1. Ahmadian-Moghadam S, Roshan-Milani S, Saboory E. Prenatal stress, excitatory-inhibitory imbalance, and ADHD risk: a hypothesis-driven perspective on psilocybin-induced neuroplasticity. Transl Psychiatry;2026 (Jun 5)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition in which prenatal stress and long-lasting disruptions of excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance have been implicated as key vulnerability factors. Although established pharmacological and behavioral treatments are effective for many individuals, they are not universally successful and do not directly target upstream neurodevelopmental mechanisms. In this hypothesis-driven perspective, we examine whether psilocybin-induced neuroplasticity could theoretically modulate stress-related neurodevelopmental risk pathways relevant to ADHD. Rather than presenting psilocybin as an evidence-based intervention, we synthesize findings from related preclinical and clinical literatures to explore conceptual plausibility. Preclinical studies in non-ADHD models indicate that psilocybin can induce rapid and sustained synaptic plasticity, alter cortical E/I dynamics, and reverse stress-associated structural and functional alterations. Human clinical trials in adults-primarily in mood, trauma-related, and substance use disorders-demonstrate durable changes in emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and large-scale brain network organization, processes that overlap with neural systems implicated in ADHD. Research into the use of psilocybin for ADHD is in its early stages, with emerging, largely self-reported, and preliminary studies suggesting potential benefits for managing symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. We therefore frame psilocybin as a speculative (secondary/tertiary) approach that could, in principle, be explored to probe mechanisms of E/I rebalancing and neuroplasticity. Key mechanistic uncertainties-including the state-dependent effects of psilocybin on excitation and inhibition and the possibility of exacerbating existing imbalances-are explicitly discussed. Ethical and developmental considerations, particularly regarding vulnerable populations, are emphasized as critical constraints on translation. Finally, we propose a translational research roadmap encompassing preclinical prenatal-stress models, biomarker-driven pilot studies in ADHD, and multimodal outcome measures integrating neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and molecular indices. By clearly distinguishing established evidence from hypothesis, this perspective aims to stimulate rigorous and ethically grounded research rather than to advocate premature clinical application.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Kardaş B, Kardaş Ö, Tahıllıoğlu A. Cognitive disengagement syndrome has a contributory role in the association between inattention and eveningness chronotype in children and adolescents with ADHD. Child Neuropsychol;2026 (Jun 6):1-20.

This study aimed to examine the associations between cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), chronotype, and Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptomatology in children and adolescents, and to identify whether different ADHD presentations show distinct profiles in terms of CDS severity and chronotype preference. The sample included 99 children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years, evenly divided into three groups: ADHD-inattentive presentation (ADHD-I; n = 33), ADHD-combined presentation (n = 33), and typically developing controls (TDC; n = 33). The assessment was conducted using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children. Turgay DSM-IV-Based Disruptive Disorders Rating Scale, Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Scale, Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and Children’s Chronotype Questionnaire were completed by mothers. There were significant group differences in CDS (F = 3.762, p = 0.027) and chronotype (F = 4.709, p = 0.011) scores. Post hoc analysis showed that the ADHD-I group had significantly higher eveningness scores compared to the TDCs (p = 0.014). CDS symptoms, particularly daytime sleepiness, were positively correlated with eveningness (r = 0.461, p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis revealed that inattention was significantly associated with eveningness chronotype (B = 0.20, p = 0.02), and CDS symptoms also emerged as a significant predictor (B = 0.20, p = 0.003). Daytime sleepiness partially mediated the association between inattention and eveningness symptoms (B = 0.09, p < 0.01), even after controlling for age and gender. The findings suggest that CDS symptoms, particularly daytime sleepiness, may play a contributory role in the association between inattention and eveningness chronotype in youth with ADHD. Incorporating chronotype and CDS features into clinical assessment may enhance understanding of attentional profiles and guide targeted behavioral or chronobiological interventions.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Lafarge D, Charbit J, Lamer A, Trimbur M, Carton L. Barriers to prescribing methylphenidate for adults with ADHD: A qualitative study. Therapie;2026 (May 13)

CONTEXT: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 2.5% of the adult population. In France, the pharmacological management of adults with ADHD is mainly based on methylphenidate, a medication for which the initial prescription and annual renewal must be carried out by a specialist such as a psychiatrist or a neurologist. Despite the high prevalence of this disorder, the prescription of methylphenidate by psychiatrists remains limited. We therefore aimed to explore the barriers to prescribing methylphenidate by psychiatrists for adults with ADHD. METHOD: A qualitative study using semistructured individual interviews was conducted between June and July 2025 with psychiatrists working in the Hauts-de-France region, France. The data were transcribed, coded and analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS: Ten psychiatrists were interviewed, with a diversity of profiles in terms of age and type of practice. Three main themes emerged as barriers to prescribing. First, participants reported a lack of knowledge about the disorder and its management. Second, they described uncertainty regarding possible differential diagnoses, as well as therapeutic constraints in the presence of psychiatric or substance use comorbidities. Finally, they highlighted the time-consuming nature of the diagnosis and management of this disorder. Other aspects were also mentioned including delays in accessing cardiology consultations, some patients’ reluctance regarding drug treatment, the occurrence of adverse drug reactions, and medication shortages. CONCLUSION: In light of the identified barriers, strengthening professional training, providing adult-specific prescribing guidelines, and structuring the care pathway appear to be key levers to improve access to care.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Mercier A, Paquette B, Hoeft F, Richter CG. Caregiver perceptions of online peer mentoring for youth with learning differences. Sci Rep;2026 (Jun 5);16(1)

Youth with learning differences (e.g., specific learning disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) encounter exacerbated psychological and behavioral challenges compared to typically developing peers. Peer mentoring has been shown to be beneficial in addressing such challenges, yet there is limited research on online peer mentorship programs for this population. This study investigates the perceived benefits of an online peer mentoring program on mentees’ mental health, well-being, and behavior across 10 outcomes: anxiety, depression, fear, cognitive challenges, behavioral concerns, executive function, sleep difficulties, self-care, interpersonal skills, and self-esteem/self-confidence. Caregivers retrospectively reported on their child’s mental health, well-being, and behavior prior to and since receiving online mentorship. Results indicated significant caregiver-reported improvements across all outcomes following online mentorship. Interpretation of the findings is limited by the study’s retrospective design and absence of a control group. Overall, findings indicate an association between participation in online peer mentorship programs and improved caregiver-perceived outcomes, suggesting its potential as a supportive tool for youth with learning differences.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Pimentel SD, Sun LS, Campbell CI, Li S, Edelman D, Walsh EM, Croen LA, Comer SD, Hedderson M, Ames JL, Salorio CF, Barzilay R, Kuzniewicz MW. Does opioid replacement therapy for infants with prenatal opioid exposure modify the risk of ADHD in childhood? A matched cohort analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend;2026 (May 28);285:113222.

IMPORTANCE: Prenatal opioid exposure (POE) in infants has been associated with increased risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Does opioid replacement therapy (ORT) in infants after delivery amplify adverse impact of POE? If so, this should inform clinical decision-making about ORT. OBJECTIVE: Assess how ORT modifies effects of POE on ADHD risk. DESIGN: Matched cohort study in a birth cohort (2010-2019). Each POE child is matched to 5 unexposed controls, balancing covariates within ORT and non-ORT POE subgroups. SETTING: A large integrated Northern California health system. PARTICIPANTS: Child/mother dyads with children born at 35 weeks or later without congenital anomalies. EXPOSURE(S): POE was determined by dispensed opioid prescriptions from pharmacy records, urine drug screens, and chart review. ORT was determined using electronic administration records. MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S): ADHD, defined as the combination of an ICD-9/ICD-10 diagnosis code and two dispenses of ADHD medication. RESULTS: Overall ADHD incidence was 1.0% (median event age 7 years, median follow-up time 5.9 years). 280 matched sets comparing infants with ORT to matched controls (without POE) exhibited a 0.1% risk difference for ADHD. 2986 matched sets comparing infants with POE but not ORT to matched controls exhibited a 0.7% risk difference. The difference between these effects was not significant (95% confidence interval: -1.9%,0.8%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our analysis reveals no evidence that ORT modifies detrimental impacts of POE on ADHD susceptibility, although short follow-up times limited outcome ascertainment. These findings suggested cautious optimism in response to concerns about whether ORT may exacerbate effects of POE.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Zhang YQ, Yang Q, Tu HX, Moryani HT, He WT, Huang JW, Zhou DY, Zhang YT, Liang LX, Zhou Y, Lin LZ, Bao WW, Dong GH, Chen XG, Liu RQ. Particulate matter-bound metals and chlorinated paraffins co-exposure: A population-based study on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Chinese youth. J Hazard Mater;2026 (May 22);514:142463.

Recent studies have indicated that heavy metals and chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, evidence regarding their potential combined effects remains limited. To investigate the joint associations of heavy metals and CPs with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, we recruited 122,965 participants under 18 from the Pearl River Delta in China. We measured concentrations of six heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg, Mn and Ni) and three types of CPs (SCCPs, MCCPs and LCCPs) in atmospheric particulate matter (PM(2.5)) samples. ADHD symptoms was defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria. Generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs) were used to evaluate the associations between individual pollutants and ADHD symptoms. We investigated the combined effects using a weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model and examined potential interactions through both multiplicative and additive models. In single-pollutant models, all metals and CPs demonstrated significant positive associations with ADHD symptoms. Additive interaction analyses revealed significant synergistic effects between heavy metals and CPs, particularly between SCCPs and Mn (RERI = 4.63, 95% CI: 4.38, 4.88) and between SCCPs and Pb (RERI = 4.15, 95% CI: 3.92, 4.39). WQS analysis demonstrated a positive association between mixed exposure and ADHD symptoms, with Mn, Pb, and SCCPs as the main contributors. Boys and children younger than 12 years were more susceptible to these combined effects. These findings suggest that heavy metals and CPs may exert synergistic effects on the odds of ADHD symptoms, highlighting the importance of coordinated regulatory strategies targeting both pollutants.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)