ADHD Research News
New ADHD research studies referenced in this week's ADHD in the News:
- Chang, Sarah E., et al. “Attention-Mediated Genetic Influences on Psychotic Symptomatology in Adolescence.” Nature Mental Health (October 28, 2024): 1-14. DOI: 10.1038/s44220-024-00338-7.
- Referenced in “Adolescents' genetic risks tied to psychotic symptoms (News-Medical.net, November 1, 2024)”
- Cutler A. J, et al. “Weight Loss Was More Common Than Weight Gain in Adults Treated with Viloxazine Extended-Release for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Short and Long-Term Phase 3 Clinical Trials.” Abstract presented at Psych Congress 2024, Boston, MA, October 29 - November 2, 2024.
- Referenced in “Viloxazine ER for ADHD Reduces Weight Among Adults With Overweight, Obesity (Psychiatry Advisory, November 1, 2024)”
- Doherty, Mary, et al. “Autistic Psychiatrists’ Experiences of Recognising Themselves and Others as Autistic: A Qualitative Study.” BJPsych Open 10, no. 6 (November 2024): e183. DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.756.
- Referenced in “New study reinforces the benefits of behavioral therapy first for treating kids with ADHD (Medical Xpress, October 31, 2024)”
- Ramos, Marcela C., et al. “Reduced Efficacy of Behavior Therapy Following Initial Multimodal Treatment of ADHD.” Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (August 13, 2024): 1-17. DOI: 10.1080/23794925.2024.2384092.
- Referenced in “Study reinforces the benefits of beginning with behavioral therapy for kids with ADHD (Medical Xpress, November 1, 2024)”
- Ward C. L., et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Once-Daily Extended-Release Centanafadine for the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Pediatric Patients.” Poster #149, presented at Psych Congress 2024, Boston, MA, October 29 - November 2, 2024.
- Referenced in “High-Dose Centanafadine Demonstrates Efficacy, Safety for Pediatric ADHD (Psychiatry Advisory, November 1, 2024)”
- Zeides Taubin, Dana, et al. “Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Women Living With a Partner Diagnosed With ADHD.” Journal of Attention Disorders 28, no. 14 (December 2024): 1734-1745. DOI: 10.1177/10870547241280607.
- Referenced in “‘I Have Adult ADHD. My Wife Suffers From It.’ (Psychology Today, November 4, 2024)”
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Treatment, and Telehealth Use in Adults — National Center for Health Statistics Rapid Surveys System, United States, October–November 2023
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), October 10, 2024, 73(40);890–895
In 2023, an estimated 15.5 million U.S. adults had an ADHD diagnosis, approximately one half of whom received their diagnosis in adulthood. Approximately one third of adults with ADHD take stimulant medication; 71.5% had difficulty filling their prescription because the medication was unavailable. Approximately one half of adults with ADHD have ever used telehealth for ADHD services.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children Ages 5–17 Years: United States, 2020–2022
NCHS Data Brief No. 499, March 2024
Data from the National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview Survey, 2020–2022, finds that 11.3% of children ages 5-17 in the U.S have ever been diagnosed with ADHD. See the breakdown by age group, race, ethnicity, family income, and insurance coverage at General Prevalence of ADHD.
Who Provides Outpatient Clinical Care for Adults With ADHD? Analysis of Healthcare Claims by Types of Providers Among Private Insurance and Medicaid Enrollees, 2021
Journal of Attention Disorders, March 18, 2024
This study from CDC researchers and CHADD PAB co-chair, Craig Surman, MD, finds that family practice physicians, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners/psychiatric nurses were the most common providers for adults using employer-sponsored insurance, although the distribution of provider types varied across states. Lower percentages of adults with Medicaid received ADHD care from physicians. Approximately half of adults receiving outpatient ADHD care received ADHD care by telehealth.
ADHD medication and risk of cardiovascular diseases
Commentary by CHADD PAB member, Russell J. Schachar, MD, on Zhang et al. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medications and Long-Term Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases, JAMA Psychiatry, November 22, 2023.
Trends in Stimulant Prescription Fills Among Commercially Insured Children and Adults—United States, 2016-2021
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 31, 2023
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Summary:
What is already known about this topic?
Prescriptions for stimulants, primarily used to treat attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), were increasing for adults before the COVID-19 pandemic. Policies enacted during the pandemic expanded access to prescription stimulants via telehealth.
What is added by this report?
The percentage of adolescent and adult females and adult males receiving prescription stimulant fills increased during 2016-2021, particularly during 2020-2021.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Growing recognition of ADHD in adults and increases in prescription stimulant fills raise questions about current adult ADHD care. Development of clinical recommendations for diagnosing and managing adult ADHD could help guide safe and appropriate stimulant prescribing. Evaluation of policies enacted during the pandemic could identify benefits and harms of those policies.