ADHD in the News 2025-07-17
Study finds no link between aluminum in vaccines and autism, asthma
Aluminum in childhood vaccines is a target of vaccine skeptics, who blame the ingredient on myriad health concerns. But a study of more than 1 million people, published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found no link between aluminum in vaccines and an increased risk of 50 chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies and autism.
Can’t sleep, can’t focus, can’t thrive? ADHD and insomnia may be a vicious cycle
Summary: Struggling to sleep might be the hidden reason why adults with ADHD traits often feel less satisfied with life. New research reveals a strong link between insomnia and reduced well-being in people with ADHD symptoms, suggesting a vicious cycle where poor sleep worsens attention and emotional issues, and vice versa.
Methylphenidate: ADHD drug curbs impulsivity in men only, linked to brain wiring differences
A recent study of young adults in Israel found that a 20 mg dose of methylphenidate reduces choice impulsivity in men, but not in women, immediately after taking the drug. In men, the drug’s effects appeared to be related to the structural integrity of neural fibers in the forceps major region of the corpus callosum. The study was published in NeuroImage.
Monitoring Weight Loss in Pediatric Patients Taking Extended-Release Stimulants for ADHD: In Conversation With Stephen Mateka, DO
Key Takeaways: The FDA updated labels for extended-release ADHD stimulants, highlighting weight loss risks in children under six due to higher plasma exposure and adverse effects. Clinicians should update informed consent discussions and adjust dosages for young patients, considering the new risk-benefit ratio. Weight monitoring should follow second-generation antipsychotic guidelines, with regular checks and parental input. Alternatives to extended-release stimulants include increased dosing frequency of immediate-release formulations and FDA-approved medications like atomoxetine and guanfacine extended-release.
Significant Sensory Processing Differences Found in ADHD Patients
Key point: Individuals with ADHD demonstrated atypical levels of atypical SPP in sensory sensitivity, sensory seeking, low registration, and sensory avoiding.
Treatment Adherence Challenges in ADHD
Panelists discuss how treatment adherence in ADHD patients is often impacted by forgetfulness and misconceptions, and how using tools like pill organizers can significantly improve consistency and outcomes.
Autistic Adults Nearly 1.5 Times More Likely to Need Return Visits to Hospital for Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions are common among autistic adults, with 50% of autistic adults having a co-occurring condition, like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or depression. Researchers from Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute examined hospitalizations for mental health conditions in autistic adults to understand what features are associated with an increased risk for readmission to the hospital within a month of the initial discharge.
People with ADHD exhibit altered brain activity before making high-stakes choices
New research sheds light on how the brains of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder function differently when anticipating risky decisions. Individuals with ADHD showed reduced activation in key brain areas involved in self-awareness and decision-making. Among those with ADHD, women showed more activity in several of these regions than men, pointing to possible sex-related differences in how the brain processes decisions that involve uncertainty. The research was published in Brain and Behavior.
MRI study reveals structural brain changes in children with restrictive eating disorders
In the last decade, the incidence of restrictive eating disorders in children, like anorexia-nervosa and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorders (ARFID), has doubled. These disorders have severe consequences for growing children, resulting in nutritional deficiencies and problems with bone development, statural growth and puberty. Most studies have focused on the effects of these disorders in older individuals, and little is currently known about how restrictive eating disorders affect the brain in children or what mechanisms in the brain might be responsible for this restrictive eating behavior.
Ultra-processed foods threaten brain health in kids and teens, review warns
A major review finds that diets high in ultra-processed foods may rewire the developing brain, amplifying risks for ADHD, depression, and even dementia, spotlighting the urgent need to rethink what children and expectant mothers eat.
Short videos, long questions: Is there any link with children’s attention?
[Excerpt] Attention is one of the key components of school readiness. We focused our research on school-age children (6 to 12 years old), a critical period when attention problems such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often become apparent. Yet it is also a time when the brain remains relatively plastic, allowing for intervention if aggravating factors are identified. We surveyed guardians to assess their children's use of short-form video media, total screen time, and observable inattentive symptoms such as forgetfulness, distractibility, difficulty sustaining attention and making careless mistakes.
The Importance of Managing Screen Exposure with Matthew Roe, OD
Overexposure to mobile phones and similar devices can impact ocular and mental health; Roe suggests methods of managing screen time.
Raising awareness around ADHD through music
With many talents, she is a powerhouse vocalist, actress, poet, and a powerhouse in the UC Berkeley Gospel Choir. She is also the creator of a musical that shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD. For more, KRON4 News Anchor Stephanie Lin spoke with Candace Johnson, the creator of "Scat-ter Brain: The Music of ADHD."