New ADHD lobbying coalition launches

ADHD researchers and clinicians have started a new coalition to lobby for evidence-based policy around the developmental condition as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. casts doubt on ADHD drugs for kids.

Why it matters: The Trump administration's recent report on the health of American children criticizes what it terms overdiagnosis and inappropriate prescribing of ADHD medications.

Driving the news: Mindful Choices for ADHD launched Thursday with funding from a pharmaceutical company.

• "There are important areas where both research and public information have been lacking," said executive director Jakara Eason.
• "We think that our role is to bring forward the data, highlight areas where more research is needed, and to provide clear guidance so that policymakers can make those informed choices."
• That said, the group was not created to push back or align with Kennedy or his "Make America Healthy Again" movement, Eason said.

Where it stands: The group is an outgrowth of a national leadership summit held earlier this year on appropriate use of ADHD treatments aimed at increasing attention span and better controlling emotions and behavior.

• "There was an appetite to do more and educate not only other folks in the community but also policymakers on what ADHD is and isn't, and then all of the treatment options," Eason said.
• A summary report from the summit shared with Axios says attendees recommended policy action around educating providers and the public on ADHD, promoting additional research on medication use and making sure patients have access to appropriate treatments.

• But Mindful Choices for ADHD plans to talk with lawmakers and administration to build a collaborative policy agenda, Eason said.

Tris Pharma, a specialty drugmaker that produces ADHD therapies, provided the initial funding for the group and sits on the organization's steering committee.

• Also represented on the steering committee are the World Federation of ADHD, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and doctors and coaches that study the condition and work with patients.