ADHD in the News 2025-12-04
ADHD diagnoses are growing. What’s going on?
More children and adults are being diagnosed with ADHD in some countries. Science is helping to understand why — and how best to provide support.
Higher Screen Time Tied to ADHD Symptoms, Altered Brain Structure in Children
Higher digital screen time in preadolescent children is associated with worsening attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and measurable alterations in brain structure, according to findings from a new study published in Translational Psychiatry. “This study is the first to examine the relationship between screen time, ADHD symptoms, and brain structure from a developmental perspective using such a large-scale database,” said lead author Qiulu Shou, an assistant professor at the University of Fukui in Japan, in a news release.
Everyone Uses This Coping Strategy. When Does It Become a Problem?
“Masking” is part of life, especially for those with autism or A.D.H.D. But hiding your true self comes with a cost.
America’s Children Are Unwell. Are Schools Part of the Problem?
From A.D.H.D. to anxiety, disorders have risen as the expectations of childhood have changed.
Accommodation Nation
America’s colleges have an extra-time-on-tests problem.
Exercise Added to Standard Care Promising for Adult ADHD
TOPLINE: Adding a 12-week structured physical exercise program to standard care was associated with alleviated symptoms and improved quality of life in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with standard care alone, a new study showed.
Largest analysis confirms medication and CBT as top ADHD treatment options
The most comprehensive review to date of ADHD treatments has found that medication for children and adults, and cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, remain the most effective approaches, backed by the strongest short-term trial evidence.
What autistic people – and those with ADHD and dyslexia – really think about the word ‘neurodiversity’
The term “neurodiversity” is still relatively new. Even now, there’s no firm agreement among experts about what it should include. Does it refer only to neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia? Or should it stretch further, to include mental health conditions too?
Rare mutations in three genes may disrupt neuron communication to cause ADHD
Researchers have identified specific genes containing rare mutations that significantly increase the likelihood of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These findings, published in the journal Nature, suggest that distinct biological mechanisms involving nerve cell communication play a major role in the condition. The study links these genetic alterations to broader life outcomes, including educational attainment and socioeconomic status.
11 genetic loci that shape impulsive decision-making
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry identifies distinct genetic loci associated with delay discounting (DD). It examines how these variants influence physical, behavioral, and neuroimaging traits related to both physical and psychiatric health outcomes.
Brain folding patterns may predict ADHD treatment success in adults
An experimental study of individuals with ADHD revealed that those with increased gyrification in frontal cortical regions of the brain generally responded better to treatment. The treatment was either group psychotherapy or methylphenidate in combination with clinical management of symptoms. However, neither group psychotherapy nor methylphenidate was more effective overall than the control conditions. The paper was published in Translational Psychiatry.
Tolerance to Stimulant Medications in the Treatment of Children With ADHD
Key Takeaways: Long-term tolerance to stimulant medication in ADHD treatment may undermine its effectiveness, as seen in the MTA study. Acute tolerance was addressed with controlled-release formulations, but these did not prevent long-term tolerance. Current strategies to manage tolerance include dose increases and medication breaks, but alternative approaches are needed. Theoretical models suggest dopamine system adaptations contribute to tolerance, necessitating new strategies to maintain treatment efficacy.
Interrelation of Hormones and Adult ADHD
Key Takeaways: Hormonal fluctuations, especially estrogen, significantly affect ADHD symptoms and mood in women, interacting with dopamine levels in the brain. Clinicians should screen for ADHD in women with psychiatric vulnerabilities, considering hormonal influences on mood and cognition. Stimulant medication may help counteract low estrogen levels, improving ADHD and mood symptoms during hormonal changes. More research is needed on hormonal impacts on ADHD, including the effects of contraceptives and mood disorders in women.
Exemptions for ADHD drugs in MLB drop to record-low 54, down from 119 in 2013
NEW YORK (AP) — A record low 54 major league players were given permission to use medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, down from 61 last year and 119 in 2013.