoon at the library to recognize October as ADHD Awareness Month. Norwalk Deputy Corporation Counsel Jeffry Spahr, who serves on the Advisory and Public Policy Committee of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), a nationwide awareness group, said the theme of this year’s recognition is “A Community in Support.”
Living with ADHD? Three ways to find support and feel less alone
ADHD Awareness Month is an opportunity to help individuals and families find trusted resources, build support networks and have more productive conversations throughout their ADHD journey.
Peer Exchange: Managing Adult ADHD: Addressing Diagnosis, Treatment Selection, and All-Day Symptom Control, EP. 11 & 12 (Opinion)
EP. 11: Flexible ADHD Formulations for Complex Patient Need: Sensory sensitivity, weekend flexibility, and hyperfocus all shape how adults actually take their ADHD medication. The panel explains why formulation choice can matter as much as the molecule.
EP. 12: Inside the Technology Behind Extended-Release ADHD Medications: Behind every extended-release stimulant is an engineering problem: how to release medication predictably over hours. The panel breaks down the microparticle and polymer technologies making that possible.
Less Common Presentations and Overlooked Features of ADHD
Key points: The ADHD symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity show up in often unrecognized ways. Emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitivity, and the importance of interests are key ADHD experiences.
Focusing on the T (the Therapy) in CBT for Adult ADHD
Key points: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-supported, non-medical treatment for adult ADHD. CBT often must be adapted to address co-existing psychiatric or medical diagnoses and various life stressors. Basic familiarity with ADHD is necessary to adequately adapt CBT for adult ADHD.
ADHD Medications for Managing Menopausal Brain Fog: Improvements in Subjective Executive Function
Review finds ADHD drugs may ease perimenopause brain fog and improve daily focus, but objective cognition gains remain unclear; larger safety and efficacy studies needed.
Congressman Dan Goldman Joins Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) in Reintroducing the 988 Implementation Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) reintroduced the 988 Implementation Act with Congressmembers Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Troy Carter (LA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Don Beyer (VA-08), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Becca Balint (VT-AL), and Kim Schrier (WA-08). The comprehensive legislative package will provide states with federal resources to strengthen the crisis response infrastructure behind the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Family genetics study questions the role of genetic nurture in ADHD
A large study of families suggests that a child’s overall attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder traits are primarily driven by their own genetics by mid-childhood, rather than by the indirect environmental influence of their parents’ genes. Researchers found a lack of evidence for parental genetic nurture effects at both age five and age eight, though they note that statistical limitations might obscure more subtle influences. The research was published in Behavior Genetics.
Alison Pritchard, Ph.D., on the treatment expectation gap in pediatric ADHD
On average, caregivers want to see their children with ADHD fall asleep 30 minutes faster, but the best sleep treatments average approximately 20 minutes, a new survey study found.
Brain wave study reveals shifting auditory responses in children with ADHD
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder process unexpected sounds differently than their peers, and these brain responses appear to change as they grow older. A recent study measuring brain waves in two distinct age groups found that children with elevated ADHD symptoms exhibit heightened sensitivity to unexpected tones in early childhood, but diminished sensitivity by middle childhood. These findings were published in the journal Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience.
Prenatal iron deficiency leaves lasting changes in the developing brain
During the first weeks of pregnancy, developing cells are already laying the foundation for the brain. Iron plays a major role in the organization and shaping of cells during this stage of gestation. Epidemiological studies suggest that mothers with low iron levels during the first trimester of pregnancy have a higher risk of giving birth to a child who develops cognitive impairments like autism, ADHD and learning disabilities.