ADHD in the News 2024-04-25

Adderall Abuse Risks Becoming Another Opioid Crisis, DEA Says

The fast rise of prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants, along with rampant online treatment and advertising, suggest the start of another drug crisis like the opioid epidemic, a senior Drug Enforcement Administration official said Thursday.



Does eating too much sugar really make kids hyper? We asked researchers.

A lot of parents swear that too much sugar makes their kids bounce off the walls. Science has other ideas.



Childhood Sleep Latency Associated With Depression, ADHD in Adolescence

Children with prolonged sleep latency are at increased risk for symptoms of depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct issues, and oppositional behavior in adolescence, according to findings from a longitudinal study published in Sleep Advances.



Getting a good night’s rest is vital for neurodiverse children – pediatric sleep experts explain why

Most of us are all too familiar with the consequences of a poor night’s sleep – be it interrupted sleep or simply too little of it. If you’re a parent with kids at home, it often leaves you and your children on edge.



Opioids during pregnancy not linked to substantially increased risk of psychiatric disorders in children

Opioid use during pregnancy is not associated with a substantial increase in the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD in children, finds a large study from South Korea published by The BMJ today.



High genetic risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder suggests possible health consequences

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is closely linked to a person's mental and physical health and is often accompanied by a range of health problems in patients. Researchers at the University of Tartu found that this is also true for people who do not have a confirmed diagnosis but are at high genetic risk of developing ADHD. The study was published in the journal Psychological Medicine in early April.



Incorporating objective testing to add value to an ADHD diagnosis

"We know that treating ADHD prior to adolescence is about a 90% reduction in future depression, anxiety, and also future substance use disorders" said Perry Roy, MD, of Carolina Attention Specialists, Charlotte, North Carolina in this video interview with Contemporary Pediatrics, highlighting the important role early diagnosis of ADHD can play.



A Deep Dive Into TikTok’s Sketchy Mental Health Advice

A high school counselor can track what’s trending on TikTok by hearing what undiagnosed mental health or neurological condition her students think they have. An elementary school counselor listens to 3rd graders say they have depression—a word she’s pretty sure they picked up on social media. And more half of teens surveyed by the EdWeek Research Center earlier this year said they have used social media to diagnose their own mental health conditions.



How The American Workforce Got Hooked on Adderall | Odd Lots

Over the last few years, users of the popular ADHD drug Adderall have been frustrated by regular shortages in getting their prescriptions filled. Various regulatory and supply chain factors have contributed to the inability of producers to keep up with demand. But this raises the question: why is there so much demand in the first place? How did a significant chunk of the labor force — from tech workers to Wall Streeters — begin using the drug as an aid for their work and everyday lives?



How to Get the Most from Your ADHD Meds

KEY POINTS: Medication is highly effective for ADHD, but most people stop taking it at some point—often within a year. Beyond medication type and dose, other factors for effectiveness include food, substances, sleep, and timing. Self-monitoring, small changes, and persistence can make a huge difference for medication success.



Neurodiversity inclusion starts with the job interview

Standard interview techniques don’t always showcase a person’s skills and capabilities.



This is how a barbershop can change the world for people with autism, ADHD (Opinion)

Opinion: Faith Johnson is a champion for people with ADHD and autism, and the hub of a circle of young leaders working through a Tempe barbershop.