When girls with ADHD enter puberty, the changes they experience extend beyond the descriptions offered in health class. The fluctuations and physical changes brought on by hormones in adolescence can make managing symptoms difficult. These, in turn, affect executive functions like focus, motivation, impulsivity, and the ability to regulate emotions. One tool available to manage…

Age may be more than a number; it can also be how fast your body ages compared to your peers. And untreated ADHD, especially in the teen years, can play a role in faster aging and possibility a shorter lifespan. Accelerated aging related to teen physical and mental health Biological aging refers to how old…

Featuring Nekeshia Hammond, PsyD Stigma and cultural challenges affect the diagnosis and treatment of children with ADHD in the African American community. Black parents often struggle to find culturally competent help for their children. Nekeshia Hammond, PsyD, discusses how ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning, how ADHD is perceived within different communities, and why Black Americans…

Featuring Napoleon Higgins, MD Black adults with ADHD face barriers when seeking diagnosis and treatment. There are cultural concerns that need to be addressed for them to receive proper evaluation and effective treatment. Psychiatrist Napoleon Higgins, MD, discusses mental health stigma within the Black community, the cultural values that may affect treatment, and ways to…

February’s arrival denotes the end of the ten darkest weeks of the calendar year. The lengthening days are exactly what many people need right now. Seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression that tends to occur during the darker months of the year, frequently co-occurs with ADHD. Experts estimate it occurs in about thirty percent…

CHADD is spotlighting resources focused on the experiences of African Americans who live with ADHD for Black History Month 2024. This year the theme of Black History Month is “African Americans and the Arts.” The goal is to emphasize the creative abilities and contributions of Black people throughout history in literature, fine arts, fashion, performance,…

The lure of breaking news, adorable dog videos, and life hacks—how to style your hair, increase your pickleball score, and paint your nails like a professional—is hard to avoid. It’s no wonder that many adults, teens, and even children have a hard time avoiding social media and may spend hours a day on their smartphones,…

  Featuring Judy Bass, Certified Educational Planner College isn’t for every student graduating from high school. How do you know if it is the right choice for your teen with ADHD? Judy Bass talks about career options for students with ADHD after high school, how to evaluate colleges to find the right fit, college application…

Featuring Jeffrey Katz, PhD Children with ADHD need accommodations that are customized to their specific needs to have the best experience during their school life and the support they need to learn. Jeffrey Katz, PhD, discusses comorbid learning disabilities, the difference between a Section 504 and an Individualized Education Program plan, and the distinct roles…

Ask the Expert: The Essential Elements that Guide Therapeutic Work within Latino Immigrant Families Featuring Luke Smith, MD Luke Smith, MD, offers insights and practical examples on cultivating a safe space for families and individuals to feel heard and understood. By emphasizing the importance of active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, Dr. Smith provides actionable…

Question: In looking for alternatives to medication for ADHD, I came across some information that says caffeine could be useful. The information suggested drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages to decrease ADHD symptoms. Is there any research supporting caffeine as a treatment for ADHD? Daily Coffee Drinker ADHD Health Information Specialist: Using caffeine, either in…

As shortages of certain medications used to treat ADHD continue, advertisements for alternatives to medications have been making waves on social media. Parents and adults desperate to get prescriptions filled may be tempted to try these advertised products, but doing so could put you or your child at risk. When looking for alternative or complementary…