ADHD in the News 2025-09-18
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults: evidence base, uncertainties and controversies
[Excerpt] However, while research has clarified many aspects, unresolved issues and controversies surrounding adult ADHD continue to emerge. In this paper, we summarize the empirical evidence, as well as the uncertainties and controversies, related to the definition, epidemiology, diagnosis, etiology, neurobiology, and management of ADHD in adults. Importantly, we also present the views of representatives from associations of individuals with lived experience, focusing on their perceptions of key unmet needs and priorities for adults with ADHD.
Dr. Thomas E. Brown (Obituary)
Dr. Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D. (1942-2025) passed away at home on August 18, 2025, at the age of 83. Born in Minneapolis on June 25, 1942, Tom graduated from Knox College in 1964, earned a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School in 1968, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Yale University in 1976. A pioneering voice in understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dr. Brown helped reframe it as a disorder of executive function. He created the widely used Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales and authored seven influential books, including Smart but Stuck and A New Understanding of ADHD, which continue to guide patients, families, and professionals worldwide.
Prenatal Opioid Pain Medications Likely Not Linked to Autism or ADHD Risk
A recent study suggests that confounding may explain the increased risks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD associated with prenatal prescribed opioid analgesic (POA) exposure.1 Many obstetrician-gynecologists prescribe opioid analgesics to help manage their patients’ pregnancy pain. However, research has suggested a potential link between prenatal POA exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders.
No Adverse Neurodevelopmental Effects Seen From Inhaled Anesthesia in Children Under 2
THURSDAY, Sept. 11, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- For children younger than 2 years undergoing surgery, no adverse neurodevelopmental effects are seen with the addition of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil to sevoflurane anesthesia versus sevoflurane alone, according to a study published online Sept. 9 in Anesthesiology.
What educators should know about Make America Healthy Again misinformation (Opinion)
Teaching students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder requires educators to have a deep understanding of the challenges—and strengths—that the learning difference can bring. But now, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again Commission is adding confusion and mixed messaging to educators’ plates. While the secretary’s views on vaccines have been commanding the most attention, a new strategy report released by his department this week affirms that ADHD also remains on his agenda.
Gestational diabetes poses substantial cognitive dysfunction risks for both mothers and offspring
A new synthesis of global evidence finds that experiencing gestational diabetes during pregnancy is linked with a decline in intellectual function among mothers, and may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The ongoing systematic review and meta-analysis of 48 observational studies involving over 9 million pregnancies, is being presented at this year's Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), Vienna (15-19 Sept).
People with ADHD traits tend to take bigger financial risks but see lower returns, study finds
People who show signs of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder tend to take greater financial risks when trading online, but these decisions may come at a cost. A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that individuals with higher levels of inattention and impulsivity tend to exhibit riskier trading behavior and experience lower investment returns.
Evaluating the Efficacy of CBT Plus Psychopharmacology vs Psychopharmacology Alone in the Treatment of Adult ADHD
Key Takeaways: Adult ADHD affects 2.5% globally, often coexisting with anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Pharmacotherapy, especially stimulants, is the primary treatment for adult ADHD, with nonstimulants as alternatives. CBT combined with pharmacotherapy (CBT + M) significantly improves ADHD symptoms at treatment end and 3-month follow-up. The superiority of CBT + M over pharmacotherapy alone diminishes after 3 months, suggesting a need for intensified CBT in long-term treatment.
Psychiatrists describe the “Rumpelstiltskin effect”: The surprising power of simply receiving a diagnosis
Receiving a clinical diagnosis can sometimes feel like a turning point. For many patients, simply being told the name of a condition can bring immediate relief, even before any treatment begins. A new review article published in BJPsych Bulletin explores this phenomenon, proposing that the act of diagnosis itself can be therapeutic. The authors call this the “Rumpelstiltskin effect”—a reference to the power of naming in folklore—and argue that the medical community has largely overlooked this aspect of diagnosis as a distinct and potentially meaningful intervention.
The Neurodiversity Paradigm in Eating Disorder Treatment
Key points: Neurodivergent individuals with eating disorders tend to report worse treatment outcomes than neurotypicals. The pathology paradigm views neurodivergence as disordered, failing to incorporate inclusivity into treatment. Through the neurodiversity paradigm, human beings are honored as they seek out mental health care. If eating disorder providers were aligned with the neurodiversity paradigm, radical shifts could be made.