Wednesday, April 12, 2023

What's driving the demand for ADHD drugs like Adderall

Plus more health news |

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Why ADHD diagnoses are on the rise
By Jamie Ducharme
Health Correspondent

When a medical condition suddenly starts to become more common, it’s fair to assume that’s not a great sign—it usually means more people are getting sick. But when I asked experts about pandemic-era increases in diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they told me it wasn’t so black-and-white.

There are some potentially concerning explanations for the apparent spike in ADHD. The pandemic may have exacerbated concentration issues, social media posts may be misleading some people into thinking they have ADHD, or the rise of telehealth may be contributing to rampant over-diagnosis. But there’s also an encouraging potential explanation, experts told me.

For decades, clinicians thought of ADHD as a condition that primarily affects young boys, which caused many girls and adults to slip through the cracks. The current rise in diagnoses could be a sign that doctors are, at last, recognizing that people of any background can be affected—and deserve appropriate treatment.

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ONE LAST READ
Small acts of kindness count more than ever

If you have a free moment today, text a friend, strike up a conversation with a stranger, or send someone a note of thanks.

These small acts of kindness matter more than we might assume, Allie Volpe writes in Vox. Talking ourselves out of them deprives both us and the person on the other end—and is a missed opportunity for meaningful social connection.

Read More »

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Today's newsletter was written by Jamie Ducharme and Angela Haupt, and edited by Mandy Oaklander.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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