From new medications and digital therapeutics to a major UK review of diagnosis and care, five developments highlight what’s happening in ADHD treatment in 2026.
A family sitting across from a doctor to discuss ADHD may have more treatment options to consider today. In 2026, a new medication received US approval, an updated device worn during sleep was launched and a prescription app reached the market in Japan. Another experimental treatment is being studied in clinical trials. These developments offer new possibilities, but also raise questions about access and which treatments may be suitable for different patients.
ADHD care also extends outside the doctor’s office. There may be a parent filling out forms, a teacher adapting a lesson or an adult seeking support at work. This October, the ADHD Awareness Month 2026 theme, “A Community of Support,” recognizes the people who help support those living with the condition.
What Is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, activity levels and impulse control. People with ADHD may find it hard to stay focused, organize tasks, manage restlessness or pause before acting. It begins in childhood and often continues into adulthood, though some people aren’t diagnosed until much later.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 7 million children aged three to 17 (11.7%) had a current ADHD diagnosis in 2024, based on a national survey of parents. Another CDC survey estimated that 15.5 million US adults (6%) had a current diagnosis in 2023, and nearly 56% of them were first diagnosed at 18 or older.
Treatment can include medication, behavioral therapy and practical support at school, work and home.
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What’s New in ADHD Treatment and Care in 2026?
1. FDA Approves a New ADHD Medication
In July 2026, the FDA approved Simtriyo (centanafadine), a once-daily, extended-release stimulant from Otsuka Pharmaceutical. It is approved for adults and children aged six and older who weigh at least 20 kg (44 lb).
Simtriyo is the first approved ADHD medication to inhibit the reuptake of three neurotransmitters: norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. This helps keep more of these chemical messengers available in the brain. Approval was based on four Phase III trials in which ADHD symptoms improved significantly more than with placebo.
At the time of approval, Otsuka expected the medication to become available later in 2026, following scheduling by the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
2. NeuroSigma Launches an Updated Non-Drug ADHD Treatment
In July 2026, NeuroSigma launched its second-generation Monarch external trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) system in the US. The FDA-cleared device is intended for children aged seven to 12 who are not taking prescription ADHD medication.
The device uses a small patch worn on the forehead during sleep to deliver low-level electrical stimulation to branches of the trigeminal nerve. The updated model is smaller, has a rechargeable battery and features simpler controls, while using the same type of stimulation as the original device.
3. Japan Introduces a Digital Therapeutic for Children With ADHD
In June 2026, Shionogi launched EndeavorRide, Japan’s first approved digital therapeutic app for use alongside conventional ADHD treatment in children and adolescents.
The approval followed a Phase III trial involving 164 patients aged six to 17. After six weeks, those using the app alongside conventional treatment showed significantly greater improvements in inattention scores than those receiving conventional treatment alone.
4. Alkermes Reports Early Results for an Experimental ADHD Drug
In September 2026, Alkermes reported early findings for ALKS 7290, an experimental ADHD drug that targets the brain’s orexin system, which helps regulate wakefulness and attention.
In a Phase Ib study involving 50 adults with ADHD, participants receiving ALKS 7290 showed reductions in symptom scores after 14 days of treatment.
The study mainly looked at safety and how well participants tolerated the drug. The findings are preliminary.
A larger Phase II study was enrolling adults with ADHD at the time of the announcement to further assess the drug’s safety and effectiveness, with results expected in 2027.
5. UK Review Calls for Earlier ADHD Support and Stronger Assessment Oversight
On October 9, 2026, an independent review commissioned by the UK government raised concerns about ADHD assessment quality, rising recorded diagnoses and long waiting lists in England.
The review found that recorded ADHD prevalence among children aged six to 11 rose more than sixfold between 2000 and 2025. Among adolescents aged 12 to 17, it increased more than 15-fold. However, there was limited evidence that the underlying prevalence of ADHD had risen by a similar amount.
By the end of 2025, more than 560,000 ADHD assessment referrals were still open in England.
The review called for better assessments and earlier support based on people’s needs, without requiring them to wait for a formal diagnosis.
In response, the UK government announced plans to strengthen oversight of ADHD and autism assessments, including plans to bring diagnostic assessments under Care Quality Commission regulation. It also committed to improving access to support before diagnosis.
Together, these developments highlight advances in ADHD treatment alongside ongoing challenges in helping people access timely diagnosis and care.
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