ADHD in the News 2026-01-22
In Good Health: What we know about ADHD
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, affects tens of millions of people in the U.S. About one in nine children and one in 16 adults have ADHD. That’s according to an analysis from the nonprofit Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or CHADD. As researchers learn more about the brain and its complexities, they’re also gaining new insights into what the condition looks like across different ages, genders, and races. In recent years, more adults — especially women — are being diagnosed than ever before. In this installment of our series “In Good Health,” we focus on ADHD – from symptoms, to diagnoses, to treatments.
Busting ADHD Myths at APSARD
Key Takeaways: Misconceptions about ADHD's genetic basis and environmental influences were highlighted, emphasizing the need for accurate understanding in clinical practice. Presenters discussed challenges in medication selection, stressing the importance of personalized approaches to ADHD treatment. The limitations of neuropsychological testing in ADHD diagnosis were addressed, underscoring the need for comprehensive assessment strategies. Debunking myths is crucial for improving ADHD care and ensuring effective diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Youth ADHD Treatment Barriers and Outcomes: Insights from APSARD
Key Takeaways: Dr. Maggie Sibley highlighted common barriers in ADHD treatment for adolescents and their parents, emphasizing the need for effective engagement strategies in behavior therapy. Data presented showed significant differences in educational, vocational, and financial outcomes for individuals diagnosed with ADHD in childhood. Understanding and addressing treatment barriers is crucial for improving long-term outcomes for children with ADHD.
No Link Between Acetaminophen in Pregnancy and Autism, a Study Finds
The review looked at more than three dozen studies and found no evidence that acetaminophen increased the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
Childhood ADHD linked to midlife physical health problems
People who have ADHD traits at age 10 are more likely than those without such traits to have physical health problems and to report physical health-related disability at age 46, according to a study led by University College London (UCL) and University of Liverpool researchers.
Brain stimulation device cleared for ADHD in the US is overall safe but ineffective
A large multicentre clinical trial led by King’s College London with 150 children and adolescents has shown that a device cleared by the US FDA to treat ADHD is not effective in reducing symptoms.
Cognitively Engaging Exercises Improve Sustained Attention in Children With ADHD
Key point: Compared with standard aerobic exercise, cognitively engaging exercise programs improved sustained attention of children and adolescents with ADHD, with multiple longer sessions having a more significant effect.
Adult Age at Diagnosis May Represent a Less Severe Phenotype Than Childhood Diagnosis
Adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis later in life may represent a somewhat less severe clinical subtype than those diagnosed in youth, but still experience impairment that warrants clinical attention, according to new data presented at American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) 2026 Annual Conference.1,2
A New Lens on Pharmacotherapy for ADHD in Pregnancy
Clinicians explore the complex relationship between ADHD medication and pregnancy, emphasizing individualized risk assessments for optimal maternal and child health.
New ADHD Medications Discussed at APSARD 2026
Tim Wilens, MD, discussed mechanism of action and efficacy of new medications at APSARD Conference.
A Patient’s Journey: From Stuttering to Advocacy—and What Psychiatrists Need to Know
From APSARD 2026, a patient journey demonstrates opportunities in psychiatric education on stuttering and emerging treatment approaches.
How students with ADHD experience autonomy in learning
[Excerpt] Along with psychologist and researcher Audhild Løhre, Uthus conducted an interview study focusing on two school children: "Sofie" and "Benjamin." Both students have ADHD. The researchers followed the pupils and their teachers over the course of one school year during which their school introduced a new model for adapted education. Both pupils describe how they experienced gaining an entirely new sense of autonomy. One day a week, they are free to choose what they want to learn and to organize their schoolwork as they think best.
Use of ADHD medication in UK more than tripled in 13 years, study finds
UK had highest relative increase of five countries in study, with 20-fold rise in proportion of women over 25 using it