ADHD in the News 2026-02-05
ADHD Medications Improve Behavioral Outcomes in Youth With Co-Occurring SUD
Key point: Treatment of ADHD co-occurring with substance use disorder is associated with a significantly lower risk for accidental overdose, emergency visits, and hospitalization.
1 in 4 young people using psychotropic drugs are taking dangerous combinations
Use of medications for mental health and behavioral conditions among children and young adults increased steadily for two decades, and about one in four young people taking these medicines were prescribed a combination that carries a risk of serious drug interactions, according to researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. They published their findings in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Cesarean and assisted vaginal births show similar long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes
A new population-based cohort study of more than 500,000 births in British Columbia offers reassuring evidence about the long-term safety of cesarean delivery and assisted vaginal delivery (with forceps or vacuum) when it comes to children's neurodevelopment. Published on Jan. 30, 2026, in JAMA Network Open, the study examined rates of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID) up to age 22, comparing outcomes among children whose births required medical intervention late in labor.
Study finds ADHD symptoms linked to higher internet addiction risk in college students
New research explores how attention difficulties, sleep disruption, and cognitive control challenges intersect with internet use patterns, highlighting lifestyle factors like exercise that may help reduce risk while underscoring the need for cautious interpretation of cross-sectional findings.
FSU psychologist offers guidance on new screen time recommendations for children
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released updated guidelines on digital ecosystems for children and adolescents, mostly shifting away from firm screen time limits to a more nuanced approach focused on the quality of content. The new report continues to warn parents of the dangers of children absorbing content that is more commercialized and algorithmic, as these addictive features can produce negative consequences. However, child-centered designs that encourage critical thinking, are age appropriate and foster social connection can provide benefits.
Are health influencers making us sick? (Book Review)
Social media can help to raise awareness of health conditions — but the wealth of dubious information online might do more harm than good.
Darcy Michael dives below his ADHD iceberg to talk coming out, body image, love & all the other chaos below
[Excerpt] The fact is, I wanted to write a book because I wanted a chance to tell my ADHD story, the story of my family’s life with neurodiversity, in a different way. Jer and I have been so lucky to get to share our journey with legions of online creeps in bite-sized videos and with breathing, sweating, laughing, and clapping IRL audiences around the world at our live on-stage shows.
‘You Don’t Outgrow ADHD and You Don’t Outlast It’
Key points: Diverse studies are showing the connection between persistent ADHD into adulthood and poor health outcomes. Children and teens with ADHD tracked into adulthood have worse health outcomes than non-ADHD adults. These outcomes include smoking, increased BMI, substance use, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and more. Health can be the focus of medical and psychosocial treatments for adult ADHD by targeting self-dysregulation.
Fathers’ boredom proneness associated with his children’s ADHD tendencies
New research suggests that the psychological traits of mothers and fathers may influence their children’s attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder tendencies and boredom levels in distinct ways. The findings indicate that while genetic predispositions play a significant role, specific parenting styles, such as maternal control, could help manage boredom in young children. This study was published in Scientific Reports.
Low Apgar score, cord pH linked to ADHD risk
Key Takeaways: Children with both a low 5-minute Apgar score and low umbilical cord blood pH at birth had a greater risk of developing ADHD than reference newborns. No increased ADHD risk was observed when Apgar score or umbilical cord pH was low in isolation. The findings suggest combined clinical and biochemical indicators of perinatal hypoxia may better identify ADHD risk while offering reassurance to families when only 1 marker is abnormal.
Addressing Co-Occurring ADHD and Autism, With Lauren Kenworthy, PhD
For the 2026 conference of the American Professional Society for ADHD and Related Disorders, Psychiatric Times talked with Lauren Kenworthy, PhD, surrounding comorbid ADHD and autism. Kenworthy presented to the conference on this topic, covering clinical tips and important research advancements.
Victorian GPs to be trained to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults and children
General practitioners in Victoria will soon be able to diagnose and treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. The state government says the move will cut lengthy wait times and save thousands of dollars for those seeking a diagnosis or care.