Updated Research on College Student ADHD

Back when I first started out in residential treatment as a Mental Health Tech, ADHD was occasionally diagnosed but no where close to the rates I see today. Does that mean more students have ADHD than decades ago? Does it mean our testing has become more accurate? Or does it mean more students have other challenges to focus and work that look similar to ADHD but may not necessarily meet criteria? The answer is yes. All the above. To help parents, I’ve pulled together some updated info from recent research conducted on ADHD relevant to college students.

Recent Research on ADHD: Advances and Insights

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been a focus of extensive research in recent years, with new findings shedding light on its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can affect various aspects of daily life, including academic performance, social interactions, and mental health. Here are some of the most recent and noteworthy research developments in the field of ADHD.

1. Genetic Insights and ADHD

Recent genetic studies have identified numerous genetic markers linked to ADHD. These findings suggest that ADHD has a strong heritable component. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have found common genetic variants that contribute to ADHD, further reinforcing the idea that it’s a highly inheritable condition. Researchers are hopeful that these genetic discoveries will eventually lead to genetic testing that will provide more personalized treatment options.

2. Other Testing

Now let’s talk about more practical ADHD testing, shall we? Because you might think it’s just sitting down, filling out a questionnaire, and calling it a day, right? Well, not quite. ADHD diagnosing for college students isn’t as simple as checking off a bunch of boxes that scream “I can’t concentrate.” The whole process is designed to dig a bit deeper—partly to make sure you’re not just bored in lectures, but also to really understand what’s going on with your brain.

First, there’s the ol’ reliable clinical interview, which is exactly what it sounds like. A mental health professional will sit down with you and ask about your history, your current symptoms, and maybe even your childhood. Why? Because ADHD often starts showing up early in life, so they want to make sure you’re not just having a hard time now that you’re faced with 8:00am classes and endless deadlines. They’ll look into stuff like whether you’ve had issues with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.

Next up, we’ve got behavioral assessments and questionnaires. These are the ones where you might actually get to fill out some forms—sometimes long, often annoying, but definitely trying to gauge your daily struggles. Tests like the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales or the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) are designed to measure your symptoms and how they affect your life. Your parents or close friends might even get a form to fill out, because hey, sometimes we’re not the most reliable narrators of our own story.

Then there’s cognitive testing, which sounds fancy because it is. This might involve tasks that measure your attention span, memory, and even impulse control. Tools like the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) might come into play here. These tests basically help the pros figure out if you’re dealing with ADHD or something else entirely, like anxiety or a sleep disorder.

Finally, if you’re thinking about meds (see below for more), get ready for some psychological testing. Though not always a mandated, a good psychiatrists (MD with additional mental health education) will want to ensure they’re prescribing the right treatment, so you might go through additional assessments to make sure stimulants or other medications are actually the way to go.

So yeah, ADHD testing isn’t just “I can’t pay attention, give me some Adderall.” It’s a process that digs into your past, evaluates your present, and sometimes makes you question your life choices. But if you’re serious about it, getting tested is the first step toward understanding your brain and finding ways to cope.

2. Impact of ADHD on College Students

College students with ADHD face significant academic and social challenges. A 2021 study led by George DuPaul at Lehigh University found that students with ADHD were more likely to experience lower academic success, higher levels of stress, and difficulties with time management. Kind of a “no duh” study but this research highlights the importance of structured support services and individualized accommodations for students with ADHD to help them succeed in higher education.

3. ADHD and the Brain

This is the stuff I think is most helpful for clinicians to understand. Neuroscientific research has provided deeper insights into the brain mechanisms behind ADHD. Functional MRI (fMRI) studies have shown that individuals with ADHD often have differences in brain structure and function, particularly in regions responsible for executive functions, such as the prefrontal cortex (front of the brain) and basal ganglia (deeper part of the brain). These differences contribute to symptoms like poor impulse control and difficulty focusing. Understanding these brain alterations could help refine treatment options in the future, including non-pharmacological interventions like neurofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

4. The Role of Sleep in ADHD

Another fav I talk often about with students. Sleep issues are a common comorbidity for individuals with ADHD. Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between ADHD and sleep disorders such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome. Poor sleep can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, making it harder for individuals to focus and regulate their emotions. This finding has led researchers to explore sleep-based interventions as a potential way to alleviate some ADHD symptoms. Improving sleep hygiene, using melatonin supplements, and cognitive-behavioral interventions for insomnia are gaining attention as adjunct treatments for ADHD. It’s also important to point out that ADHD medication, especially stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall can create more sleep problems which is why it’s so important to work with a knowledgeable provider when discussing ADHD and medication.

5. ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation

While ADHD is often associated with inattention and hyperactivity, recent research highlights the significant impact of emotional dysregulation. Emotional difficulties, such as mood swings, irritability, and frustration, are now recognized as core components of ADHD. This has led to a shift in treatment approaches, with therapists and physicians increasingly focusing on emotional regulation techniques alongside traditional symptom management. For example, I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help students struggling with emotional dysregulation, especially when it’s tied to ADHD.

6. ADHD Treatment: Beyond Stimulants

While stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamines remain the most common treatment for ADHD, there has been growing interest in alternative treatments. Research on non-stimulant medications, behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and diet-based interventions is expanding. Omega-3 supplements, cognitive training programs, and mindfulness-based therapies have shown promise in managing ADHD symptoms. The emphasis on multimodal treatment approaches is becoming a key focus in ADHD research, aiming to provide more comprehensive care that addresses both the behavioral and emotional symptoms of the disorder. But before recommending your son or daughter goes and grabs some fish oil supplements, it’s essential they work with a licensed provider to understand the benefits and side effects. Yes – even over the counter meds and supplements have side effects.

7. ADHD in Women and Girls

Historically, ADHD research and diagnosis have focused more on males than females, but recent studies are correcting this imbalance. Research shows that ADHD presents differently in females, who are often more inattentive rather than hyperactive, leading to underdiagnosis. Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to experience internalizing disorders like anxiety and depression. These findings are pushing for better diagnostic criteria and tailored treatment plans for women with ADHD.

8. COVID and ADHD

COVID was the worst. Am I right?? And now, we have even more research showing just how bad it impacted ADHD. Remote learning environments have proven to be especially challenging for students with ADHD due to the lack of structure and increased distractions at home. Research published in 2021 indicates that the pandemic exacerbated ADHD symptoms for many, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies to support those with ADHD in virtual or hybrid learning environments. Additionally, there are several other impacts COVID has on the brain that has been captured in the research.

Inflammation and Neurotransmitter Disruption: COVID-19 has been found to cause inflammation in the brain, which can disrupt neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopamine, a key player in ADHD. Dopamine imbalances are linked to attention, focus, and impulse control—all areas that are challenging for individuals with ADHD .
Cognitive Fog and Memory Issues: Many people recovering from COVID-19 report “brain fog,” characterized by memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and general cognitive slowing. This mirrors symptoms often experienced by people with ADHD. The overlap here means that individuals who already have ADHD may find these symptoms worsening during or after a COVID infection .
Psychological Stress and ADHD: The stress and anxiety linked to the pandemic can also worsen ADHD symptoms. Research shows that chronic stress can heighten inattention and hyperactivity, two core symptoms of ADHD. This heightened state of anxiety, particularly during prolonged isolation and remote learning, has been associated with reduced cognitive function, which can be especially problematic for those with ADHD .
Long COVID and ADHD Symptoms: Some individuals with long COVID experience persistent symptoms that affect cognitive functioning. This can lead to difficulties with focus, organization, and time management. While it’s not the same as ADHD, the cognitive impairments experienced in long COVID can resemble ADHD symptoms, complicating diagnosis and treatment for those who may have already had ADHD .

For people with ADHD, these changes can result in more severe symptoms or new challenges in managing their condition. Some individuals have reported needing adjustments in their medication or coping strategies due to these intensified symptoms. It highlights the importance of personalized treatment and regular check-ins with healthcare providers, especially for those managing both ADHD and post-COVID cognitive symptoms. It’s also important for parents to factor in the possibility that COVID had some some lasting impacts on your kiddo’s brain.

Conclusion

It’s easy to give a diagnosis but hard to be accurate since there are so many factors that go into what our brain focuses on. Thankfully, the field of ADHD research continues to grow, providing valuable insights into the biological, psychological, and social aspects of the disorder. With advancements in genetics, neuroscience, and treatment approaches, individuals with ADHD can look forward to more accurate, personalized, and effective interventions in the near future.