ADHD in the News 2025-04-24
Youth anxiety and depression rates rose steadily from 2016 to 2022, survey finds
[Excerpt] The study found that the proportion of children with anxiety jumped from 7.1% in 2016 to 10.6% in 2022 (the most recent year of publicly available data). Depression increased from 3.2% to 4.6% in the same period. ADD/ADHD increased but did not reach statistical significance, while behavioral or conduct problems remained at about the same percentage.
Millions of American kids have an ADHD diagnosis. Are they being treated effectively?
ADHD has been considered a medical disorder, treatable with drugs like Ritalin, but New York Times Magazine writer Paul Tough says recent studies question that assumption and treatment options.
FDA announces measures to out petroleum-based food dyes
This week, the FDA and the US Department of Health and Human Services announced several new measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the United States' food supply.1
The workers who feel left behind by return-to-office policies
Some people with ADHD, autism and other neurodiverse conditions say returning to the office full time limits their chances of success.
AI identifies ADHD with high accuracy through retinal imaging: study
A research team from Yonsei University has developed an AI model that screens for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using retinal fundus photographs -- images of the back of the eye -- reporting a top diagnostic accuracy of 96.9 percent in internal testing.
Both Lifestyle and Mortality Poor in ADHD Patients Post MI
TOPLINE: Adults with myocardial infarction (MI) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more likely to smoke, use snus, and have histories of bleeding and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) than those without ADHD. Although ADHD was associated with a higher rate of all-cause mortality, these patients were less likely to participate in follow-up evaluations or quit smoking after discharge.
Trial explores drug-free approach to treat ADHD symptoms in children exposed to alcohol before birth
Researchers at UCLA Health are launching the first clinical trial to test whether a wearable device that delivers gentle nerve stimulation during sleep could ease ADHD symptoms in children with prenatal alcohol exposure.
Instrumental music training linked to better cognitive performance in adults with ADHD, study finds
Young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who play an instrument may outperform their non-musical peers on a range of cognitive tasks, according to new research published in Psychological Research.
Exploring Increased Psychosis Risk Associated ADHD Medication Use
Researchers have conducted a number of studies examining the association between ADHD medication use and increased psychosis risk.
What happens in the brain when your mind blanks
Mind blanking is a common experience with a wide variety of definitions ranging from feeling "drowsy" to "a complete absence of conscious awareness." In an opinion article published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, a team of neuroscientists and philosophers compiles what we know about mind blanking, including insights from their own work observing people's brain activity.
Talking to parents about seed oils
Seed oils are having a moment—and not in a good way. From TikTok to wellness blogs, parents are increasingly worried that seed oils are “toxic,” “inflammatory,” or behind everything from ADHD to obesity. As a pediatrician, you may have already fielded questions like: “Should my family avoid seed oils?” or “Is canola oil safe?” While these concerns are often rooted in misinformation, they offer an opportunity to guide families back to the evidence—and to focus on what truly matters in a child’s diet.
Does Your Child Think They Have ADHD, Autism, or Anxiety?
Key points: Teenagers are increasingly asking to be evaluated for ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety, and depression. In contrast to the past, it is almost cool today for teens to have a psychiatric diagnosis. Parents and clinicians should listen and engage in conversation with teens' concerns about psychiatric issues.