ADHD in the News 2024-03-14
No End in Sight for National ADHD Drug Shortage
Nearly 18 months after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first acknowledged a national shortage of Adderall, the most common drug used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there is now a widespread scarcity of other stimulant medications — with no end in sight. How did this crisis develop and what measures are underway to address it?
ADHD: The Power of Community
Got ADHD? Do you yearn to be understood? Do you need a safe place to go—just to process, connect, and to be with your tribe? In this episode of Attention Talk Radio, ADHD and attention coach Jeff Copper (https://digcoaching.com) interviews René Brooks (https://blackgirllostkeys.com). The two discuss the power of community, the challenge of finding community, and give tips and insights around ways to build a support network that can be transformative. If you're in search of your tribe, this is a show you won't want to miss.
Starting ADHD Medications May Lower Death Risk
For patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), starting medication was associated with a significantly lower risk of death, particularly from "unnatural" causes, according to an observational Swedish study. Among nearly 150,000 Swedish patients with ADHD, medication initiation was associated with a significantly lower rate of all-cause mortality over 2 years (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.88) compared with not starting treatment, according to Zheng Chang, PhD, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, and colleagues.
NIH researchers identify brain connections associated with ADHD in youth
Large study finds atypical interactions between the frontal cortex and information processing centers deep in the brain.
Taking “study drugs” can lead to other drug use and decline in mental health
Taking "study drugs" like Adderall without a diagnosis is not only dangerous in itself, but can lead to other drug use and a decline in mental health, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York.
Sleep Disordered Breathing Likely Exacerbates ADHD Symptoms
A targeted review published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that the relationship between sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was well-supported. In particular, SDB may contribute to the development and worsening of ADHD symptoms.
Do ADHD Meds Lead to Addiction?
It’s an important issue for parents whether the use of stimulant medications like Adderall to treat ADHD in children puts those children at risk for later substance abuse.
Navigating the current shortages of pediatric ADHD medications
[Excerpt] The initial shortage of dextroamphetamine/amphetamine caused a subsequent increased demand for methylphenidate, which led to its own respective shortage in response.3 An additional reason for these shortages could be a lack of available active ingredients to manufacture the medications.4 This article will continue to discuss medications that are currently available as of January 2024 and may be used as treatment options to mitigate shortages and patient-related concerns (Table).6,9,10,14,16,17,19,20
Prenatal cannabis exposure linked to heightened risk of ADHD symptoms
A recent meta-analytic study has explored the connection between maternal cannabis use during pregnancy and the occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in their children. The researchers found that children whose mothers used cannabis during pregnancy were more likely to have symptoms of ADHD compared to children whose mothers were not using cannabis during pregnancy.
Lack of focus doesn’t equal lack of intelligence: It’s proof of an intricate brain, say scientists
Imagine a busy restaurant: dishes clattering, music playing, people talking loudly over one another. It's a wonder that anyone in that kind of environment can focus enough to have a conversation. A new study by researchers at Brown University's Carney Institute for Brain Science provides some of the most detailed insights yet into the brain mechanisms that help people pay attention amid such distraction, as well as what's happening when they can't focus.
Positive, Intentional Supports for Students With ADHD
An educator with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder shares simple strategies for supporting students with this learning difference.
Ritalin Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Ritalin can interact with alcohol, other medications, and some supplements. For example, it can interact with certain antidepressants, including sertraline (Zoloft).
California lawmaker introduces bill to remove artificial dyes from cereals, baked goods and other foods served in school
The proposed legislation would prohibit school cafeterias from serving foods with Red 40 and six other chemicals associated with potential health and behavioral issues.