ADHD in the News 2020-01-30

New clinical practice guideline for complex ADHD in children and adolescents

New clinical guidelines call strongly for providing psychosocial supports for children and adolescents with complex attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Developed by the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP), the guideline provides a framework for diagnosing and treating complex ADHD in these age groups. Its recommendations complement existing ADHD guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The new guideline is published in a supplemental issue of SDBP's Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.



As prescriptions for stimulants to treat ADHD increased, so did pharma payments to doctors, study finds

In a five-year period, 1 in 18 physicians appears to have received payments for stimulants, most typically high-frequency, low-dollar payments in the form of food or beverage, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.



Ontario continues to improve access to treatment for children and adolescents living with ADHD who are prescribed INTUNIV XR®*

Ontario publicly reimburses INTUNIV XR® (guanfacine hydrochloride extended-release tablets) for both adjunctive and monotherapy treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD  



Depression, Anxiety, and Irritability Mediate Suicidality in Children with ADHD

Symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and suicidality in children appear to be mediated by depression, irritability, and anxiety, according to study results published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Two-thirds of children with ADHD have one or more comorbid psychiatric symptoms, and depression in particular can be a major risk factor for suicidality in youth.



Parental education level affects children’s mental health

"It is probably not the level of education that affects the children, but rather the social and economic conditions that result," states Fartein Ask Torvik, researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and main author of the study.



Is Sleep Deprivation Worse When You Have ADHD? Yes and No

There’s a new study out in which researchers compared the cognitive performance of ADHDers and non-ADHDers on a test of attention. The study participants were asked to complete the test both before and after 25-hour period of staying awake.



ADHD in the Workplace

Approximately 4 percent of adults in the United States have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet less than 20 percent of those have been diagnosed or treated. What does this mean for employers and HR professionals? Belynda L. Gauthier is a longtime HR professional and board president of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), the national nonprofit organization for children and adults with ADHD.



How to be a People Person When You Have ADHD

Though not often thought of as an ADHD-related challenge, many ADHDers struggle socially. Difficulty maintaining focus can make participating in a conversation feel impossible while impulsivity may cause you to make cringe-worthy comments...here are 5 tips on how to become a people person and navigate any social situation more easily…



7 Things to Consider When Co-parenting For a Special Needs Child

While a high-conflict divorce frequently negatively impacts the children, it can add an especially complex layer when there is a child with unique needs. In fact, it can often contribute to the couple’s separation in the first place, especially if there is disagreement on treatment and parenting approach. Here are seven things to consider in creating a parenting plan for your child with special needs:



Integrative Management of ADHD

Whatever your situation, the treatment of ADHD should be individualized to your (or your child’s) particular symptoms and preferences. Different ADHD symptoms may respond quite differently to the same treatment, whether it is a prescription medication or a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy.



One day, doctors could prescribe video games for ADHD. Should insurers pay for them?

Health insurance doesn’t just pay for drugs; it also can cover medical equipment such as canes and hospital beds when prescribed by a doctor. Could video games, healthy meals and gym memberships be part of your coverage in the future?



The Overwhelming Aggravation of Shopping With ADHD

The last time Zoe Kessler tried shopping online, it didn’t go well. “I bought a dress—on impulse, of course,” the author of the book ADHD According to Zoe says. “And the second it got here, the pocket ripped.” Disappointed but glad to save some money, she made plans to return it. But due to a combination of distraction, disorganization, and procrastination, the dress ended up in a Goodwill box instead.