ADHD in the News 2023-11-02

William Pelham Jr., a groundbreaking researcher in children’s ADHD, dies at 75 in Miami

William Ellerbe Pelham Jr., founding director of Florida International University’s Center for Children and Families, broke ground in the field of child and adolescent psychology for nearly five decades.



Youngest children in class with ADHD as likely to keep diagnosis in adulthood as older pupils, find scientists

Summary: Youngest children in their class with ADHD are just as likely to keep the diagnosis when enter adulthood as older pupils in their year group. In the past, scientists have questioned the validity of ADHD in younger pupils, arguing they are only diagnosed because they are less mature than their peers. But this study shows that these children are no more likely to lose ADHD diagnosis over time than those born towards the start of the school year.



New genes linked to ADHD identified, potentially paving the way for new treatments

Several new genes associated with conditions such as Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been identified, unearthing a significant connection between these disorders and our immune system that could lead to new treatments. The research from the University of Surrey, now published in Translational Psychiatry, also confirms the role of gene ADGRL3 in conditions such as ADHD, giving scientists a greater understanding of its workings.



Motor, Behavioral, and Emotional ADHD Symptoms: Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine?

Both methylphenidate and atomoxetine improve motor coordination in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to new data presented at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) 2023 Annual Meeting, held from October 23 to 28, 2023 in New York, New York. However, the efficacy of these two medications varies across behavioral and emotional ADHD symptoms.



Viloxazine ER Maintains Safety, Efficacy for Long-Term Pediatric ADHD Treatment

Extended-release (ER) viloxazine demonstrates continued safety and efficacy with long-term use for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, according to results presented at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) 2023 Annual Meeting, held from October 23 to 28, 2023 in New York, New York.



Children with ADHD frequently use health care service before diagnosis, study finds

Children and young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) use health care services twice as often in the two years before their diagnosis, a study by researchers at the University of Nottingham and King's College London has found.



Prenatal complications and familial factors linked to ADHD symptoms in children

A recent study has found that the link between low fetal growth rate and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children can partially be explained by factors occurring before birth such as pregnancy complications, in addition to familial characteristics such as household income. The findings were published in Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology.



Centanafadine Shows Promise in Phase 3 Trials for Adolescent ADHD

On October 30, 2023, Otsuka Pharmaceutical announced positive results from 2 pivotal phase 3 trials of centanafadine, a norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin reuptake inhibitor, for adolescents and children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).[1]



New research looks at life satisfaction in pandemic-era teens with mental health histories

New research from the NIH's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program suggests that during the COVID-19 pandemic, some teens with a history of depression, anxiety, autism and ADHD experienced more severe impacts than those without.



Unlicensed Stimulant Doses in Adult ADHD Barely Reduce Symptoms Compared to Licensed Doses

Licensed dosing of stimulants is associated with more reduced symptoms in adults with ADHD than unlicensed dosing, according to a new systematic review meta-analysis led by Luis C. Farhat, MD, of University Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.[1]



Individuals with ADHD who are evening types are more likely to have depressive symptoms

A new study of undergraduate students found that individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder were more likely to be evening types compared to individuals without this disorder. Furthermore, individuals with ADHD were more prone to exhibit depressive symptoms. This trend was especially pronounced among evening-type participants. The study was published in the Journal of Sleep Research.



Surfing the web too much? Study links problematic internet use to heightened ADHD symptoms

In a recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, researchers describe the relationship between problematic internet use (PIU) and the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).



Weighted blankets improve sleep in children with ADHD, study shows

A recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research has found that the use of weighted blankets can significantly improve the sleep quality of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These blankets — which are heavier than typical bed covers — have been shown to boost the duration and quality of sleep in the young participants. This research sheds new light on a simple and non-invasive method for improving sleep in children with ADHD.



How the prolonged ADHD medication shortage is straining patients and their families

Since the pandemic eased, millions of Americans have had to deal with several drug shortages. For those with ADHD, it's been an especially difficult year as they and their families have struggled to get through ordinary daily routines. Stephanie Sy has the story.