ADHD in the News 2024-01-04
Navigating an ADHD Diagnosis in Your 50s or 60s
Most adults don't walk into a doctor's office thinking they have ADHD, but there are options for treatment
Young Adults, Adolescents Discontinue ADHD Medication More Than Children
Young adults and adolescents are the age groups most likely to discontinue ADHD medication within 5 years, according to a new study.1 Discontinuation of ADHD medication is common. Patients may discontinue their ADHD medication due to unpleasant adverse events like decreased appetite, headaches, sleepiness, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, or mood changes.2 About 80% of people who take stimulant ADHD medication experience decreased appetite.3
DEA Releases 2024 Aggregate Production Quotas for Controlled Substances
The Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) final order for the 2024 aggregate production quotas (APQ) for controlled substances has been published in the Federal Register. Following the November 2023 notice regarding the proposed APQs, all interested persons were invited to submit comments and concerns regarding the production of schedule I and II substances and list I chemicals.
Social jetlag is associated with worse cognitive performance in children with ADHD
A study examining children with ADHD found that a greater discrepancy in sleep time between school nights and weekend nights, known as social jetlag, correlates with poorer cognitive functioning. Time spent in bed and sleep disturbances, however, did not show a relationship with cognitive performance. The study was published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.
CF care may be more poorer for children with mental health issues
Mental health issues — namely, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) — in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) may be associated with a poorer adherence to treatments, more hospitalizations, and higher use of antibiotics, according to a recent report. “These initial findings suggest that mental health screening efforts in pediatric CF clinics may need to include ADHD and ODD symptoms,” its scientists wrote.
New ultrasound technology shows promise for preventing brain damage in premature and sick infants
Ultrasound technology developed at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) makes it possible to monitor cerebral blood flow in newborn babies, helping prevent brain damage in premature and sick infants who require surgery.
Patients With Narcolepsy Face a Dual Nightmare of Medication Shortages and Stigma
[Excerpt] Media coverage of the shortage — and even the House Democrats’ letter — has focused primarily on the harms to people with ADHD. But for those with sleep disorders, like Shand, the effects may be even more consequential. Basic tasks — like driving — become dangerous or impossible without medication. Job and school performances are threatened by the onset of sudden sleep and sometimes even paralysis. Hobbies and social lives can fall by the wayside, too. “Adderall gave me my life back,” said Shand. “Going from having a medication to not, it’s like a roller coaster you desperately want to get off.”
Maryland Court Adopts 2-Part Test to Determine Future Attorney’s Accommodation for State Bar Exam
"For too long, aspiring lawyers with disabilities could not get needed accommodations unless they could afford expensive testing to further document their disabilities," Jessica P. Weber, a partner at Brown Goldstein & Levy, told Law.com.
Hidden panels, counterfeit bottles, fentanyl: A year of buying drugs in Mexican pharmacies
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — The tag on her white lab coat read “professional pharmacist,” and the framed health and safety certificates lining the walls behind her gave the drugstore an air of legitimacy. That pretense faded seconds later, when she was asked for controlled medications — and got on her hands and knees to pop open a hidden panel under the counter. She rooted around for a minute and emerged with two sealed bottles. “These are from licensed laboratories,” she said. “The problem is when you’re buying from a laboratory that’s not certified.” One of those bottles — sold as Adderall — tested positive for methamphetamine.
New $5 million NIH grant to study how pregnancy affects children with disabilities
How does a pregnant person’s environment, diet, stress, medications and social wellbeing affect their pregnancy and — down the road — their child’s health? That will be the focus of a new two-year study from scientists at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, which will examine how environmental factors affect children, including those with a variety of disabilities.
Parenting with ADHD: 7 practical tips for success
Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often goes undiagnosed in adults — including parents — but it has a significant impact on family life. A parent with ADHD may struggle with time management and staying focused. They may appear to be in control, but their daily life can be chaotic with missed appointments, trouble remembering and enforcing rules at home and a struggle to meet responsibilities.
The Connection Between Alexithymia and Severe ADHD
KEY POINTS: Alexithymia is characterized by a difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. An adolescent with both conditions might find it difficult to understand and express their frustrations.
Is It Ok to Self-Diagnose a Mental Illness?
Sometimes, the answer is yes. Sometimes, it’s your only option. But it depends on the condition, the mix of symptoms, and where you’re getting your info. Here’s when self-diagnosis helps—and hurts—your mental health.