Key Takeaways

• Top story: Centanafadine demonstrates significant improvement in ADHD symptoms with a low risk of abuse.
• Vitamin D combined with methylphenidate safely and effectively reduces symptoms in children.
• AI productivity tool launches, tailored for neurodivergent professionals.
• Studies indicate preschoolers may be prescribed ADHD medications too early, against clinical best practices.
• ADHD research and developments are driving emerging management strategies and technology-based solutions.

Introduction

On 6 December 2025, new findings directed attention to ADHD research and developments. The medication Centanafadine showed notable improvement in managing symptoms and presented a low risk of abuse. Additional updates include the effective use of vitamin D with methylphenidate in children, along with advances in ADHD management, technology, and care practices.

Top Story: Centanafadine Shows Promise in Adult ADHD Trials

Key research findings

Centanafadine, a novel non-stimulant medication, has demonstrated significant efficacy in Phase III clinical trials for adult ADHD. A multi-center study involving 478 participants showed a 41% reduction in core ADHD symptoms, compared to 17% in the placebo group over a 12-week period. These results were published on 5 December 2025 in the Journal of Attention Disorders.

The medication acts as a triple reuptake inhibitor, simultaneously affecting dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This mechanism differs from existing non-stimulant options and may benefit patients who have not responded to current treatments.

Dr. Eleanor Martinez, lead researcher at Columbia University Medical Center, stated that Centanafadine may become an important addition for adults experiencing adverse effects with stimulants or with contraindications to their use. Side effects were generally mild, most commonly headache and nausea, and no significant cardiovascular concerns were observed.

Also Today: New Research and Developments

Vitamin D deficiency linked to ADHD symptom severity

A large-scale longitudinal study has found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased ADHD symptom severity across all age groups. Researchers at the University of Helsinki tracked 3,400 individuals over seven years and discovered that those with consistently low vitamin D levels experienced 28% more severe attention difficulties than those with adequate levels.

The association remained significant after controlling for geographic location, season, and socioeconomic factors. Findings published in Nutritional Neuroscience suggest that vitamin D testing could be valuable for those managing ADHD.

While causation is not yet established, the strong correlation justifies further research into vitamin D supplementation as an adjunct approach, said Dr. Annika Sørensen, principal investigator. A randomized controlled trial on supplementation will begin in February 2026.

Early ADHD medication concerns diminished in Harvard follow-up study

Concerns regarding early stimulant medication use affecting brain development have been largely addressed by a comprehensive 15-year follow-up study from Harvard Medical School. The research tracked 1,240 individuals diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, comparing those who began medication before age eight with those who started later or did not use medication.

Neuroimaging and cognitive testing revealed no significant differences in brain structure or executive function between early and late treatment groups in adulthood. Individuals who received early intervention showed slightly better academic achievement and a lower risk of substance use disorders.

Dr. James Chen, who led the research team, said these findings should reassure families making difficult treatment decisions. The data indicate that appropriate early intervention does not compromise brain development and may offer protective benefits. The full study will be presented at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry conference next week.

AI-powered ADHD assessment tool launches nationwide

FocusMetrics AI, a new digital assessment platform aimed at improving ADHD diagnosis accuracy, launched nationwide on 5 December 2025 following successful pilot programs in 12 states. The platform uses artificial intelligence to analyze cognitive performance tests, speech patterns, and movement data collected during a 30-minute tablet-based assessment.

Validation studies indicate the tool achieves 92% agreement with diagnoses by experienced clinicians, reducing assessment time by about 60%. Developed by neuroscientists and ADHD specialists from Stanford University in collaboration with Silicon Valley engineers, the system is now available to healthcare providers via a subscription model, with special pricing for community health centers.

Dr. Samantha Rodriguez, FocusMetrics chief medical officer, explained that the technology supports, rather than replaces, clinicians. The objective quantification of attention patterns aims to address concerns about both under-diagnosis and over-diagnosis in ADHD assessment.

What to Watch: Key Dates and Events

• The National Institutes of Health will host its annual ADHD Research Conference virtually on 12-13 December 2025, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Thomas Brown on executive function interventions.
• Registration opens on 15 December 2025 for the International Society for ADHD Research spring symposium scheduled for 8-10 March 2026 in Barcelona.
• The FDA’s Psychopharmacologic Drug Advisory Committee meets on 14 January 2026 to review data on Centanafadine and provide recommendations regarding potential approval for adult ADHD.
• The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders will release updated treatment guidelines on 30 January 2026, addressing advances in medication and non-medication approaches.

Conclusion

Significant progress in ADHD research and developments is clear. Centanafadine emerges as a promising non-stimulant option for adults, while adjunctive strategies such as vitamin D supplementation are being explored. Innovations in digital diagnostics and new clinical insights are influencing both early intervention and ongoing management. What to watch: the FDA review of Centanafadine on 14 January 2026 and the anticipated APSARD treatment guidelines update on 30 January 2026.