ADHD in the News 2022-07-28

Coexisting Conditions Decrease Likelihood of Response to ADHD Medications

The amount of co-existing conditions for pediatric patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might help explain why some patients do not respond to certain treatments. A team, led by Alexis Deavenport-Saman, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, determined whether conditions coexisting with ADHD in preschool-age children are linked to the choice of stimulants or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (A2As) or the likelihood of improvement in ADHD symptoms.



Researchers use MRI to show brain changes, differences in children with ADHD

Multitasking is not just an office skill. It's key to functioning as a human, and it involves something called cognitive flexibility -- the ability to smoothly switch between mental processes. UNC scientists conducted a study to image the neural activity analogues to cognitive flexibility and discover differences in the brain activity of children with ADHD and those without.



ADHD Startup’s Business Surged, Followed by Complaints and Concerns: At telehealth startup Done, fast growth came at the expense of patient care, say employees and customers

Mental-health startup Done grew quickly by offering online prescriptions for ADHD, touting “worry free” refills and “next day” appointments. But in recent months, an influx of patients and a focus on growth has overwhelmed the company’s clinicians and exacerbated their concerns about Done’s ability to properly look after patients.



Low birth weight linked to attention problems among children

A new study published in Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology suggests that lower birth weight is linked to attention-deficit and aggression issues.



Transgender children are more likely to face mental health challenges, study says

Transgender children are at least three times as likely as their cisgender peers to experience depression, anxiety and neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, new research has found.



ADHD in children: Who gets overlooked and how the pandemic has made learning harder

ADHD is not a new issue in education journalism. But this roundup of research sheds new light on how the pandemic has impacted kids with ADHD and why some student groups are being over- and underdiagnosed.



4 Things Not to Say to Someone With ADHD (Plus, What to Say Instead)

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have symptoms that many of us find relatable — such as difficulty sitting still or being easily distracted. At one point or another, you may have even said something like “I’m so ADHD!” to describe your own experiences. As a result, it’s easy to forget that ADHD is a clinical diagnosis that needs professional treatment.



How well do amphetamine extended-release tablets work in adults with ADHD?

Key Takeaways: Amphetamine extended-release tablets are effective and safe in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).



Genetic Liability for ADHD, Schizophrenia, Increase Risk for Pregnancy-Related Factors

Genetic liability for neurodevelopmental conditions increased the risk for many pregnancy-related factors, according to study results published in JAMA Psychiatry. Investigators from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health sourced data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) which was a population-based pregnancy cohort study conducted between 1999 and 2008. Mothers (n=14,539) and fathers (n=14,897) gave blood samples to evaluate polygenetic scores (PGS) for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and schizophrenia. Genetic liabilities for neurodevelopmental conditions were related with pregnancy-related measures.



ADHD and Seeking Therapy? Five tips for how to find the best therapist for you.

KEY POINTS: A seasoned therapist takes in the whole person: what’s happening psychologically, relationally, and environmentally. Find someone who understands ADHD and executive functioning challenges and works collaboratively to solve daily issues effectively. Effective therapy will use a variety of evidence-based modalities to create appropriate interventions to address mental health issues.



Can ADHD Get Worse During Menopause?

ADHD is often thought of as a children’s condition, but research indicates that around 4.4 percent of American adults have ADHD. Adults with ADHD may see their symptoms fluctuate over time. Some people find that their symptoms get worse during the menopausal transition.