April 3rd 2025
View our Q1 2025 recap of standout pediatric news from FDA regulatory updates, clinical trial results, and expert commentary.
FDA permits marketing of device to improve attention function in kids with ADHD
June 17th 2020The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permitted marketing for the EndeavorRx, a game-based digital device meant to improve attention function in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Learning to drive poses extra risks for teens with attention problems
January 8th 2020Teenagers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or parent-reported “trouble staying focused” are poorer drivers and make more driving errors than their peers during the teenagers’ learning permit period according to recent survey data.
Genetic link ties ADHD risk to maternal age
December 5th 2019A new study reveals that mothers who are aged younger than 20 years when their first child is born were more likely to have a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and researchers suggest maternal age and other genetic factors may be the cause.
More support for ADHD and acetaminophen use in pregnancy connection
November 14th 2019For years, researchers have raised concerns about acetaminophen use during pregnancy, now a new study that used cord blood to measure acetaminophen levels at birth links the commonly used medication to later ADHD and autism diagnoses.
6 pitfalls to avoid in managing ADHD
August 7th 2019Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may affect a significant number of children in a pediatric practice. This article reviews diagnostic criteria, comorbidities, and complications of ADHD as well as pitfalls that confront the treating pediatrician.
Is the end of evidence-based guidelines near?
November 26th 2017Dr. Bass’ recent article in Contemporary Pediatrics, “Personalized medicine, right drug, right patient, right time,” provides a miniature but profound view of what may be the future of pediatric healthcare: focusing on healthcare that is truly individualized through precision science in the areas of diagnosis and treatment, rather than generalized, population-based treatment guidelines.
Adverse childhood experiences are linked to ADHD
July 1st 2017Diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at age 9 years is associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), according to an analysis of data for 1572 children who are part of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) birth cohort.
Possible link between unhealthy prenatal diet and ADHD
January 1st 2017A longitudinal study examined the relationship between prenatal or postnatal high-fat, high-sugar diet and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children who demonstrated either early-onset persistent conduct disorder or minimal conduct problems.
What ADHD therapies increase drug abuse risk?
August 9th 2016Despite concerns about ADHD stimulant therapy as a gateway for future drug abuse, a new study shows that teens treated with stimulants later and for shorter durations, and those treated with non-stimulant medications, have higher rates of later drug abuse than their peers who have used stimulant therapy longer.
Kids losing ASD diagnosis still need ongoing care
June 9th 2015Children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during their toddler years may be able lose the designation as they grow up but will continue to have certain ongoing behavioral and special education needs, according to a new study.
First national study of ADHD therapy in kids
April 14th 2015Fewer than half of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were receiving behavior therapy just before the American Academy of Pediatrics released clinical practice guidelines in 2011, according to the first national study of behavior therapy, medication, and dietary supplements to treat ADHD in children aged 4 to 17 years.
AAP offers guidance on ADHD and substance abuse
July 10th 2014Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are more likely than their peers to develop problems with substance abuse, the American Academy of Pediatrics says in a new clinical report that outlines strategies for reducing the risk.
Are we medicalizing “the terrible 2s”?
July 1st 2014The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been monitoring the prevalence of diagnosed and medicated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children aged 4 to 17 years since 1997, and the evolving data show rates for both measures have been rising steadily and more dramatically in recent years.