ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently co-occur (often referred to as AuDHD), with 50-70% of autistic people also having ADHD. While they are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, they share significant overlaps in traits and often appear together, creating unique strengths and challenges. Advantages of Having ADHD and/or Autism (AuDHD) When occurring together (AuDHD), the combination can create a unique balance between

In evolutionary terms, neurodivergence is often viewed not as a collection of "errors," but as adaptive variations that ensured the survival of early human groups through cognitive specialization. Evolutionary Origins and Roles Evolutionary theories suggest these conditions persist because they offered specific benefits to the collective "cognitive ecology" of a tribe or clan. ADHD (The "Hunter" Role): Traits like hyperactivity and rapid attentional shifts were advantageous

Key points The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is an official list and definition of psychiatric disorders. A new version of the DSM is now being planned with the potential for substantial changes. Questions remain about whether the DSM can better reflect current science and remain practical for clinicians. Every decade or so, the official definitions of mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder , schizophrenia, and ADHD, change, and that time is coming around onc

The persistence of poor-quality psychiatric care in 2026, despite medication advancements, is driven by systemic, clinical, and biological factors. 1. Systemic and Business Drivers Modern psychiatric practice is often shaped more by healthcare system characteristics than by clinical needs. Time Constraints: The current business model often requires psychiatrists to see four patients per hour to remain profitable, leaving only 15 minutes per visit. This brief timeframe makes

In 2026, mental health continues to face structural and interpersonal discrepancies that distinguish it from other medical fields, often resulting in what patients and providers describe as devaluing or "subhuman" treatment compared to physical health counterparts . Structural Discrepancies Systemic Underfunding: Mental health research and clinical services historically receive significantly lower funding than physical health, a disparity termed "structural stigma". Insuranc

Key Takeaways ADHD symptoms can worsen during and after pregnancy, necessitating careful consideration of medication continuation. Automatic discontinuation of ADHD medication in pregnancy poses risks, requiring individualized treatment plans. Recent studies show mixed data on medication effects, with concerns about congenital malformations and preterm birth. No significant long-term neurodevelopmental risks have been found with continued ADHD medication during pregnancy. A c

Stephen M. Strakowski, MD: Hello, and thank you so much for turning into our conversation today. I’m excited to have Dr Sheri Johnson here to talk about bipolar disorder in a different way than we typically do. Dr Johnson is a distinguished professor at the University of California Berkeley and is truly the world’s expert in reward processing in bipolar disorder and mania, which is the conversation today. Dr Johnson, welcome. Sheri L. Johnson, PhD: Thanks so much for having

Untangling potential differences between prevention and treatment interventions. Key points Being able to prevent the onset of mental health problems is a critical need. Unlike in some other areas, the distinction between prevention and treatment in mental health is less clear. Many research studies that claim to focus on prevention actually have many components of treatment. It is worthwhile to separate these areas better and look for possible differences. As the number of p