ADHD in the News 2023-03-30

Prescriptions for ADHD treatments surged during the Covid-19 pandemic, CDC report shows

(CNN) — Prescriptions for stimulants often used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder surged during the pandemic, especially among adults, a new study found. The finding comes as one common ADHD treatment, Adderall, has been in shortage for months, in part because of high demand.



Shortage of drugs impacting patients undergoing treatment for ADD & ADHD

Adderall, one of the primary drugs used to help in the management of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is in short supply, causing havoc in the daily lives of those who already struggle with focus and structure. We look at the latest news and treatment related to ADD and ADHD. Guest: Wes Crenshaw, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, author of “ADD and Zombies: Fearless Medication Management for ADD and ADHD”



Truly Random Drug Testing: ADHD Patients Face Uneven Urine Screens and, Sometimes, Stigma

Some adults who take prescription medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are required to have their urine tested for drugs several times a year. Others never are tested. Such screenings are designed to check if ADHD patients are safely taking their pills, such as Adderall, and not selling them, taking too many, or using other drugs.



Attention Maintenance Improved With Direct Current Stimulation in Kids With ADHD

KEY POINT: There is no significant improvement in overall symptoms of ADHD among children and adolescents treated with HD-tDCS, although there may be improvements in cognitive measures of attention maintenance.



ADHD symptoms linked to early childhood exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances

A study published in Science of the Total Environment Journal explores the association of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.



ADHD in children has been linked to social isolation

Children with ADHD are at increased risk of becoming socially isolated as they grow up, according to a new study. Researchers said that the findings highlight the importance of peer support for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The new research, led by experts at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, examined data on 2,232 British children taking part in a long-term twin study.



Online cognitive training not effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, finds major review

A major review of research led by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London and the University of Southampton, on behalf of the European ADHD Guidelines Group (EAGG), found little to no evidence that computerized cognitive training brings benefits for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).



Adults With ADHD Present Symptoms Differently Than Children, Requiring Unique Assessment

Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not as common in adults, it can still be present and bothersome, however, adults with ADHD may have learned to hide it a bit better than children.



COVID in Pregnancy Might Raise Odds for Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Sons: Study

MONDAY, March 27, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Boys born to women who had COVID-19 during pregnancy may be at risk for developmental delays, a new study suggests. Delays in speech and motor function were the most commonly diagnosed conditions in these children at 12 months. They were seen in boys but not in girls, the study authors said.



Sleep Apnea in Childhood Could Affect Developing Brain

MONDAY, March 27, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Teenagers with the nighttime breathing disorder sleep apnea may have brains that look a little different from their peers', a new study suggests. Researchers found that among nearly 100 teens who underwent brain scans, those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) tended to have thinner tissue at the brain's surface, and some signs of inflammation in a brain area key to memory and learning.



Can poor diet and lifestyle behaviors modify genomic susceptibility to impulsivity?

In a recent study published in the Nutrients Journal, researchers evaluated the effects of poor diet quality and lifestyle behaviors (including smoking, sleep, drinking, and physical activity) on modifying the genomic susceptibility to impulsivity.



What Can You Do If Your ADHD Medications Aren’t Working Anymore?

Key Takeaways: Recently, more people are claiming that their ADHD medications have stopped working. The ongoing Adderall shortage has likely disrupted some patients’ regular prescriptions. Experts say your healthcare provider might be able to switch your medications, and it’s important to keep track of how you’re responding to a new drug.



The Value Of A Formal ADHD Diagnosis (& Why TikTok Can’t Give You What You Need)

The disparity between diagnoses of ADHD for men and women (and boys and girls) is a big topic in women's health. I recently had a conversation with a woman who experienced this first-hand. "I discovered I had ADHD about 10 years ago when my daughter was diagnosed," said the woman, whom I will call Denise.