Annual Research Review: Perspectives on progress in ADHD science – from characterization to cause

Abstract

The science of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is motivated by a translational goal – the discovery and exploitation of knowledge about the nature of ADHD to the benefit of those individuals whose lives it affects. Over the past fifty years, scientific research has made enormous strides in characterizing the ADHD condition and in understanding its correlates and causes. However, the translation of these scientific insights into clinical benefits has been limited. In this review, we provide a selective and focused survey of the scientific field of ADHD, providing our personal perspectives on what constitutes the scientific consensus, important new leads to be highlighted, and the key outstanding questions to be addressed going forward. We cover two broad domains – clinical characterization and, risk factors, causal processes and neuro‐biological pathways. Part one focuses on the developmental course of ADHD, co‐occurring characteristics and conditions, and the functional impact of living with ADHD – including impairment, quality of life, and stigma. In part two, we explore genetic and environmental influences and putative mediating brain processes. In the final section, we reflect on the future of the ADHD construct in the light of cross‐cutting scientific themes and recent conceptual reformulations that cast ADHD traits as part of a broader spectrum of neurodivergence.

Immersive virtual reality for improving cognitive deficits in children with ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Given the extensive research on ADHD, many of the assumptions regarding current conceptualisation and treatment formulation based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria (APA 2013 ) are being challenged (Sonuga-Barke et al 2022 ). These new pathways in ADHD causes, heterogeneity in symptoms manifestation, shared genetics and neurobiology with other mental health problems, comorbid presentation with other conditions, could have important benefits for treatment decisions in ADHD (Sonuga-Barke et al 2022 ).…”

Editorial: 'Safety in numbers'? Big data discovery strategies in neuro‐developmental science – contributions and caveats

“…This relates to the discovery over the last 10 years of just how subtle, interacting and heterogeneous are the genetic, environmental, neurobiological, and psychological processes that underpin risk for neuro‐developmental conditions. This has created a sense that despite great advances in our understanding, the goal of translatable science seems further away now than it appeared in the past (Sonuga‐Barke et al., 2022). Second is the reproducibility challenge .…”

Taking stock of the present and looking to the future of ADHD research: a commentary on Sonuga‐Barke et al. (2023)

“… Sonuga‐Barke et al. (2023) offer thought‐provoking insights on the current and future state of ADHD research. Designed as a mosaic of different voices from world‐leading experts in the field of ADHD, the review by Sonuga‐Barke et al. provides a clear and up‐to‐date overview of the state of research, while emphasizing critical and intriguing questions for future investigation. In our commentary, we further consider several cross‐cutting ideas discussed in Sonuga‐Barke et al.…”

“…By focusing our attention on matters important to those with ADHD and embracing the diversity of their lived experiences, views and preferences, participatory approaches are likely to facilitate the future translation of ADHD research findings into equitable and acceptable applications and clinical practices for all individuals with ADHD.

Sonuga‐Barke et al. (2023) offer thought‐provoking insights on the current and future state of ADHD research. Designed as a mosaic of different voices from world‐leading experts in the field of ADHD, the review by Sonuga‐Barke et al. provides a clear and up‐to‐date overview of the state of research, while emphasizing critical and intriguing questions for future investigation. In our commentary, we further consider several cross‐cutting ideas discussed in Sonuga‐Barke et al.

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