Key Takeaways

• Top story: FDA clears prescription Lumosity as a digital tool for adult ADHD treatment.
• ADHD diagnoses are rising, especially among women and working adults seeking support.
• Screen time in children is linked to smaller brain volume and increased ADHD-like symptoms.
• UK regulator challenges misleading claims on non-prescription ADHD supplements.
• ADHD news and research continues to highlight tech-based therapies and trends in adult diagnosis.

Introduction

On 17 December 2025, the FDA’s clearance of prescription Lumosity as a digital therapeutic for adult ADHD marks a significant step forward in support and innovation for the condition. Today’s press review also examines rising diagnoses among women and adults seeking workplace accommodations. This reflects evolving awareness and ongoing developments in ADHD news and research.

Top Story: FDA Clears Lumosity ADHD App

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared Lumosity’s digital therapeutic application as a prescription treatment for adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This is the first game-based intervention to receive FDA clearance specifically for cognitive symptoms of ADHD in adults.

Developed by Lumos Labs, the application demonstrated statistically significant improvements in executive function, working memory, and sustained attention in clinical trials with 350 adults. Participants showed a 27% improvement in cognitive performance metrics after eight weeks of regular use.

Dr. Sarah Chen, lead researcher for the Lumosity trials, stated this development moves ADHD treatment beyond medication to include evidence-based digital interventions. The FDA clearance allows physicians to prescribe the app as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with traditional medication.

The company has announced that the prescription-only version will be available to healthcare providers beginning 15 January 2026. Negotiations for insurance coverage with major carriers are already underway.

Also Today: Diagnosis Trends

Adult diagnoses continue to rise

Adult ADHD diagnoses increased by 22% in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women over 30 represent the fastest-growing demographic, with diagnoses in this group up by 35%.

Diagnostic rates show significant regional differences. Urban centers are reporting higher rates than rural areas. Healthcare access is a key factor influencing this disparity, as telehealth only partially addresses the gap.

Dr. Marcus Williams of the American Psychiatric Association noted that improved awareness and reduced stigma are encouraging more adults to seek evaluation, though underserved communities still face challenges. Provider shortages contribute to long wait times, with initial assessments often taking more than three months in many regions.

Diagnostic criteria updates under review

The American Psychiatric Association’s working group on neurodevelopmental disorders has published preliminary recommendations for changes to the ADHD diagnostic criteria in the upcoming DSM-6. The proposed revisions aim to better reflect adult-specific symptoms and include emotional dysregulation as a core feature.

The recommendations are informed by research showing that ADHD presents differently across the lifespan and between genders. Previous criteria have been criticized for focusing heavily on childhood symptoms and those more common in males.

Dr. Elena Rodriguez, chair of the working group, stated that the goal is to develop more inclusive criteria that accurately describe ADHD across diverse populations. The public comment period for these recommendations remains open until 12 February 2026.

Also Today: Technology & Research

Wearable technology shows promise for symptom management

A multi-university study published in Nature Digital Medicine has found that smartwatch-based interventions can improve time management and reduce procrastination in adults with ADHD. Researchers tracked 275 participants using algorithms that delivered context-specific prompts and reinforcements.

This technology uses passive monitoring of activity patterns combined with AI-driven behavioral nudges, reducing task initiation delays by 42% compared to controls. The system’s adaptability made it especially effective for participants with predominantly inattentive symptoms.

Lead researcher Dr. James Walker of Stanford University explained that delivering prompts at the right moments, based on individual patterns, appears to be a breakthrough approach for ADHD interventions. The research team is now developing a commercial application expected to launch in mid-2026.

New genetic markers identified

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified three previously unknown genetic variations strongly associated with ADHD. Their large-scale genome-wide association study analyzed data from more than 50,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds.

These new markers are related to dopamine transport and receptor sensitivity, potentially explaining why responses to stimulant medications differ among individuals. This discovery may eventually support more personalized treatment approaches based on genetic profiles.

Dr. Thomas Chen, the study’s principal investigator, said these findings represent a significant step toward understanding the complex genetic architecture of ADHD. Follow-up studies are already underway to examine how these genetic variations interact with environmental factors.

Also Today: Regulation & Policy

Workplace accommodation guidelines updated

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has released updated guidelines for workplace accommodations for ADHD, expanding the range of recommended adjustments for employers. The new guidelines place greater emphasis on flexible work arrangements and incorporate technology-based supports.

Additions include recommendations for noise-canceling headphones, specialized project management tools, and revised communication protocols. The guidelines also clarify that intermittent work-from-home arrangements may be considered reasonable accommodations for ADHD-related challenges.

Commissioner Lisa Johnson stated these updates reflect a growing understanding that relatively minor workplace adjustments can significantly improve productivity and job satisfaction for neurodivergent employees. Employer compliance with the new guidelines will be reviewed starting April 2026.

Insurance coverage expansion for non-medication treatments

Seven more states have enacted laws requiring insurance coverage for evidence-based, non-medication ADHD treatments, increasing the total to 23 states. The new mandates include coverage for cognitive behavioral therapy, neurofeedback, and approved digital therapeutics.

These legislative changes mark a move away from medication-focused policies, aligning with advocacy recommendations for comprehensive treatment approaches. Supporters say a broader range of interventions yields better long-term outcomes.

State Senator Robert Adams, sponsor of Pennsylvania’s bill, noted that this holistic approach to ADHD treatment recognizes the condition’s complexity and the need for diverse interventions. Implementation timelines vary, with most provisions set to take effect by July 2026.

What to Watch: Key Dates and Events

• 22 December 2025: National Institutes of Health virtual symposium on emerging ADHD treatments
• 10 to 12 January 2026: International Conference on ADHD in the Workplace (Chicago)
• 15 January 2026: Launch date for prescription-only Lumosity ADHD application
• 30 January 2026: Department of Education public comment deadline for proposed neurodiversity accommodations in standardized testing
• 12 February 2026: Closing of public comment period for DSM-6 ADHD diagnostic criteria revisions
• 5 to 7 March 2026: American Academy of Pediatrics ADHD treatment guidelines review meeting (virtual)

Conclusion

The FDA’s clearance of Lumosity’s digital therapeutic marks a pivotal moment in ADHD news and research. This expands adult treatment options beyond medication and highlights the growing recognition of neurodiversity in healthcare and the workplace. Rising adult and women’s diagnoses, policy changes, and technological advances all point to a broader shift toward more inclusive understanding and support. What to watch: key implementation dates for new treatments, insurance coverage expansions, and upcoming DSM-6 diagnostic criteria deadlines.