1. Chua IJJ, Salmon C, Vinnicombe J, Bowen J, McNicholas F, Adamis D, Jayasooriya T, Das S, Johnson K. ADHD symptom manifestation in adulthood: moving beyond conceptualisations of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Ir J Psychol Med;2026 (Feb 5):1-8.

OBJECTIVES: Screening tools for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) help to identify individuals likely to have ADHD. Several screening scales are used for identifying adults with ADHD, based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The ADHD symptoms described in the DSM were originally developed to describe the behaviours of children, not adults, and focus on the triad of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Clinical research and experience, however, have revealed additional dimensions of adult ADHD, such as hyperfocus, racing thoughts, emotional lability, impaired sleep, and differences in time perception. Commensurate with the conditions’ growing recognition, the adult ADHD presentation requires rethinking. METHODS: To understand better the ADHD symptomatology experienced by adults, qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 diagnosed adults. RESULTS: Using thematic analysis, nine themes of adult ADHD symptoms were identified. The first three themes map to the original triad of symptoms – attentional difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. A further three themes identified are briefly mentioned in the DSM – disorganisation, forgetfulness, and reduced activation. The final three themes are covered to some degree in the current rating scales but are absent from the DSM 5 – emotional lability, sleep difficulties, and time perception difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights nine themes relevant to adult ADHD, six of which are absent from the DSM 5’s triad. This research highlights gaps in current assessment tools and suggests symptoms that are more reflective of the adult experience of having ADHD.

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2. Cui J, Sun XL, Shi S, Bai H, Zhang W, Bai WJ. Aniracetam restores the excitation-inhibition balance of neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex of mice with ADHD. Sci Rep;2026 (Feb 5)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood and a common chronic condition among school-aged children. However, the pharmacological mechanisms and pathophysiology of ADHD remain incompletely elucidated. Transmembrane α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor regulatory protein γ-8 (TARP γ-8, also known as calcium voltage-gated channel auxiliary subunit γ8) functions as an auxiliary subunit of AMPA receptors. Previous studies suggest that mice lacking the TARP γ-8 protein may display hyperactivity, impulsivity, and memory deficits, which are hallmarks of ADHD. The nootropic compound aniracetam effectively mitigates ADHD-like symptoms, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, cognitive deficits, and memory impairment, observed in adolescent TARP γ-8 knockout (KO) mice. This investigation explored the therapeutic potential of aniracetam and its underlying molecular mechanisms using TARP γ-8 KO mice as an ADHD model. Through cerebral microdialysis coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis, we identified perturbations in neurotransmitter metabolism in the ADHD model of TARP γ-8 KO mice. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to detect alterations in the expression of key receptor and transporter genes. The results indicate that aniracetam can alleviate ADHD-related behavioral deficits by modulating the excitatory-inhibitory neurotransmitter systems through the modulation of glutamate receptor, γ-Aminobutyric Acid receptor, and monoamine neurotransmitter transporter expression. These findings in a TARP γ-8-deficient ADHD model support further investigation into aniracetam as a potential therapeutic intervention for ADHD, providing novel molecular targets and a theoretical framework for the pharmacological management of ADHD.

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3. Estrada-Araoz EG. [Teacher training and the perception of ADHD in the school setting]. Aten Primaria;2026 (Feb 3);58(4):103451.

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4. Fujiwara H, Nakagawasai O, Suzuki S, Tajima H, Takahashi K, Onogi H, Sakuma W, Tan-No K, Murata K. STAM1-deficient mice exhibit an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-like phenotype. Biochem Biophys Res Commun;2026 (Feb 5);799:153264.

Despite recent abundant studies on animal models of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a complete model remains unestablished. In this study, we investigated the potential of STAM1-deficient mice as a new animal model for ADHD. STAM1-deficient mice escaped from a high platform significantly faster than wild-type mice, indicating ADHD-like impulsivity. Low anxiety-like behavior in STAM1-deficient mice was also confirmed in an elevated plus maze and light and dark compartment test. STAM1-deficient mice also showed a slight increase in locomotor activity, an indicator of ADHD-like hyperactivity, compared to wild-type mice. The ADHD therapeutic agent atomoxetine ameliorated ADHD-like impulsivity observed in STAM1-deficient mice; STAM1-deficient mice treated with the dopamine D(4) receptor antagonist clozapine, but not the dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist haloperidol, showed reduced ADHD-like impulsivity. Additionally, STAM1-deficient mice showed decreased serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus, along with reduced dopamine levels in the caudate putamen. These results indicate that STAM1-deficient mice show ADHD-like symptoms, suggesting the possibility of a new ADHD animal model. Moreover, clozapine may be a new therapeutic agent for ADHD.

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5. Mehrafshan H, Purmohammad M. Executive Function Performance in Bilingual and Monolingual Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a Comparative Analysis of Cold (Inhibitory Control and Cognitive Flexibility) and Hot (Theory of Mind) Executive Functions. Arch Clin Neuropsychol;2026 (Feb 5);41(2)

OBJECTIVE: This research had three main objectives. The first objective was to compare the performance of individuals with ADHD and normal individuals in hot (theory of mind) and cold (cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control) executive functions. The second objective was to compare hot and cold executive functions in bilingual and monolingual individuals. The third objective of the study was to examine the interactive effect of bilingualism and ADHD on hot and cold executive functions. METHODS: To conduct the research, a variety of tools were employed, including the language experience and proficiency questionnaire, socio-economic status questionnaire (SES), Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale, Go/No-Go task, Wisconsin Card Sorting Task, Raven’s Progressive Matrices, and The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test. RESULTS: Individuals with ADHD showed deficits in both hot and cold executive functions. Another finding showed no significant difference between the bilingual and monolingual groups in cold executive functions, but there was a significant difference between the two groups in hot executive functions. Moreover, the results showed that bilingual and monolingual individuals with ADHD did not differ significantly in hot and cold executive functions. CONCLUSION: Individuals with ADHD exhibited impairments in both cold and hot executive functions, whereas bilingualism was associated with better theory-of-mind performance but not with cold executive functions. Critically, no significant interaction between bilingualism and ADHD was observed for any executive function domain, indicating that bilingualism neither mitigated nor exacerbated ADHD-related deficits.

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6. Morandini HAE, Vos SB, Bhoyroo R, Jacques A, Rao P. Clinical and cognitive profile of nigral iron content in children with ADHD. J Affect Disord;2026 (Feb 5);402:121329.

BACKGROUND: ADHD has been associated with impaired central nervous dopaminergic pathways. Brain iron is an essential cofactor for the synthesis of dopamine and the substantia nigra (SN) is a significant pool of dopaminergic neurons playing a central role in the activity of the nigrostriatal pathway. The present study investigated SN iron content in children with ADHD, its relationship with ADHD symptom severity and cognitive performance. METHODS: Neuroimaging and phenotypical data were extracted from the Healthy Brain Network dataset. After initial screening, 54 medication-naïve children with ADHD and 44 neurotypical (NT) children (8-12 year) were included. ADHD symptom severity was extracted from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Parent report and working memory (WM) and inhibitory control scores from the National Institute of Health toolbox. RESULTS: A mixed between-within subjects ANOVA revealed no significant difference in SN iron content between medication-naïve children with ADHD and NT (partial eta squared = 0.001, p = .79). In the ADHD group, Spearman’s correlation revealed a significant inverse relationship between left (r = -0.38; p < .01) and right (r = -0.33; p = .01) SN iron content and CBCL Attention Problems T score, while in the NT group left SN iron content significantly correlated with inhibitory control (r = 0.36; p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no difference in nigral iron content between both groups, higher SN iron content was associated with lower attention problems in children with ADHD and higher SN iron content was associated with better inhibitory control in NT children.

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7. Pyszkowska A, Nowacki A, Dziura N. Game on but pay the price: Hyperfocus, flow, escapism, self-efficacy, and burnout among video gamers with ADHD traits. Res Dev Disabil;2026 (Feb 5);170:105241.

Hyperfocus-an intense, uncontrollable state of attention-has gained attention for its dual adaptive and maladaptive outcomes and its potential role in gaming experience. Although distinguishing hyperfocus from flow during gameplay may be challenging, their predictive factors (e.g., escapism motivation) and consequences (e.g., burnout, self-efficacy) may differentiate the two constructs. However, the distinction between hyperfocus and flow in gaming contexts – particularly regarding their psychological outcomes and statistical predictors – remains insufficiently understood. The aims of this study were to a) establish possible differences in hyperfocus and flow as potential predictors of negative (cognitive, emotional burnout) and positive (self-efficacy) psychological outcomes among adult video gamers with ADHD traits, and b) compare these outcomes between individuals with a formal ADHD diagnosis and with an ADHD self-diagnosis. Data from 310 participants with ADHD traits were analyzed. First, an exploratory correlation analysis was conducted. Then, the relationships between hyperfocus, flow, escapism motivation, self-efficacy, and burnout were compared between persons with a formal ADHD diagnosis (N = 174) and self-diagnosis (N = 136) using the Mann-Whitney test, network analysis, and two PLS-SEM models. Flow and hyperfocus differed in both predictors and outcomes, with flow associated with greater self-efficacy and hyperfocus predicting higher burnout. Group comparisons indicated complex patterns: self-suppression escapism predicted flow only in the self-diagnosis group, while also predicting hyperfocus in both groups. Hyperfocus and flow emerge as qualitatively distinct states with different predictors and consequences. Furthermore, systematic differences between formally diagnosed and self-diagnosed individuals with ADHD traits underscore the necessity of distinguishing these subgroups in research on ADHD-related experiences.

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8. Teke H, Artik A, Gunduz BO, Azizagaoglu C, Kutluturk K, Erden N, Atas E, Congologlu MA. Fibromyalgia and its psychosocial determinants in mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A controlled cross-sectional study. J Psychosom Res;2026 (Feb 3);203:112561.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) and its psychosocial correlates in mothers of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), compared with mothers of healthy peers. METHODS: This controlled cross-sectional study included 81 mothers of children with ADHD and 80 mothers of typically developing peers. FM was evaluated according to the American College of Rheumatology 2016 criteria. Psychometric evaluations included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), along with a structured sociodemographic form. Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of FM. RESULTS: FM prevalence was significantly higher in mothers of children with ADHD compared with controls (38.3% vs. 7.5%, p < 0.001). Mothers in the ADHD group also reported markedly elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms. In univariate analyses, higher maternal anxiety, depressive symptoms, autistic traits, and a history of psychiatric disorder were associated with FM. In the fully adjusted model, however, only higher maternal anxiety and older child age remained independent predictors of FM in the ADHD group. When the full sample was analyzed, having a child with ADHD was also independently associated with maternal FM. FM severity demonstrated moderate positive correlations with anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: Mothers of children with ADHD constitute a high-risk group for FM, likely driven by chronic caregiving stress and associated psychological burden. Routine screening and early psychosocial support interventions targeting parental mental health may help prevent or mitigate FM-related disability in this vulnerable population.

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9. Vestergaard M, Faergemann Hansen R, Thomsen PH, Hoiberg Bentsen A, Falch-Joergensen AC. Comorbidities and comedication among individuals in treatment for ADHD: a Danish nationwide study. BMC Psychiatry;2026 (Feb 4)

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of comorbidities and the use of psychiatric comedication among individuals in medical treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in comparison to a matched control group from the general population. METHODS: This nationwide case-control study included 1,082,378 Danish individuals aged 7-64 of whom 98,398 had at least one prescription of ADHD medication during 2023. Data was collected over an observation period spanning from 2013 to 2023. Cases were matched to controls (1:10) from the general population on birth year and sex. Data were obtained and accessed through The Danish Health Data Authority. Associations were estimated using conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS: Somatic and particularly psychiatric comorbidities were more common among individuals in ADHD treatment across all age groups. Among those in ADHD treatment 46.7% had at least one comorbidity compared to 23.3% in the control group. The use of psychiatric comedications (besides ADHD medication) was likewise more common among individuals in ADHD treatment (32.7%) compared to the controls (7.2%). The association estimates from conditional logistic regression revealed a higher likelihood of somatic and psychiatric comorbidities among those in ADHD treatment in all age groups. Females in ADHD treatment had 4.48-4.50 times higher odds of comorbidities compared to females not in ADHD treatment (OR(7 - 17 years) = 4.48, 95% CI: 4.27-4.70; OR(18 - 29 years) = 4.50, 95% CI: 4.37-4.64). Similar patterns were observed for males but with slightly lower ORs (OR(7 - 17 years) = 2.35, 95% CI: 2.27-2.44; OR(18 - 29 years) = 3.38, 95% CI: 3.28-3.50). CONCLUSION: This study reveals that both prevalence of somatic and psychiatric comorbidities and the use of psychiatric comedication are significantly higher among individuals in ADHD treatment. The highest occurrence is seemingly among females aged 7-17 year and 18-29 years. The coexistence of ADHD with other somatic and psychiatric conditions can constitute a more complex disease burden, necessitating enhanced disease management strategies to reduce complications and enhance quality of life. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the temporal association of these results.

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10. Xu S, Zhao C, Hu L. The effects of acute and chronic exercise on executive functions and core symptoms in adults with ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychol Sport Exerc;2026 (Feb 2);84:103088.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of exercise on executive functions and core symptoms in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains unclear. This study aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the effects of both acute and chronic exercise on these outcomes. METHODS: We systematically searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO from inception to April 18, 2025. Studies that implemented acute or chronic exercise interventions targeting either executive functions or core symptoms in adults with ADHD were included. Only parallel-group randomized controlled trials and crossover trials with non-exercise control conditions were eligible for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic review, with eight studies included in the meta-analysis. Acute exercise interventions exerted a moderate positive effect on inhibitory control (Hedges’ g = 0.55, 95% CI [0.32, 0.79], p < 0.001), and a small beneficial effect on core symptoms (Hedges' g = 0.23, 95% CI [0.03, 0.43], p = 0.024) in adults with ADHD. For chronic exercise interventions, qualitative synthesis of existing evidence suggested mixed results, which highlights the need for further research. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence on the potential role of exercise as a nonpharmacological strategy for improving executive functions and core symptoms in adults with ADHD.

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