ADHD in the News 2026-09-03
Morning Rounds: August 24-31
This week's roundup covers new data on cardiometabolic risk in patients with serious mental illness and ADHD, alongside a pipeline update on a new indication for an already-approved drug. Policy developments include a milestone in the anticipated US adult ADHD guidelines from APSARD and a landmark settlement over social media's impact on teen mental health.
Why Adolescents With ADHD Need Better Transitions to Adult Care
Early planning can help prevent disruptions in treatment, medication access and support
ADHD and Disability Linked to Greater Risk for Substance Use Among College Students
Key point: Conditions such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and speech disorders were associated with higher odds for severe substance use, while autism was linked to a decreased risk among college students.
Genetic evidence confirms ADHD symptoms cause poorer academic performance in kids
Children who display more symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to earn lower grades in school, and new research provides evidence that these symptoms directly cause poorer academic performance. By applying advanced genetic models to data from twins and siblings, scientists found that ADHD symptoms negatively affect grades, while grades do not appear to influence the severity of ADHD symptoms. The study was published in Behavior Genetics.
Untreated ADHD nearly doubles risk of motor vehicle crashes, new meta-analysis finds
The Background: Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the most significant public health challenges in the United States. In 2022 alone, nearly 44,000 people died on American roads, and more than 2.6 million crash-related injuries required emergency care. Most people are familiar with the usual suspects: drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving from phones. These risks are well-documented and the focus of ongoing public safety campaigns. But a serious risk factor has been flying under the radar: untreated ADHD. Despite receiving little attention from the public, policymakers, or transportation safety agencies, it may belong in the same conversation as these better-known dangers.
How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder shapes sexual experiences
Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often face distinct challenges in maintaining sexual satisfaction and connection with their partners. A recent analysis of personal accounts from people with the condition revealed that characteristics such as a heightened need for novelty and difficulty regulating focus can deeply influence their intimate lives. The findings were published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.
ADHD may have a surprising creative advantage
Summary: Some of the attention patterns that make ADHD challenging may also help spark creativity by allowing the brain to explore more ideas and unexpected connections. Researchers think creative activities could potentially channel this “defocused attention” while helping strengthen the brain systems involved in focus and self-control.
Irritability, anxiety and negative thought patterns in ADHD associated with increased depression risk
Irritability, anxiety and negative thought patterns in children and young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) could help explain why these individuals are more likely to develop depression later in life.
ADHD is not a myth – and it cannot be prayed away (Opinion)
Contrary to what you may have seen broadcast on Channel 4 recently, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is not a myth. Nor, in my opinion, is it a ‘disorder’. It’s a well described, well researched, well evidenced neurodevelopmental difference. Which means that people who have ADHD develop differently. It is also not a problem until it’s a problem.
How severe illness during pregnancy sometimes alters neurodevelopment
Neurodevelopmental conditions, which include autism spectrum disorder, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and more, affect around 10% of the American population. Despite their prevalence, it has remained difficult to pin down where, when and how many of these disorders begin. Yet scientists have noticed one pattern: Severe illness during pregnancy can increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring.
Dissociation Isn’t Always a Trauma Response
Key points: Dissociation runs from spacing out to lasting detachment. Trauma is one pathway, not the only one. For people with autism or ADHD, sensory overload is an under-recognized route into dissociative fog. Dissociative support works best when matched to the pathway: trauma, sensory, or absorption.
Researchers investigate complex impact of mental health discussions on TikTok
Researchers have revealed the complex ways in which social media users engage with mental health and ADHD content on platforms like TikTok, with both positive and potentially negative impacts for users. Led by Dr Katie Saunders from Keele University's School of Medicine, the paper published in the Journal of Social Media Research outlines the different ways users on TikTok engage with mental health and ADHD content online, with a range of different and complex responses recorded.