ADHD drugs work indirectly to improve attention

By Jon Hamilton

Published December 24, 2025 at 5:21 PM EST

New research suggests that prescription stimulants for ADHD don't actually improve attention directly. They work on different pathways in the brain that support attention. .

Jon Hamilton

Jon Hamilton is a correspondent for NPR's Science Desk. Currently he focuses on neuroscience and health risks.

See stories by Jon Hamilton

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