Articles related to ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

The United States is currently experiencing a shortage of Adderall, a medication used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD)/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The FDA, in frequent communication with manufacturers, has not provided a clear timeline for when the shortage will be resolved. The shortage is attributed to various factors. The demand for Adderall has increased significantly, with a 10% rise in prescriptions filled in 2021 compared to the previous year. The US Drug Enforcement Agency’s efforts to combat prescription drug misuse have also played a role in limiting production. Furthermore, the pandemic led to the emergence of telemedicine startups, making it easier for individuals to obtain Adderall prescriptions, sometimes inaccurately. While waiting for the supply to be restored, healthcare professionals can consider alternative therapies such as dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine.

This 15-year multicohort survey of legal and illicit drug use among teens found that middle schools and high schools with higher levels of prescription stimulant therapy for ADHD tended to have the highest rates of prescription stimulant misuse. Other discovered associations included more parents with higher levels of education, non-Northeastern location, and more non-Hispanic White students.

Diagnosing – and treating – ADHD in adults is not difficult and can be life-changing, with patients noting improvements in relationships, functional ability, and overall quality of life.

This activity aims to educate the multidisciplinary care team treating pediatric ADHD, including psychiatrists, pediatricians, PCPs, pharmacists, and dietitians/nutritionists. After completion, participants will be better able to describe the role of dietary deficiencies of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and genetic variants of metabolism in the pathophysiology of ADHD; review the most recent data on the safety and efficacy of supplementation with EFAs for ADHD management in children and adolescents; differentiate dietary supplements from medical foods; and create personalized nutritional therapy plans for ADHD patients by considering the individual needs of each patient and the differences among available dietary products.

Misuse of prescription stimulants was associated with prior year treatment for depression, ADHD, and substance use disorder. Identified risk factors for stimulant misuse include use of prescription drugs in the past month (5.5 times increased risk) and use of illegal drugs in the past month (8 times higher risk).

Compared with enhanced drivers’ education, use of a computerized skills training program in teens learning to drive reduced two-second glances away from the road by 25% and reduced rates of collision or near-collision by 40%. These results persisted in the year after the training.