Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.

ADHD medications have been in the news a lot lately, especially stimulants.

In this bonus episode of Hyperfocus, host and mental health journalist Rae Jacobson talks about two U.S. policy items that could affect people with ADHD.

First, an executive order from February 13 established the “Make America Healthy Again Commission.” The executive order specifically mentions ADHD and the rise in diagnoses and medication usage among children.

The order also requires the commission to “assess the prevalence of and threat posed by the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants, and weight-loss drugs.”

Dr. Andy Kahn, a licensed psychologist, joins Rae to discuss the notion that people with ADHD, especially kids, are overmedicated.

Plus, Rae discusses proposed regulatory changes for controlled substances, including ADHD stimulants.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) issued its proposal on January 17, before the current administration took office. If accepted, the proposed changes would affect telehealth prescriptions for ADHD stimulant medications. The DEA is accepting comments through March 18.

Related resources

Timestamps

(0:38) What does the new executive order say about ADHD?

(4:04) What does “overmedicated” mean today?

(6:08) On stigma and ADHD

(9:56) What is the new DEA telehealth proposal?

For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the Hyperfocus episode page on Understood.

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org.

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