J Atten Disord [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Unmasking Potential Impacts of Parent and Coparent ADHD on Mental Health in the First Year Postpartum.
Mark EG, Rajendran LA, Taraban L … +3 more , Wilson MA, Molina BSG, Joseph HM
J Atten Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 41982066 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Parental mental health plays a critical role in the wellbeing of the family, yet few studies have examined how parental ADHD affects postpartum depression and anxiety. This study investigates the hypothesis th...
OBJECTIVE: Parental mental health plays a critical role in the wellbeing of the family, yet few studies have examined how parental ADHD affects postpartum depression and anxiety. This study investigates the hypothesis that parent (including coparent) ADHD symptoms are associated with postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms. METHODS: 117 mother-father dyads (half with parental ADHD) were recruited when their infants were 6 to 10 months old. Participants completed questionnaires on ADHD, depression, anxiety, and social support. Clinician-administered semi-structured interviews assessed ADHD symptoms and psychiatric histories. RESULTS: Participants in ADHD and non-ADHD dyads were demographically comparable but differed in prevalence of prior mood disorder (47% vs. 24%). Individuals with ADHD had significantly higher odds of moderate-to-severe depressive (OR = 2.70, 95% CI [1.10, 6.62]) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 4.58, 95% CI [1.82, 11.53]). Parallel mixed effects models accounting for parent dyad found that self-reported and clinician-reported ADHD symptoms and prior mood disorder history were significant predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms ( < .025). Coparent ADHD symptoms were significantly associated with postpartum mood symptoms in the self-report models only. Higher perceived social support was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, approaching or reaching statistical significance in self- and clinician-report models, respectively. Secondary analysis identified self-reported ADHD symptoms and prior mood disorder as predictors of postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms regardless of parent sex ( < .05). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that parental ADHD - in either parent - contributes to postpartum psychological distress. Screening and treatment of ADHD in new parents may reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms for those showing ADHD symptoms and their coparents, supporting the mental health outcomes of the whole family.
Mental Health and Coping in Women With ADHD During the Pandemic.
Nurgitz R, Miller CJ
J Atten Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 41982046 · Publisher ↗
UNLABELLED: Recent research suggests that women make up a substantial proportion of adults with ADHD, but they are less likely to be identified, diagnosed, and adequately treated. OBJECTIVE: A diverse group of 307 female...
UNLABELLED: Recent research suggests that women make up a substantial proportion of adults with ADHD, but they are less likely to be identified, diagnosed, and adequately treated. OBJECTIVE: A diverse group of 307 females (17-30 years of age) was recruited for an online mixed methods study on mental health and coping in women with ADHD. METHODS: In the first phase of the study, data from women reporting low and high levels of ADHD symptoms, including some previously diagnosed with ADHD, were collected. Quantitative results suggest that women with substantial ADHD symptoms experience more difficulty with emotional regulation, more distress, greater loneliness, and they are less resilient and less self-compassionate. To follow up, all women who reported a previous diagnosis of ADHD in the first phase were invited to participate in interviews exploring how they cope with high stress. A total of 15 women were interviewed. RESULTS: Qualitative results suggest that although participants described engaging with and regulating internal experiences as more effective, they were more likely to use avoidance coping, often thought to be less effective. Further, when participants reported less emotional insight/awareness, they were also less likely to use internally focussed approach strategies. CONCLUSION: Thus, the reduced self-awareness that is characteristic of ADHD may represent an additional challenge to effective coping. These results underline the importance of ongoing research and clinical attention for women with ADHD.
ADHD-Like Traits Reshape the Balance Between Inhibitory Control and Predictive Processes.
Horváth K, Brezóczki B, Holczer A … +2 more , Vékony T, Németh D
J Atten Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 41923322 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Adaptive behavior relies on a dynamic balance between flexible, goal-directed control, and efficient, automatic processes. This equilibrium is often disrupted in ADHD, a condition understood to exist along a c...
OBJECTIVE: Adaptive behavior relies on a dynamic balance between flexible, goal-directed control, and efficient, automatic processes. This equilibrium is often disrupted in ADHD, a condition understood to exist along a continuum of traits in the general population. While ADHD is consistently linked to response inhibition deficits, its relationship with statistical learning (a mechanism for habit learning) and, crucially, the interaction between these functions, remains underexplored. METHODS: Here, using a novel paradigm in a non-clinical sample of university students ( = 226), we investigated how ADHD-like traits modulate the interplay between response inhibition and statistical learning. RESULTS: We found that higher ADHD-like traits were associated with poorer response inhibition, confirming previous research. Importantly, we uncovered an antagonistic relationship between inhibition and statistical learning, where weaker inhibitory control typically led to enhanced learning of environmental regularities. However, this learning advantage progressively diminished across the ADHD trait continuum, becoming markedly reduced in individuals with high symptom prevalence. CONCLUSION: These findings provide novel evidence that ADHD-like traits influence not only isolated neurocognitive processes but also their dynamic interaction, highlighting a spectrum-based mechanism that may underlie the transition from adaptive variability to maladaptive behavioral patterns. This work advocates for a dimensional approach to ADHD, emphasizing early detection and targeted interventions for individuals with varying levels of symptomatic expression, broadening support beyond traditional diagnostic boundaries.
Impact of Medication Therapy on Social, Behavioral, and Employment Outcomes in Adults With ADHD.
Pathan M, Jeun KJ, Al-Mamun MA
J Atten Disord · 2026 Jul · PMID 41914673 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Limited studies have explored the association between pharmacotherapy treatment and socio-behavioral and employment-related difficulties among adults with ADHD in U.S. This study aimed to evaluate and compare...
OBJECTIVE: Limited studies have explored the association between pharmacotherapy treatment and socio-behavioral and employment-related difficulties among adults with ADHD in U.S. This study aimed to evaluate and compare socio-behavioral and employment outcomes among adults with ADHD who were receiving stimulant treatment versus those who were not. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 2013-2019. Adults with ADHD were categorized into stimulant-treated versus not stimulant-treated groups. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess the association between stimulant use and outcomes of interest (e.g., social, behavioral, and employment outcomes) and was reported using odds ratio (ORs). Propensity score matching was used to control for confounding and sub-group analyses were conducted by adherence to CNS stimulants. RESULTS: Among 1,290 (2,468,186 weighted) patients, 80.67% were stimulant-treated, and 19.33% were not treated with stimulants. No significant differences were found in the employment outcomes between the two groups in adjusted models. Sub-group analyses showed that adherent users of stimulants had higher odds of self-employment (OR = 2.10 [1.15, 3.82]) than non-adherent users. Stimulant-treated adults had higher odds of social limitations (OR = 3.16 [1.50, 6.69]), and lower odds of physical activity (OR = 0.29 [0.13, 0.66]) compared to those who were not treated with stimulants. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings highlight important gaps in understanding the relationship between real-world functional outcomes and stimulants use in adults with ADHD and underscore the need for additional longitudinal and real-world studies to thoroughly understand the impact of ADHD medications on those outcomes.
ADHD Characteristics Are Linked to Divergent Risk-Taking Behaviors.
Fuermaier ABM, Dong H, Pollak Y … +2 more , Braams BR, Dekkers TJ
J Atten Disord · 2026 Aug · PMID 41914437 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: Decades of research on individuals with ADHD across the lifespan have consistently demonstrated an increased tendency for negative risk-taking. However, the potential for positive forms of risk-taking has bee...
OBJECTIVES: Decades of research on individuals with ADHD across the lifespan have consistently demonstrated an increased tendency for negative risk-taking. However, the potential for positive forms of risk-taking has been largely overlooked. Very recently, Braams et al. were the first to report an increased likelihood of prosocial risk-taking, a subtype of positive risk-taking, among adolescents with ADHD. Building on their findings, the present preregistered study investigates self-reported likelihoods of engaging in negative, positive, and prosocial risk-taking and examines their associations with ADHD characteristics, as well as internalizing symptoms as comparison measures. METHODS: This correlational study analyzed survey data from 611 participants drawn from the Dutch general population. Participants rated their likelihood of engaging in negative, positive, and prosocial risk-taking behaviors and completed standardized questionnaires assessing ADHD characteristics as well as internalizing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Correlation analyses, regression models, and categorical analyses were used to examine the unique and combined contributions of ADHD characteristics and internalizing symptoms to different forms of hypothetical risk-taking behavior. RESULTS: ADHD characteristics were robustly associated with negative risk-taking likelihood. Associations with positive and prosocial risk-taking were present but weaker and less consistent across analytical methods. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that ADHD traits accounted for a substantial portion of the variance in risk-taking behaviors, while internalizing symptoms also contributed, though to a lesser extent. The likelihood of engaging in risk-taking behavior decreased with increasing age. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the emerging view that ADHD characteristics may be linked not only to negative but also to positive and prosocial forms of risk-taking. However, effects on positive and prosocial risk taking are more complex and warrant further research, particularly with clinical samples and psychometrically refined instruments. Our findings may foster a more nuanced understanding of ADHD and could have important implications for self-concept development and clinical care in individuals with ADHD.
Providers of ADHD Care for Children: Factors Associated With Coordination of ADHD Services With Schools.
Claussen AH, Katz SM, Newsome K … +1 more , DuPaul GJ
J Atten Disord · 2026 Jul · PMID 41910989 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Coordination between healthcare providers and schools may improve ADHD diagnosis and treatment but is often insufficient. This descriptive survey study examined factors associated with provider coordination wi...
OBJECTIVE: Coordination between healthcare providers and schools may improve ADHD diagnosis and treatment but is often insufficient. This descriptive survey study examined factors associated with provider coordination with schools. METHOD: Data were from child-serving U.S. primary care providers who completed the Porter Novelli Fall 2023 DocStyles ADHD survey module ( = 1,047); grouped into three levels of school coordination: (1) no school communication; (2) use school information without direct coordination; or (3) school intervention coordination. Level of coordination was compared by provider and practice characteristics, barriers to diagnosis and treatment, and training needs. RESULT: Among providers, 20.5% offered no school communication, 55.8% used school information without direct coordination, and 23.7% offered school intervention coordination. Pediatricians least often reported no school communication; nurse practitioners most often reported school intervention coordination. Multiple factors were significantly associated with level of school coordination ( < .046-.001). Barriers to ADHD care such as provider lack of knowledge and training needs, and family resistance to evaluation, worries about stigma, and treatment access were most common among providers offering school intervention coordination. Provider lack of comfort with ADHD evaluation and inadequate training post-degree was most common for providers offering no communication; providers who used school information most often reported not needing more ADHD training. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight opportunities to improve school coordination by addressing barriers to ADHD care. Efforts to increase training and reduce barriers may benefit from differentiation between providers who need foundational knowledge about ADHD care and those who offer school coordination and seek advanced training and support.
Attachment Style and Family Functioning as Predictors of Trauma Symptoms in Children With ADHD After a Major Disaster.
Gunes S, Ince N, Altun Varmis D … +8 more , Kocak E, Kalinli EM, Demirci TH, Cilogulları E, Sahin K, Ulutas GI, Yuksekkaya C, Antepuzumu EGY
J Atten Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41910948 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are vulnerable to the psychological impact of traumatic events due to inherent difficulties in emotion regulation and executive functioning. This...
BACKGROUND: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are vulnerable to the psychological impact of traumatic events due to inherent difficulties in emotion regulation and executive functioning. This study examines the predictive roles of attachment styles and family functioning on depressive, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children with ADHD following the 2023 Türkiye earthquakes. METHODS: A longitudinal design was employed with 124 children diagnosed with ADHD, assessed at 3 months (T1) and 12 months (T2) after the earthquakes. Attachment styles were evaluated using the Three-Dimensional Attachment Styles Scale, and family functioning was assessed via the Family Assessment Device. Psychological symptoms were measured using the Children's Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale-13. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of T2 emotional outcomes. RESULTS: Significant reductions were observed in depressive, state anxiety, and PTSD symptoms between T1 and T2, while trait anxiety remained stable. Poor family functioning and insecure attachment styles, particularly anxious attachment, were robust predictors of elevated emotional symptoms at follow-up. Avoidant attachment was uniquely associated with PTSD symptoms but not with depression or anxiety. Pharmacological treatment was related to lower symptom severity across all domains. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the influence of relational and familial factors in shaping psychological responses to disaster-related trauma in children with ADHD. Post-disaster interventions should incorporate attachment-informed and family-centered approaches alongside pharmacological treatment to optimize recovery in this high-risk group.
When Self and Others Disagree: Informant Discrepancies in ADHD and ASD and Psychosocial Outcomes.
Crisci G, Mammarella IC
J Atten Disord · 2026 Aug · PMID 41910753 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: are frequently observed in self- and proxy-report in dyads involving children with ADHD. However, it remains unclear whether these discrepances are specific to ADHD or are also present in other clinical group...
OBJECTIVE: are frequently observed in self- and proxy-report in dyads involving children with ADHD. However, it remains unclear whether these discrepances are specific to ADHD or are also present in other clinical groups, as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Moreover, it is not fully understood whether these children hold a fundamentally different perception of their own abilities, or whether they tend to underestimate the severity of their difficulties compared to their parents. Additionally, the relation between and psychological outcomes remains underexplored. This research aimed to address these questions through two separate studies. METHODS: Study 1 involved 50 children with ADHD, 49 ASD, and 121 non-diagnosed (ND) peers to investigate whether is specific to ADHD. Based on its findings, Study 2 focused on 47 children with ADHD and 47 ND peers to analyze the psychological outcomes. In both studies, children and their parents completed parallel questionnaires assessing social abilities. Study 1 also assessed behavioral issues, while Study 2 examined self-confidence and internalizing/externalizing symptoms. RESULTS: Study 1 revealed children with ADHD are aware of their social difficulties, but tend to underestimate their severity compared to their parent reports, whereas dyads involving autistic and ND children show full alignment between self- and proxy ratings. in ADHD were limited to social functioning and did not extend to behavioral issues. In Study 2, were positively associated with self-confidence in children with ADHD and with externalizing behaviors. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, seem specific to ADHD and limited to social functioning. The relation with psychological outcomes varies, indicating the need for consideration in clinical settings.
Association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Leow BHW, Tan CJ, Yeo BSY … +6 more , Ng NNE, Low SCY, Ng ACW, Teoh OH, Toh ST, Tay EGH
J Atten Disord · 2026 Jun · PMID 41910119 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two relatively common conditions in the pediatric population, with multiple studies demonstrating a strong association bet...
BACKGROUND: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two relatively common conditions in the pediatric population, with multiple studies demonstrating a strong association between the two. Hypoxia and sleep fragmentation caused by OSA has been shown to exacerbate ADHD symptoms, while treatment for OSA, such as with continuous positive airway pressure or adenotonsillectomy, may improve ADHD symptoms. We aim to provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis on the complex relationship between OSA and ADHD in children. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS were searched from inception to 1 December 2024 for longitudinal studies investigating the association between OSA and ADHD in children. Two independent authors selected relevant articles, extracted data, assessed bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and evaluated quality of evidence following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to synthesize pooled prevalence, while descriptive reviews were performed for all other outcomes. RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies and 903 children formally diagnosed with OSA or ADHD found that the pooled prevalence of OSA in children with ADHD was 44% ( 95% CI [2%, 56%]). Descriptive analysis found that adenotonsillectomy for OSA consistently led to significant improvements in both OSA and ADHD symptoms, suggesting its potential in complementing existing pharmacological therapy in improving ADHD symptoms. CONCLUSION: OSA and ADHD are closely related comorbid conditions. Physicians should be cognizant of this association and consider concurrent evaluation for OSA in children with ADHD symptoms, which can effectively guide treatment strategies and potentially reduce the need for long-term pharmacological treatment.
Characterizing Attention and Cognitive Control Profiles of Children With ADHD and Anxiety.
Boen R, Oerbeck B, Hansen BH … +4 more , Skirbekk B, Kristensen H, Tamnes CK, Espeseth T
J Atten Disord · 2026 Aug · PMID 41910111 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Children with ADHD show attentional and cognitive control deficits compared to typically developing controls. However, it is unclear whether these deficits are function-specific to subcomponents of attention...
BACKGROUND: Children with ADHD show attentional and cognitive control deficits compared to typically developing controls. However, it is unclear whether these deficits are function-specific to subcomponents of attention and cognitive control and/or disorder-specific, that is, unique to one clinical group. METHODS: Here, we characterized subcomponents of attentional and cognitive control in children with ADHD ( = 37, 21.6% girls), ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorder (AnxD, = 24, 50% girls), AnxD ( = 39, 30.8% girls), as well as typically developing controls ( = 36, 41.7% girls) aged 7 to 14 years, using behavioral measures from the Attention Network Test (ANT) and AX Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc -test were used to test for group differences. Cohen's was used as a measure of effect size for significant group differences. RESULTS: Children with ADHD and children with ADHD and comorbid AnxD showed lower accuracy (Cohen's = -0.91/-1.08), higher reaction time variability (Cohen's = 0.81/1.13) in ANT-derived measures and lower accuracy (Cohen's = -0.89/-1.04) and A-cue bias (Cohen's = -0.92/-0.98) in AX-CPT -derived measures compared to controls. Children with ADHD and comorbid AnxD also exhibited higher reaction time (Cohen's = 0.83) in the ANT and lower d'-context (Cohens' = -0.97) in the AX-CPT compared to controls. CONCLUSION: The results indicate function-specific deficits in cognitive control, but not in attention, among children with ADHD and comorbid AnxD. We did not find strong evidence for disorder-specific deficits in attention or cognitive control.
Profile of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg Signature Cytokines and Microglia Regulatory Cytokines in ADHD and Healthy Controls: A Neuroimmunological Approach.
Subasi Turgut F, Öztürk M, Bulut M … +3 more , Gökcüoğlu Nakipoğlu S, Kızıl N, Mete N
J Atten Disord · 2026 Jun · PMID 41906980 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulated immune homeostasis may play a role in the pathophysiology of ADHD; however, comprehensive profiling of T-helper (Th) cell subsets and microglial regulatory cytokin...
BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulated immune homeostasis may play a role in the pathophysiology of ADHD; however, comprehensive profiling of T-helper (Th) cell subsets and microglial regulatory cytokines remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with ADHD ( = 45) and healthy controls ( = 41). Serum levels of Th1 (IL-12 and IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-4), Th17 (IL-17 and IL-23), Treg (IL-10 and TGF-β), and microglia regulatory cytokines (IL-34 and CSF-1) were measured by ELISA. ROC curve and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the diagnostic and predictive value of the parameters in distinguishing ADHD. RESULTS: Significant increases in IL-12, IL-17, IL-23, IL-4, and IL-10 levels were observed in the ADHD group compared to the control group. IL-12 and IL-17 showed the highest diagnostic yield (AUC = 0.77). IL-12 remained a strong independent predictor in multivariate analysis (OR = 55.88, = .015). IFN-γ and TGF-β did not differ significantly between the groups. CSF-1 levels did not differ between the groups, while IL-34 showed an increase that approached statistical significance in the ADHD group ( = .052; AUC = 0.622). CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal a profile of Th1/Th17-dominated proinflammatory activation, partially compensatory Th2/Treg modulation, and potentially IL-34-mediated microglial divergence in ADHD. IL-12 and IL-17 showed the highest discriminatory performance; however, their AUC values (~0.77) remained at a moderate level. Our findings highlight the need for multidimensional immunophenotyping and point toward novel immune-targeted therapeutic strategies.
Behavioral and Emotional Responding During Instrumental Learning in Children With ADHD: Reinforcement Schedule Effects.
Hulsbosch AK, Beckers T, Furukawa E … +4 more , Danckaerts M, Van Liefferinge D, Tripp G, Van der Oord S
J Atten Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41896703 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Theoretical accounts of ADHD predict impaired learning under partial reinforcement and altered behavioral persistence under extinction. One of these theories (Amsel, 1992) postulates increased negative emotion...
OBJECTIVE: Theoretical accounts of ADHD predict impaired learning under partial reinforcement and altered behavioral persistence under extinction. One of these theories (Amsel, 1992) postulates increased negative emotional responding (i.e., frustration) underlies these impairments, but to date emotional responding during instrumental learning has received limited attention. The current experimental study investigated behavioral and emotional responding during an instrumental learning task under different reinforcement schedules. METHODS: Eighty-four children with ADHD and 83 neurotypical children completed a simple instrumental learning task under a continuous (100%), partial (33%) or stretching ratio (i.e., schedule thinning; 100%-33%) reinforcement schedule, followed by a four-minute extinction phase. Negative and positive emotional expressions of the children were assessed during task completion. RESULTS: No group differences were found in either speed of acquisition or behavioral persistence under extinction with the reinforcement schedules applied in the current study. Across groups, partial reinforcement and stretching the ratios resulted in more behavioral persistence compared to continuous reinforcement, supporting the presence of a PREE effect. Children with ADHD showed more negative emotional expressions during both acquisition and extinction, irrespective of reinforcement condition. No diagnostic group or condition differences were found in the number of positive emotional expressions. CONCLUSION: Findings may have implications for instrumental learning based psychosocial treatments for children with ADHD, as their efficacy can be impacted by increased emotional responding.
The Relationship Between Inhibitory Control of Attention and fMRI Functional Connectivity in Children With and Without ADHD.
Harkness K, Wilms M, Godfrey KJ … +2 more , Bray S, Murias K
J Atten Disord · 2026 Jun · PMID 41896702 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Attention abilities can be represented within the population as a spectrum from low to high ability. Attention deficits are present in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders, including as a primary sympto...
INTRODUCTION: Attention abilities can be represented within the population as a spectrum from low to high ability. Attention deficits are present in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders, including as a primary symptom of ADHD. When evaluating the relationship between brain networks and attention abilities, it is important to know whether this relationship is mediated by diagnosis to understand processes that contribute to disability and to determine if attention can appropriately be studied transdiagnostically. Functional connectivity (FC) within the brain has been studied in association with inhibitory attention and ADHD diagnosis separately, but it is unclear whether the relationship between inhibitory attention and FC is altered in individuals with ADHD. METHODS: We evaluated whether the relationship between inhibitory attention, as measured by the Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention test, and FC was impacted by ADHD diagnostic status in children age 9 to 10 using the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) database. RESULTS: We found that, although there were significant associations between FC and both ADHD diagnosis and attention, the interaction between attention and diagnostic group was not significantly associated with functional connectivity. CONCLUSION: These results support that the relationship between attention and FC is not mediated by ADHD diagnosis and thus provides evidence for a transdiagnostic-dimensional relationship between FC and inhibitory attention.
Cardiovascular Medicine Use Among Adults With ADHD: A Nationwide Study in Australia.
Araki M, Zoega H, Gillies M … +5 more , Falster MO, Peiris D, Pearson SA, Larsson H, Costa JO
J Atten Disord · 2026 Jun · PMID 41896519 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Despite cardiovascular conditions being common in adults with ADHD, data on patterns of cardiovascular medicine use in this population are scarce. METHODS: Using dispensing claims for a 10% random sample of A...
BACKGROUND: Despite cardiovascular conditions being common in adults with ADHD, data on patterns of cardiovascular medicine use in this population are scarce. METHODS: Using dispensing claims for a 10% random sample of Australians, this population-based study comprised 14,753 adults with ADHD (defined as having ≥2 ADHD medicine dispensings in 2012-2020) who were 1:4 sex- and age-matched with 59,012 adults without ADHD (no ADHD dispensings). We estimated the prevalence of cardiovascular medicine use in 2021 among adults with and without ADHD, overall and by medicine type, sex, and age. Using Poisson regression, we calculated age- and sex-adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess associations. RESULTS: Overall cardiovascular medicine use was more prevalent among adults with ADHD than those without (16.5% vs. 10.0%, aPR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.6, 1.7]), with the highest difference among those aged 18 to 29 years (aPR = 2.8, 95% CI [2.4, 3.1]). We observed increased differences in use of propranolol (3.2% vs. 0.7%), loop diuretics (0.8% vs. 0.4%), potassium-sparing diuretics (0.9% vs. 0.4%), cardiac therapy (0.8% vs. 0.5%), and antithrombotic agents (2.2% vs. 1.4%). Among females, we noted associations of ADHD with specific diuretic subgroups (loop, aPR = 2.8, 95% CI [2.1, 3.7]; potassium-sparing, aPR = 2.5, 95% CI [1.9, 3.3]). CONCLUSION: We identified an elevated prevalence of cardiovascular medicine use among adults with ADHD, particularly among younger people. We also observed distinct patterns in specific medicine use between sexes, suggesting potential sex-specific effect modification. Our findings underscore the importance of regular monitoring and management of cardiovascular health among people with ADHD across the lifespan.
Metacognitive Ratings on Cognitive Tasks: Task Difficulty and Effort Rating Differences in Children With ADHD and Neurotypical Children.
Torres AP, Toplak ME
J Atten Disord · 2026 Aug · PMID 41889063 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: The role of metacognitive monitoring, or the subjective evaluation of performance during cognitive tasks, has been less well studied in children with ADHD compared to accuracy or performance on these tasks. Gi...
OBJECTIVE: The role of metacognitive monitoring, or the subjective evaluation of performance during cognitive tasks, has been less well studied in children with ADHD compared to accuracy or performance on these tasks. Given that children with ADHD often display lower performance on cognitive tasks, particularly those involving executive attention and control, we examined whether metacognitive monitoring differed between children with ADHD and neurotypical children. METHOD: Eighty children aged 8-12 years (38 with ADHD, 42 neurotypical) completed a battery of cognitive tasks, including measures of intelligence, executive functioning (set-shifting and interference control), and an unstructured performance task (UPT). After each task, participants provided ratings of task difficulty and effort (how hard they tried). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Children with ADHD reported overall lower effort across cognitive tasks compared to neurotypical children; however, no group differences were found on task difficulty ratings. Metacognitive ratings of effort were significantly associated across performance tasks, suggesting that the degree of trying may reflect a trait-level factor. Ratings of task difficulty were generally weakly associated, suggesting ratings are influenced by task-specific factors. Metacognitive ratings of effort and task difficulty were not correlated, and these ratings were also distinct from task performance, with generally weak, non-significant associations. Metacognitive ratings of effort, not ratings of task difficulty, predict difficulties experienced by children with ADHD, beyond what is captured by performance on these tasks alone.
Randomised Controlled Trial of Gaze-Based Attention Training Intervention for Infants With a Family History of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Follow-up Outcomes at 2 and 3 Years.
Goodwin A, Jones EJ, Charman T … +14 more , Begum-Ali J, Pasco G, Mason L, Holman R, Salomone S, Hendry A, Bazelmans T, Smith TJ, Sonuga-Barke EJ, Bolton P, Wass S, Pickles A, Johnson MH, INTERSTAARS Team
J Atten Disord · 2026 Jul · PMID 41889019 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: A previous randomised controlled trial of a computerised gaze-contingent attention training for 9-to-16-month infants with a family history of ADHD (intervention, = 20; control, = 23) found no endpoint diffe...
OBJECTIVE: A previous randomised controlled trial of a computerised gaze-contingent attention training for 9-to-16-month infants with a family history of ADHD (intervention, = 20; control, = 23) found no endpoint differences on the primary outcome (an eye-tracking composite score of infant attention) nor on secondary outcomes (parent and observer ratings of infant attention in naturalistic contexts). METHOD: Here, we report follow-up at age 2 and 3 years to examine whether there are longer-term effects of the training. The pre-specified primary outcome was parent-reported early ADHD traits. Secondary outcomes included parent-report of inhibitory control and attention; researcher-rated observational measures of attentiveness, activity level and inhibition; and eye-tracking measures of cognitive control, attention disengagement and sustained attention. RESULTS: At follow-up there was no intervention effect on the primary outcome parent-rated ADHD behaviours (effect size [ES] -0.28, 95% CIs -0.95 to 0.39). Secondary parent- and researcher-rated child behaviour and eye-tracking attention outcomes also did not significantly differ between the groups. The largest positive, albeit non-significant, effects were for the secondary outcomes parent-rated inhibitory control (ES = 0.42 (95% CIs -0.09 to 0.94) and the composite eye-tracking measure (ES = 0.40 (95% CIs -0.15 to 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the feasibility of conducting experimental trials targeting early emerging ADHD characteristics in infancy. The intervention did not lead to significant differences in parent- or researcher-rated early ADHD behaviours or eye-tracking measures of attention control. However, the trend for long-term effects on CBQ inhibition, the attention composite and sustained attention justifies further interest. Further development and modification of the attention training may be necessary to test whether the approach holds promise as a potential pre-emptive intervention for infants with an elevated likelihood of ADHD.
Differences in Social Anxiety and Friendship Quality Among Adolescents With ADHD and Their Typically Developing Peers.
Mohamed Elashram RE, Bashshar AMAA, El-Fiky MMAA … +1 more , Mousa MMA
J Atten Disord · 2026 Aug · PMID 41889016 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study examined differences in social anxiety and friendship quality between Egyptian adolescents diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their typically developing (TD) peers. I...
OBJECTIVE: This study examined differences in social anxiety and friendship quality between Egyptian adolescents diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their typically developing (TD) peers. It further investigated gender differences within the ADHD group and examined whether participant group (ADHD vs. TD) moderates the direction and strength of this relationship. METHODS: The sample included 383 adolescents aged 13-17 years (M = 15.03, = 1.44), comprising 173 adolescents diagnosed with ADHD and 210 TD peers. Using a comparative descriptive design, participants completed two culturally adapted measures assessing social anxiety and friendship quality. RESULTS: Results indicated that the participant group did not significantly moderate the association between social anxiety and friendship quality. Adolescents with ADHD reported higher social anxiety and lower friendship quality than TD peers. No gender differences emerged for social anxiety; however, girls with ADHD reported higher friendship quality than boys, particularly in the domains of support, closeness, and conflict resolution. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the presence of significant social-emotional challenges among Egyptian adolescents with ADHD and suggest the importance of future research to determine whether culturally adapted interventions would enhance treatment outcomes compared to standard evidence-based approaches in this population.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-Related Strengths in Adults: A Scoping Review.
Rafael RB, Jia H, Rouel M … +2 more , Wootton BM, Mitchison D
J Atten Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41889015 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Increasingly, people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), their clinicians, and others have called for strengths-based approaches in the understanding of ADHD. A comprehensive and systematic...
OBJECTIVES: Increasingly, people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), their clinicians, and others have called for strengths-based approaches in the understanding of ADHD. A comprehensive and systematic review of ADHD-related strengths has not previously been published. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a scoping review to determine the extent and type of empirical qualitative and quantitative research about strengths that may be related to ADHD in adults. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for published research. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, PsyArXiv, and other websites were searched for unpublished studies or grey literature. RESULTS: A total of 125 studies were included (61 qualitative studies, 59 quantitative studies, 5 mixed methods studies). Most studies examined ADHD-related strengths a-priori ( = 88; 70%). The majority studied ADHD strengths or experiences in general terms ( = 68; 54%), rather than focussing on a specific strength or characteristic. It was observed that typical ADHD characteristics were sometimes perceived or redefined as strengths: or positive differences in attentional ability ( = 52; 42%), or positive differences in activity levels ( = 33; 26%), and or positive aspects of impulsivity ( = 19; 15%). Other strengths identified across studies included: creativity ( = 82; 66%), prosocial attributes ( = 39; 31%), entrepreneurship ( = 14; 11%), resilience ( = 16; 13%), flexibility ( = 14; 11%), uniqueness ( = 16; 13%), and other characteristics ( = 24; 19%). CONCLUSIONS: Further research will help mental health professionals support people with ADHD through their challenges while helping them develop and utilise their strengths in contexts where they are most likely to flourish.Pre-registration:https://osf.io/43nd9.
"Controlled by Female Hormones": A Qualitative Interview Study of Swedish Women's Experiences of Gender-Specific Aspects of Life With ADHD.
McTaggart J, Thorell LB, Borg Skoglund C … +2 more , Envall N, Kopp Kallner H
J Atten Disord · 2026 Jun · PMID 41889008 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: There is limited knowledge about how female specific factors such as fluctuating sex hormones influence symptom display and health-related conditions that are unique to, or more prevalent in females with ADHD....
OBJECTIVE: There is limited knowledge about how female specific factors such as fluctuating sex hormones influence symptom display and health-related conditions that are unique to, or more prevalent in females with ADHD. This study aims to investigate how women of reproductive age with ADHD experience their ADHD symptoms and well-being in relation to hormonal fluctuations, and secondly, how they perceive hormonal and reproductive counseling in healthcare. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 women with ADHD and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the analysis; (1) Controlled by female hormones, (2) Frustration with lack of knowledge/understanding, and (3) Living with ADHD and comorbidities. Many women have experienced challenges and fluctuations related to hormonal changes during their menstrual cycles and in different stages of life. Using hormones to stabilize mood and impulsivity and adjusting stimulant doses were suggested as potential solutions. Participants expressed frustration about the lack of knowledge, interest, and understanding from healthcare professionals regarding ADHD and how hormones influenced symptoms of ADHD and comorbidities in women. CONCLUSION: This qualitative study highlights the impact of cyclical hormonal fluctuations on daily functioning across the menstrual cycle. Specifically, participants reported cyclic patterns of high energy and productivity related to ovulation followed by low energy and difficulty managing tasks in the premenstrual week. This aligns with clinical experience, anecdotal evidence, and limited literature that suggest that women with ADHD may be particularly vulnerable to hormonal fluctuations. Our findings suggest that especially the premenstrual phase is a challenging time for women with ADHD. Our results emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to improve their understanding of the role sex hormones and the menstrual cycle play in female ADHD. The potential effect of adjusting ADHD medication dosage and introducing hormonal treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women with ADHD should be further explored.
The Relationship Between ADHD Symptom Severity and Sleep Disturbance Using Accelerometer and the Subjective Sleep Disturbance Scale.
Patel B, Tyrka A, Lewis-de Los Angeles W
J Atten Disord · 2026 Aug · PMID 41883200 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: There is limited evidence regarding the relationship between the severity of ADHD symptoms and the level of sleep disruption in early adolescent children. This study aimed to better understand this relationshi...
OBJECTIVE: There is limited evidence regarding the relationship between the severity of ADHD symptoms and the level of sleep disruption in early adolescent children. This study aimed to better understand this relationship by studying early adolescents from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study at the 2-year follow-up visit (mean age 12.0, = 4,414). METHODS: The "Attention Problems" scale of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to measure the severity of ADHD symptoms for study participants. Sleep was assessed both subjectively with the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) via parent report and objectively by wrist-worn accelerometer assessment of sleep duration. RESULTS: Total sleep disturbance showed a moderate positive correlation with ADHD symptoms ( = .41, < .001). In contrast, there was only a very small negative correlation between accelerometer-measured sleep duration and ADHD symptoms ( = -.05, < .001). Multivariate linear regression with total SDSC score as the dependent variable, adjusting for demographics, medication use, and puberty stage, showed a positive association of ADHD symptoms with total SDSC score (β = .41, 95% CI [0.38-0.44]; < .001). A longitudinal linear mixed-effects model analysis with total SDSC score as the dependent variable also showed a positive association with ADHD symptoms with total SDSC score (β = .34, 95% CI [0.32-0.35]; < .001). In contrast, multivariate linear regression with total sleep duration (in minutes) as the dependent variable showed only a very small negative association (β = -.03, 95% CI [-0.0-0.00]; < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that increased severity of ADHD symptoms is associated with worse sleep disturbance as measured by subjective parent reports; however, there is a very weak relationship between ADHD symptoms and objectively measured total sleep duration. The contrasting results are consistent with prior literature, and could be due to unmeasured variables such as deep sleep percentage or non-REM EEG delta wave power that are not captured by actigraphy. Alternatively, there is the possibility of mono-informant bias, as both the CBCL and SDSC are parent-reported, and parents may perceive relationship between worse ADHD symptoms and worse sleep disturbances, though the difference is objectively negligible.
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