ADHD in the News 2023-10-05
FDA Takes Steps to Advance the Development of Novel Therapies for Stimulant Use Disorders
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a new draft guidance to assist sponsors in developing treatments for stimulant use disorders. The guidance, Stimulant Use Disorders: Developing Drugs for Treatment, when finalized, will be the first to provide the FDA’s current thinking on the overall development program and clinical trial design to develop drugs and biologics to support treatment of moderate to severe cocaine use disorder, methamphetamine use disorder and prescription stimulant use disorder.
DEA Loosens ADHD Drug Production Controls Amid Shortage
Drug enforcement officials increased the limit on US production of ADHD drugs Ritalin and Concerta, along with their generic versions, amid nationwide shortages of the medications. The Drug Enforcement Administration allows manufacturing of 53.3 million grams this year of the active ingredient in the drugs, methylphenidate, according to a public notice filed Friday. The earlier limit had been 41.8 million grams, according to the notice.
Study: Prevalence of ADHD was steady during the pandemic
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - A new study is looking into how prevalent attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is in the United States. Researchers looked at the last six years, including the COVID-19 pandemic. They found during that time, the prevalence of ADHD in children has not changed.
Spending on Kids’ Mental Health Keeps Rising
Key Takeaways: - Young people are struggling with mental health issues across the United States - Spending on services to help those age 19 and under has surged since the pandemic began - Use of telehealth services by young patients jumped more than 30-fold in the early days of the pandemic
Seniors With ADHD Face Higher Car Crash Risk
Key Takeaways: - Older drivers with ADHD are more likely to slam on the brakes, get distracted and crash, a large study confirms - Drivers with ADHD were followed for almost four years using in-vehicle tracking devices - Risk factors such as heightened anxiety can also affect performance behind the wheel, researchers say
Study: Researchers find link between plastic additive and autism, ADHD
The incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has greatly increased over the last few decades. The reasons are largely unknown, although environmental factors are believed to be important. According to a new study published in the public access journal PLOS ONE by researchers at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, children with ASD and ADHD often have a reduced ability to clear the common plastic additive, bisphenol A (BPA), from their bodies, thereby increasing their exposure to BPA.
Largest-ever genetic study of suicide finds new risk factors
[Excerpt] The research highlights strong genetic links between suicide attempt and factors that influence physical and behavioral health—including impulsivity, smoking, chronic pain, ADHD, pulmonary conditions, and heart disease. These findings suggest that some of the genetic underpinnings of suicide are shared with these conditions.
ADHD Medications, Antidepressant Use Increasing in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes
New research of national registries in Europe suggests use of psychotropic medications, such as hypnotics, ADHD medications, and antidepressants, has increased exponentially in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. An analysis of data from more than 3.7 million Swedish children and adolescents receiving care between 2006 and 2019, results of the study demonstrate rate of psychotropic medication use has more than tripled in children and a 5-fold increase was observed among adolescents during the study period.
ADHD medication shortage continues, causing students to struggle
It's been more than one year since the shortage of ADHD medications began, and it continues. Patients still struggle to fill their prescriptions for Adderall XR and other stimulants like Vyvanse, Concerta, and Focalin. The Food and Drug Administration's list of drugs included in the shortage continues to grow, leaving many without their medications or driving distances to get it. And those going without, are often children.
Raising awareness and reducing stigma about ADHD
Peyton Cain, 14, of Glen Burnie, Md., was in second grade, when her teacher noticed she was having trouble staying focused in class. “She mentioned it was really hard for Peyton to stay on task,” said Teri Cain, Peyton’s mother.
‘Your Brain Is Not Broken’
Viral Jesus Episode 82 | University chaplain José Bourget’s adult ADHD diagnosis helped him see himself—and his God—in a different light.
How ADHD Can Be An Asset In The Workplace, According To Brooke Schnittman
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. 8.8% of children ages 4-17 had ADHD in 2018. Having ADHD can be a challenge, but there are some benefits to having ADHD. From enhanced creativity to having more energy, people with ADHD can and do contribute positively to the workplace. However, stigma surrounding neurodivergence can affect the way professionals with ADHD are treated at work.
Doctors in England told not to start new patients on ADHD drugs due to shortage
Doctors in England have been told not to prescribe ADHD drugs to new patients because of a national shortage, as charities warn that the supply problems are devastating for people living with the condition. A national patient safety alert from the Department of Health and Social Care said the shortages were down to a combination of manufacturing issues and increased global demand, and could last until the end of the year.
‘Not a Procrastinator’: Adults With ADHD on How Diagnosis Changed Their Lives
FIT spoke to three adults who have been recently diagnosed with ADHD.