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New study reveals how a brain protein may influence ADHD and brain development

Researchers identified a brain protein important for maintaining dopamine-related cells and normal development, providing new insights into ADHD. The study found that dopamine D2 receptor-expressing cells were crucial for normal brain development and function, and that their disruption contributed to ADHD-like behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2026

Study suggests the profile of people diagnosed with ADHD and autism has changed over the past decade

A Danish study found that children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD or autism today share more characteristics with their peers in the general population than those diagnosed a decade ago. The differences in characteristics such as pregnancy-related factors, family socioeconomic factors, and healthcare use before diagnosis have decr...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateSep 10, 2026

Pennington Biomedical and Minnesota HealthSolutions awarded NIH grant to develop digital driving safety platform for teens with ADHD

Researchers are developing a smartphone-based platform that combines driving data, personalized coaching and parent engagement strategies to improve driving safety for teens with ADHD. The platform will use telematics to monitor driving behaviors while allowing parents and teens to set shared goals and track progress.

Leading ADHD medications found to be equally effective in children, with one key difference

A recent study published by the University of Sydney found that dexamphetamine and methylphenidate are equally effective in treating ADHD in children, with no significant differences in symptom improvement. However, children taking dexamphetamine experienced greater weight loss compared to those taking methylphenidate.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 15, 2026

The Lancet Psychiatry: No clear link between common antidepressant use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children, finds most comprehensive study to date

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry found no clear link between common antidepressant use in pregnancy and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD in children. However, the study suggests that genetic predisposition and other factors may contribute to an increased risk.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

TikTok’s mental health ‘minefield’

A systematic review of social media platforms reveals that TikTok contains a substantial proportion of misleading information about mental health and neurodivergence, with higher rates of misinformation than other platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sources and evidence-based content to combat spreading false ide...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Social Media Research·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 19, 2026

Doubling of new prescriptions for ADHD medications among adults since start of COVID-19 pandemic

New prescriptions for stimulants among adults with ADHD more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the largest increases among younger adults. The trend is driven by improved recognition and treatment of ADHD in adulthood, as well as increased access to care and virtual health services.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2026

The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women’s Health: Taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities, confirms new gold-standard evidence review

A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies confirms paracetamol during pregnancy is not linked to increased risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. The findings suggest alternative maternal factors may be responsible for previously reported associations.

SourceThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2026

Adverse prenatal exposures linked to higher rates of mental health issues, brain changes in adolescents

Children with adverse prenatal exposures showed higher rates of behavior problems, faster cortical thinning, and more depressive symptoms than children with fewer APEs. Researchers found a persistent association between multiple APEs and increased odds of mental health problems as kids grew older.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 7, 2026

People with self-diagnosed ADHD report more negative self-image and more internalized stigma than clinically diagnosed individuals, and are more likely to seek social validation, per analysis of 450,000 ADHD sub-reddit posts

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateOct 1, 2025

Adolescent ADHD symptoms affect adult income indirectly through education and mental health

A study by the University of Oulu found that adolescent ADHD symptoms affect adult income indirectly, through education and other psychiatric disorders. The study revealed a 25% decrease in incomes among individuals with both ADHD and ODD, highlighting the importance of preventive services and investments in education and mental health.

SourceUniversity of Oulu, Finland·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 11, 2025

Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids’ and young adults’ access to chronic disease medicine

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2025

Lack of focus doesn’t equal lack of intelligence — it’s proof of an intricate brain

Researchers at Brown University's Carney Institute for Brain Science discovered how the brain coordinates attention and filtering functions to perform complex tasks. The study found that multiple brain regions work together to adjust focus and filter out distractions, providing insight into human cognitive flexibility.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Youngest children in class with ADHD as likely to keep diagnosis in adulthood as older pupils, find scientists

Children diagnosed with ADHD at a young age are just as likely to retain the diagnosis in adulthood as their older peers, according to a new study. The research, which examined data from over 6,500 patients globally, suggests that the youngest children in class are not more likely to lose the diagnosis over time.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Seeing without looking

A recent study by researchers at the Salk Institute found that the superior colliculus plays a key role in controlling attention, particularly in covert attention. This discovery may shed light on neurological disorders such as neglect syndrome and autism.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 24, 2009