A new study found a significant rise in ADHD stimulant prescriptions in Ontario, with a 157% increase from 2015 to 2023. The study calls for better clinical guidance to ensure medications are prescribed appropriately and prevent adverse health effects.
A repeated cross-sectional study found a significant increase in stimulant prescribing for ADHD, with the largest acceleration observed among female adolescents and young adults aged 18 to 64. The study's findings are consistent with prior research but provide new insights into population-level trends.
A new study found that annual ADHD prescription rates increased by 157 percent in Ontario from 2015 to 2023, with significant increases in females and younger age groups. The authors suggest a potential rise in true cases of ADHD, improved diagnosis, or misdiagnosis as contributing factors.
A study suggests that one in two individuals arrested and detained in London may have undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while one in 20 may have undiagnosed autism. Screening for neurodivergence could enable better support for vulnerable individuals.
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that school reopenings significantly reduced mental health diagnoses among children, including anxiety and depression, by 43% compared to periods before schools reopened. The benefits were especially pronounced among girls.
Children who spend a significant amount of time on social media platforms experience a gradual decline in their ability to concentrate. The study found no association between TV watching or video game playing and attention symptoms.
Researchers are using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to identify early signs of ADHD in infants and toddlers with a familial risk. Dr. Heather M. Joseph will discuss her findings on a upcoming webinar, highlighting the potential for early interventions to reduce symptoms and associated impairments.
The largest review to date found that medication for children and adults, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, are the most effective approaches for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers developed an interactive website to present findings and help people with ADHD make informed treatment decisions.
Researchers found that dogs with stronger ADHD-like traits were slower to learn new information, but improved with repetition and sufficient sleep. The studies also revealed a link between ADHD-like traits and self-control in dogs, suggesting that cognitive training and sleep can mitigate these impairments.
A new study from Aarhus University identifies rare genetic variants that increase the risk of ADHD by up to 15 times. These variants are particularly expressed in nerve cells and disrupt development and communication between them.
A new book by experts highlights how the prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder has increased, but suggests it may not be due to a genuine increase in cases. The authors argue that 'typical' behavior can vary greatly among children, and that acceptance and understanding of individuality is key.
A study published in Pediatric Drugs found that children and adolescents with underweight are more likely to discontinue ADHD medication within a year. The researchers also found clear differences in dosage, gender, and age that can affect treatment outcomes.
Researchers propose a closed-loop system combining peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to personalize neuromodulation. This approach aims to address treatment-resistant depression and schizophrenia by dynamically tailoring interventions to individual neural signatures.
A new study found a significant link between omega-3 intake and ADHD symptoms among Palestinian adolescents. Lower omega-3 consumption was associated with higher ADHD symptom scores, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition in supporting cognitive health.
SourceDe Gruyter·JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 12, 2025
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that growing awareness of ADHD may lead some young adults to mistakenly believe they have the disorder. However, a short educational session on the nocebo effect reduced the likelihood of mistaken diagnosis.
Researchers found a novel link between shared brain-gene patterns and autism symptom severity in children with autism and ADHD. The study suggests that focusing on specific symptom dimensions and their biological correlates may lead to more precise recognition and treatment approaches.
Research finds existing evidence on paracetamol use during pregnancy does not clearly link it to autism or ADHD in children; studies suggest shared genetic and environmental factors within families may explain the observed risk. Women can be advised to take paracetamol when needed for pain and fever during pregnancy.
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found no association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD. The study offers reassurance for pregnant women, public health agenci...
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 6, 2025
The study identified dozens of genetic regions that influence the size and thickness of the corpus callosum and its subregions. The research team created an AI-powered tool that finds and measures the corpus callosum in brain MRI scans automatically, allowing for unprecedented analysis of brain structure at scale and precision.
A study confirms that people with ADHD can be more creative due to their tendency to let their minds wander. The research found that individuals with ADHD symptoms showed higher scores on creative achievements and were associated with greater mind wandering, particularly deliberate mind wandering.
Researchers found that females with ADHD are underdiagnosed and often receive a diagnosis five years later than males. They also exhibit greater emotional and functional difficulties.
A study analyzing 450,000 ADHD subreddit posts found that people with self-diagnosed ADHD experience more negative self-perception and internalized stigma than those with a clinical diagnosis. Clinically diagnosed individuals are less likely to seek social validation, highlighting the impact of digital age validation on mental health.
The study aims to identify better ways to predict which children with ADHD will benefit from medication treatment. Researchers will examine how the brain processes reward and frustration to understand why some children show improvements with ADHD medication while others do not.
A Swedish study of over 1.2 million children found no significant association between prenatal exposure to opioids and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers attributed the observed differences in ASD rates among exposed versus unexposed children to other pre...
A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry validates Mentavi's online ADHD diagnostic evaluation, demonstrating its accuracy and reliability compared to traditional face-to-face clinical interviews. The study provides evidence-based support for telehealth access for adults with ADHD, addressing gaps in care c...
Researchers developed a new method to correct for variations in brain imaging measurements, reducing bias and increasing the accuracy of studies on ADHD. The traveling-subject method demonstrated reduced measurement bias while maintaining sampling bias, revealing decreased brain volume in critical regions for cognitive functions.
A new diagnostic system has been developed to identify ADHD-like symptoms in family dogs. The system combines owner-rated questionnaires with a short behavioral test to assess inattention, excessive activity, and impulsivity levels.
A Stanford Medicine-led study found that many young children with ADHD are prescribed medication just after diagnosis, contradicting treatment guidelines. The study highlights a gap in medical care for 4- and 5-year-olds with ADHD, who should try six months of behavior therapy before starting medication.
A novel community-based intervention increases treatment utilization among families with children who have ADHD. The pilot study found that caregivers reported feeling more confident and likely to seek treatment after participating in the program.
A study published by The BMJ found that ADHD medication is associated with reduced rates of suicidal behaviors, substance misuse, and transport accidents. The study used data from Swedish national registers to examine the effects of ADHD drug treatment on five outcomes over two years after diagnosis.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers has identified a critical period in early childhood as a key indicator of future attention difficulties. The research found that children who exhibit organized brain networks similar to social connections have better attention skills.
Researchers developed a personalized brain stimulation system powered by AI to safely enhance concentration from home. The system, which uses non-invasive brain stimulation and adaptive AI, showed significant improvements in sustained attention and learning abilities.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University are using a genetically tractable model organism, C. elegans, to dissect the cellular pathways impacted by amphetamines. The study aims to identify novel regulators of dopamine release and genes that mediate amphetamine's effects independently of traditional dopamine mechanisms.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that adults with ADHD traits report lower quality of life and more severe insomnia. Insomnia was identified as a potential link in this association, suggesting that targeting insomnia complaints may improve the quality of life for people with ADHD.
Researchers developed an AI-powered diagnostic approach using quantitative biomarkers and biometrics to rapidly assess neurodivergent disorders. The method has the potential to diagnose autism or ADHD in as little as 15 minutes, providing healthcare providers with additional tools to tailor treatments.
Early life exposure to perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) may increase anxiety-related behaviors and memory deficits in male mice. Researchers found that males exposed to higher doses of PFHxA showed mild developmental changes, including decreased activity levels and increased anxiety-like behaviors.
A recent Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that children born late in the year are more frequently diagnosed with mental health disorders, including ADHD. The researchers identified an increase in incidence of 20-80% for the youngest class members, regardless of birth weight or premature birth status.
A new study reveals that half of randomized controlled trials on adult ADHD failed to conduct thorough diagnostic assessments, making it difficult to rule out co-occurring mental disorders. This has significant implications for the validity and usefulness of trial results.
Research finds that mild physical activity affects brainstem dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons, leading to improved executive function. Blink frequency increases in individuals showing cognitive benefits from exercise.
Research found that ADHD medication was associated with lower risks of self-harm, unintentional injury, and crime, but the magnitude of these associations decreased as prescription rates rose. The study highlights the need to regularly assess medication use in different patient populations.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that women with ADHD are significantly more likely to suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women with high levels of ADHD symptoms and impairment were over four times more likely to have PMDD, emphasizing the need for screening in females with ADHD. The findings high...
A study of 7,944 ADHD patients found that telehealth-based relationships did not increase the risk of substance use disorder. However, patients aged 26 and above who received initial stimulant prescriptions during telehealth appointments were at higher risk.
ADHD researcher Barbara Franke's work transforms understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders through innovative molecular approaches. Her research combines cutting-edge bioinformatics with experimental models to identify genes and pathways underlying behavioral differences.
Researchers have identified a four-amino-acid mini-exon in the PTPδ gene that plays a critical role in brain development and behavior. The study found that deleting this mini-exon led to anxiety-like behavior and reduced movement in mice, highlighting its essential role in maintaining synaptic balance.
A study found that impulsivity in ADHD is linked to reduced physical activity, which can contribute to obesity. Urban lifestyle factors like food insecurity and access to mental health care influence this relationship.
A recent study found that the average duration of ADHD medication for children and adolescents is more than three years. Long-term effects in children have not been sufficiently studied due to limited data on the safety of marketed ADHD medicines.
Researchers analyzed the genetic information of over 70,000 infants to discover 11 genetic markers that influence when babies take their first steps. This study suggests that genetics plays a significant role in determining when children start walking, with some kids naturally starting earlier or later due to their genetic propensity.
A new study reports a substantial increase in mental health and neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses among publicly insured children between 2010-19. The percentage of diagnoses rose from 10.7% to 16.5%, with a significant increase observed even before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
A new study finds that Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids' and young adults' access to chronic disease medication, particularly for those living in states with the largest drops in Medicaid enrollment. The disruptions led to increased use of private insurance or cash for prescriptions, exacerbating health issues.
Mind blanking is a common experience characterized by lapses in attention, memory issues, and cessation of inner speech. Studies have shown that it's associated with specific neural signatures and changes in arousal levels, leading to malfunctions in key cognitive mechanisms like memory and language.
Researchers at UCLA Health are launching a clinical trial to test whether wearable nerve stimulation can ease ADHD symptoms in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. The study aims to improve focus and behavior by gently stimulating the trigeminal nerve, which is linked to attention and executive function.
A study by Edith Cowan University found that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes have consistently higher attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Externalising problems, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, were also more prevalent in these children.
A study by University of Gothenburg found that mothers' adverse childhood experiences increase risk of children developing ADHD and autism. In contrast, fathers' childhood experiences show no association with their children's neurodevelopmental disorders. The researchers call for a broader approach to parental support.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that ADHD medications have small but significant effects on blood pressure and heart rate. While there were concerns about the side effects of these medications, the study suggests that their benefits outweigh the risks.
Research suggests that individual differences in brain chemistry, particularly the balance of dopamine receptors, play a crucial role in determining who benefits from Ritalin. Study participants with higher D1-to-D2 receptor ratios performed better on memory tasks and showed improved cognitive performance when taking Ritalin.
Adults with ADHD have higher levels of brain iron and neurofilaments, associated with increased risk of dementia. The study provides first evidence for a neurological mechanism possibly involved in the link between ADHD and dementia.
A new study found that children with ADHD have a notable increase in functional connectivity while playing a virtual reality game, providing new insight into the condition. The results suggest that psychological testing for ADHD should be conducted in situations where symptoms are triggered.
A study of top 100 ADHD TikToks found that fewer than half of claims about ADHD symptoms aligned with clinical standards. Young adults' perceptions of the informational value of these videos differed from those of psychologists, leading to a potential spread of misinformation.
A new study by University of B.C. researchers found that ADHD-related content on TikTok often misrepresents the disorder and can lead to misunderstandings. The study highlights the need for mental health professionals to engage with social media platforms like TikTok to provide accurate information.
A recent study found that nearly one-tenth of US adults using prescription stimulants have a prescription stimulant use disorder. Additionally, one-fourth of users reported misuse, suggesting potential progress in addressing the mental health care gap for middle-aged women.