The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a long-acting medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from Shire called Mydayis (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product). The once-daily treatment comprises three different types of drug-releasing beads and is formulated to last up to 16 hours. It is approved for adults and children aged 13 years and older with ADHD. Mydayis is is not for use in children aged 12 years and younger."

Neos Therapeutics Inc. recently announced the FDA approved Cotempla XR-ODT, an extended-release orally disintegrating tablet, for the treatment of ADHD in children aged 6 to 17 years. “Cotempla XR-ODT offers a new methylphenidate option in ADHD management because it dissolves in the mouth with no need for chewing or drinking water. It has a clinical profile consistent with commonly prescribed methylphenidate ADHD treatments, which are generally available as capsules that must be swallowed whole,” Ann Childress, MD, president of the Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Las Vegas, said in a press release.

When both kids and a parent struggle with ADHD even everyday logistics can feel draining...One novel solution is switching to a more collaborative model. Instead of locking horns, join forces. We each find this difficult, how can we work together?...Here are some ways to re-frame ADHD more collaboratively.

Most readers of this article are familiar with the term ADHD...What is less familiar is the term, “intention deficit disorder,” a different way to look at the problems associated with attention deficit disorder. What is intention deficit disorder and how can it be helped?

Given the ongoing changes and controversies surrounding ADHD diagnosis and treatment, let me highlight 5 key articles written by Duke University’s Dr. David Rabiner to summarize recent scientific findings and their implications, plus a very relevant online course to help parents and professionals help children with ADHD.

To determine associations between autism and convictions for violent crimes, researchers analyzed data from the Stockholm Youth Cohort for 295,734 individuals who were followed up from age 15 to 27 years. Of these, 5,739 individuals had autism. Autism was associated with a higher risk for violent offending...However, this association was significantly attenuated when accounting for co-occurring ADHD or conduct disorder.

Does growing up in impoverished circumstances increase a child’s chance of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or does it intensify existing symptoms? Marian F. Earls, director of pediatric programs at Community Care of North Carolina who also serves on the guidelines committee for people with ADHD at the American Academy of Pediatrics, says that it’s a “bit of a chicken-and-egg situation” in that there may be some overlap. Ultimately, she believes that “poverty exacerbates rather than causes” ADHD.