ADHD in the News 2023-07-13

When it comes to adult ADHD, the US medical system is falling behind

As more people seek diagnosis and treatment, the system is unable to serve them, and social media is filling in those gaps



Shortage of drugs to treat ADHD continues as studies indicate increase in prescriptions

Federal drug agencies and pharmaceutical companies continue to report a shortage in common medications used to treat symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), even as recent studies show an increase in patients who need those medications.



What’s behind the ADHD drug shortage

Many Americans with ADHD are scrambling for their prescription medication due to a months-long shortage. What's behind the demand? And, what's behind the fact that the rate of adult ADHD diagnosis is growing four times faster than diagnoses among kids?



Stimulant therapy for ADHD in teens doesn’t increase risk of cocaine or methamphetamine use later

Many parents whose kids take prescription stimulants like Ritalin to treat ADHD worry that it could lead to illicit drug use later. A University of Michigan study appearing in JAMA Network Open found that that’s not the case. Researchers report that high school seniors who used stimulant therapy are no more likely to use cocaine or methamphetamine as young adults (ages 19-24) than peers who did not use stimulant therapy to treat ADHD as teenagers.



Cingulate prepares for FDA approval for its once-daily ADHD pill

To that end, the company presented positive top-line Phase III results for its once-daily stimulant for ADHD.



Individuals with ADHD have an increased risk of instability in various domains of life

An analysis of data from the Swedish Total Population Register revealed that individuals diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were more likely to move their place of residence, change jobs and have unstable romantic relationships.



Study looks for possible link between ADHD and Alzheimer’s disease

More than 6.5 million people live with Alzheimer’s in the United States. More than 6 million children have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. One is usually diagnosed later in life, while the other is earlier. But could the two actually be linked?



Genetic factors impacting birth weight and neurodivergence

In a recent study, monozygotic twins with an increased birth rate had fewer autism traits and intellectual disability ratings.



Consuming THC during pregnancy could put unborn babies at higher risk of autism or ADHD

BOSTON - Consuming THC during pregnancy could put unborn babies at higher risk of autism. Researchers in Oregon studied pregnant rhesus monkeys and found that those who consumed a daily edible containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana or cannabis, were more likely to have changes in gene expressions in their placentas and in their fetuses that have been seen in people with ADHD and autism.



The Risks and Benefits of ADHD Medications While Pregnant

KEY POINTS: Maintaining medication treatment for ADHD during pregnancy is increasingly common. Some women experience significant risks to their health if ADHD medications were discontinued. Adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes do not appear to be elevated in offspring of mothers taking ADHD drugs. Women should discuss risks and benefits of ADHD medications during pregnancy with their healthcare providers.



6 Myths About ADHD Medication We Need To Stop Believing

Parents worry about giving their kids medication to treat ADHD, but not all of their fears are based on facts.



Students Turn to TikTok for Study Buddies

When VaNessa Thompson wants to truly focus on doing homework for her doctoral classes at Oakland University near Detroit, she gets out her smartphone, props it on her desk, and starts streaming live video of herself on TikTok.