Needle-free diabetes management could be on the horizon, study suggests

Oral insulin could one day replace injections for people with diabetes, new scientific discoveries suggest.

Researchers from Kumamoto University in Japan have announced the development of an insulin pill to help lower blood sugar.

For diabetics, insulin is typically administered via injection, but the pill would offer a non-invasive treatment option.

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"Insulin injections remain a daily burden for many patients," said Associate Professor Shingo Ito, a researcher in the study's press release. "Our peptide-based platform offers a new route to deliver insulin orally, and may be applicable to long-acting insulin formulations and other injectable biologics."

The study, published in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics, tested the delivery of oral insulin by building a carrier peptide called DNP-V. This peptide helps to transport insulin through the small intestine, where protein drug absorption is usually poor.

In diabetic mice models, the researchers administered the peptide by mouth with zinc-stabilized insulin, which was formulated with zinc ions to make it more stable, according to the study.

The result was a rapid and significant drop in blood glucose, as well as a sustained (longer-term) decrease. The mice’s blood sugar was reduced to near-normal levels.

When DNP-V was attached directly to insulin, the results showed enhanced absorption in the intestines and a similar glucose-lowering effect, the researchers noted.

The treatment was effective in different diabetes models, significantly reducing blood sugar spikes after meals with just one dose per day.

The findings suggest that DNP peptides could serve as flexible, adaptable platforms for delivering large-molecule drugs by mouth, the authors concluded in the study abstract.

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"This technology can simply and effectively convert injectable biopharmaceuticals into orally administrable forms, offering a promising path to practical, patient-friendly oral therapies," they wrote.

Although the researchers are optimistic about the findings translating to larger therapeutic models, they noted that the results in mice do not guarantee the same outcome in humans, and that more research is needed.

Dr. Marc Siegel commented on this development, noting that oral insulin could make a big difference in healthcare.

"Insulin use, especially in type 1 diabetes, is sometimes difficult to regulate by injection," Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "Oral use would have major advantages."

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He added, "This is very promising provided that it works in humans, which is a big 'if.'"

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for comment.

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'Ice man' shares one daily habit that could boost wellness and brainpower

The practice of combining cold exposure and breathwork — known as the Wim Hof Method — has gained popularity as a wellness practice, with some research suggesting benefits for stress, energy and mental clarity, though evidence for treating chronic disease remains limited.

And now, a recent study published in the journal Nature appears to support the technique's potential health benefits.

The research included more than 400 healthy adults averaging 37 years of age, who practiced either the Wim Hof Method (WHM) or mindfulness meditation daily for about one month.

BENEFITS OF COLD WATER: HEALTH GURU AND EXTREME ATHLETE WIM HOF SAYS WE HAVE THE ‘POWER WITHIN’ TO HEAL DISEASE

The WHM practitioners were split into in-person and at-home groups, where one did ice baths and the other took cold showers.

The participants reported their energy, mental clarity, and stress and anxiety levels. The researchers also measured heart rate, breathing and sleep.

Participants in the breathwork and cold group had greater improvements in energy, mental clarity and ability to handle stress, benefits that were most noticeable right after their daily practice.

6 PILLARS OF A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE IN 2026, FROM EXPERTS ON STAYING YOUNG

The study also found that meditation reduced stress early on, but the WHM showed gradual improvements in stress levels over a longer time period. Differences in sleep, cognition and heart health measures were more subtle.

The short 29-day study period could pose a limitation in measuring long-term impacts, the researchers acknowledged. 

The participants also knew which group they were placed in, which could have influenced the self-reported results.

"I felt that this was going to make a huge difference in people," Wim Hof told Fox News Digital. "I had a lot of anecdotal evidence, but that doesn't make it scientific."

The Wim Hof Method is comprised of three pillars: cold, breathing and mindset.

"It is a combination of the three … and when they come together, they reinforce each other and become stronger," he said. "Use the cold well, and you bring the immune system, the energy system and your cardiovascular system to an optimum [state]."

YOUR BEDROOM TEMPERATURE COULD BE PUTTING YOUR HEART IN SERIOUS DANGER, STUDY WARNS

Breathing has been shown to lower inflammation, which is the main driver of disease, according to Wim Hof. Research has also shown that a change in mindset can re-circuit the brain to handle stress more efficiently.

Lowering stress levels is crucial to improving health, he noted, as high cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) and inflammation are drivers of chronic disease.

Lead study author Dr. Jemma King, of the University of Queensland School of Psychology in Australia, said she entered the world’s largest Wim Hof study with a "healthy dose of scientific skepticism."

SIMPLE DAILY HABIT MAY HELP EASE DEPRESSION MORE THAN MEDICATION, RESEARCHERS SAY

"People are really anxious, people are really burnt out, and the world is very destabilized at the moment," she told Fox News Digital. "People are increasingly dependent on healthcare systems, and profits keep growing and people keep getting sicker."

"We're glued to screens; we're reaching for pills every time life feels hard. And so we really wanted to [find out] — is there a better way?"

Although meditation is an important tool for some, an alternative method that involves more activity may be a better option for those with "busy brains," according to the researcher.

"You're not sitting there just accepting energy," she said. "You can actually face it head on, and you can overcome your aversion to the cold, which is very invigorating."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"If you choose to do small doses of the right kind of stress, it doesn't break you down. It actually makes you stronger," King added.

Scientifically, breathwork can help flush the brain of toxins, clearing mental fog while increasing levels of the beneficial chemicals adrenaline and dopamine, she noted.

"We also found something really shocking and unexpected: The people doing the Wim Hof Method became more willing to speak up at work," King shared. "They were more likely to raise hard issues or have a voice or take interpersonal risks."

"If you train yourself to step into the cold water every morning, you kind of override that voice that says, ‘Don't do that,’" she added. "This bravery, this toughness that you train every morning, starts to show up everywhere else in your life."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

For beginners, Hof recommends simply stepping into a cold shower at home, which activates the cardiovascular system and boosts energy.

"Take the cold shower, go into that breathing, and suddenly you'll feel an innate power awakening," he said. "That is the nervous system, and you have control over that."

Cold exposure may not be safe for everyone, especially those with certain cardiovascular conditions, such as abnormal heart rhythms, heart disease or Raynaud’s syndrome, according to Harvard Health.

Those with underlying conditions should get a physician’s approval before embarking on a cold plunge or another mode of cold exposure therapy, experts advise.

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"[For those who] have conditions, I say start with breathing alone," Hof recommended. "Breathing trains the nervous system like weightlifting trains the muscles."

"Know that you are built to have willful control over your health, happiness and strength," he added.

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Deadly meningitis outbreak prompts college students to call for campus shutdown

Students at the University of Kent in the U.K. are calling for a shutdown in light of an active meningitis outbreak.

The demands follow multiple alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) about the outbreak.

As of March 18, the agency had announced a total of 15 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease, 12 additional potential cases and two deaths in Kent, a county in the southeast of England. The University of Kent is located in Canterbury, a historic city within Kent.

MEASLES OUTBREAK POSES RISK OF 'IRREVERSIBLE' BRAIN DAMAGE, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

It can cause two life-threatening conditions: meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord lining) and a bloodstream infection called septicemia, which can lead to sepsis, per the above source.

Even with prompt treatment, meningococcal disease can become fatal within hours. Health agencies report a typical fatality rate of about 10% to 15%.

In response to the outbreak, students at the University of Kent launched an online petition calling for campus to be closed.

MEASLES OUTBREAK REACHES A MAJOR SOUTH CAROLINA COLLEGE CAMPUS

"Students at the University of Kent are increasingly concerned about reports of meningitis and sepsis cases affecting members of the campus community," the petition states, as posted on Change.org. "The confirmation of two deaths, along with reports of hospitalizations, has caused understandable concern among students and staff."

The petition expressed concern that in-person exams, lectures and other campus activities are continuing amid the outbreak.

"Many students feel that they are being placed in a difficult position: attend exams and in-person activities during a period of heightened concern or prioritize their health and well-being while risking potential academic consequences," the petition states. "Students should not feel forced to choose between protecting their well-being and continuing their education."

"Students deserve to feel safe on campus," the petition concluded. "We are therefore calling on the University of Kent to consider precautionary steps to prioritize the well-being of students and staff during this situation.

MEASLES OUTBREAK EXPLODES IN SOUTH CAROLINA, MULTIPLE HOSPITALIZED AS CASES SURPASS 200

Preventative antibiotic treatment is being distributed to University of Kent students, according to UKHSA, as well as to those who visited Club Chemistry, a nightclub in Canterbury, between March 5 and March 7.

"A vaccination program has started for students and staff who live in or work in the halls at the University of Kent Canterbury Campus — approximately 5,000 students," the agency noted.

Fox News Digital reached out to the university requesting comment.

Described by the CDC as a "rare but severe illness," meningococcal disease most commonly causes symptoms of meningitis, including fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or altered mental status.

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It can also cause meningococcal bloodstream infection, which is marked by fever and chills, vomiting, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet, severe aches and pains, diarrhea, rapid breathing or a dark purple rash, the CDC notes. 

Meningitis infections can spread through close contact with someone who has meningococcal disease, "generally, through things like coughing or kissing, but it can also spread by being in the same household or room for extended periods of time with an individual who is infected," Dr. Barbara Bawer, a primary care physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, previously told Fox News Digital.

Those who have symptoms of the disease should see their primary care physician immediately, according to the doctor.

As symptoms tend to progress quickly and can be life-threatening, it is essential that the patient receives antibiotics immediately.

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"It can become fatal or dangerous very quickly — within hours — for any individual, especially if antibiotics are not initiated in a timely manner," Bawer warned. "Even with antibiotics, meningitis can be fatal."

She added, "This is often due to misdiagnosis, because meningitis can mimic many other illnesses."

Most cases of meningococcal disease worldwide are caused by six variations of the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria — A, B, C, W, X and Y.

In the U.S., the most common variations are B, C, W and Y. There are vaccines available to protect against types A, C, W and Y (the MenACWY vaccine) and type B (MenB vaccine), according to the CDC.

"MenACWY vaccines are routinely recommended for adolescents and for people with other risk factors or underlying medical conditions, including HIV," the agency previously stated.

To reduce risk, Bawer recommends that people get vaccinated with the current meningitis vaccine as recommended by the CDC and avoid being in very closed-in spaces with others as much as possible.

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"If you know of someone who has meningitis in your household or you’ve come in contact with their oral secretions (i.e., you kissed them), then you should get preventative antibiotics," the doctor told Fox News Digital. 

This is even more important for those who are immune-compromised or who are on medications that decrease the immune system, Bawer added.

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One daily habit may help you fight stress and think more clearly, study suggests

The practice of combining cold exposure and breathwork — known as the Wim Hof Method — has gained popularity as a wellness practice, with some research suggesting benefits for stress, energy and mental clarity, though evidence for treating chronic disease remains limited.

And now, a recent study published in the journal Nature appears to support the technique's potential health benefits.

The research included more than 400 healthy adults averaging 37 years of age, who practiced either the Wim Hof Method (WHM) or mindfulness meditation daily for about one month.

BENEFITS OF COLD WATER: HEALTH GURU AND EXTREME ATHLETE WIM HOF SAYS WE HAVE THE ‘POWER WITHIN’ TO HEAL DISEASE

The WHM practitioners were split into in-person and at-home groups, where one did ice baths and the other took cold showers.

The participants reported their energy, mental clarity, and stress and anxiety levels. The researchers also measured heart rate, breathing and sleep.

Participants in the breathwork and cold group had greater improvements in energy, mental clarity and ability to handle stress, benefits that were most noticeable right after their daily practice.

6 PILLARS OF A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE IN 2026, FROM EXPERTS ON STAYING YOUNG

The study also found that meditation reduced stress early on, but the WHM showed gradual improvements in stress levels over a longer time period. Differences in sleep, cognition and heart health measures were more subtle.

The short 29-day study period could pose a limitation in measuring long-term impacts, the researchers acknowledged. 

The participants also knew which group they were placed in, which could have influenced the self-reported results.

"I felt that this was going to make a huge difference in people," Wim Hof told Fox News Digital. "I had a lot of anecdotal evidence, but that doesn't make it scientific."

The Wim Hof Method is comprised of three pillars: cold, breathing and mindset.

"It is a combination of the three … and when they come together, they reinforce each other and become stronger," he said. "Use the cold well, and you bring the immune system, the energy system and your cardiovascular system to an optimum [state]."

YOUR BEDROOM TEMPERATURE COULD BE PUTTING YOUR HEART IN SERIOUS DANGER, STUDY WARNS

Breathing has been shown to lower inflammation, which is the main driver of disease, according to Wim Hof. Research has also shown that a change in mindset can re-circuit the brain to handle stress more efficiently.

Lowering stress levels is crucial to improving health, he noted, as high cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) and inflammation are drivers of chronic disease.

Lead study author Dr. Jemma King, of the University of Queensland School of Psychology in Australia, said she entered the world’s largest Wim Hof study with a "healthy dose of scientific skepticism."

SIMPLE DAILY HABIT MAY HELP EASE DEPRESSION MORE THAN MEDICATION, RESEARCHERS SAY

"People are really anxious, people are really burnt out, and the world is very destabilized at the moment," she told Fox News Digital. "People are increasingly dependent on healthcare systems, and profits keep growing and people keep getting sicker."

"We're glued to screens; we're reaching for pills every time life feels hard. And so we really wanted to [find out] — is there a better way?"

Although meditation is an important tool for some, an alternative method that involves more activity may be a better option for those with "busy brains," according to the researcher.

"You're not sitting there just accepting energy," she said. "You can actually face it head on, and you can overcome your aversion to the cold, which is very invigorating."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"If you choose to do small doses of the right kind of stress, it doesn't break you down. It actually makes you stronger," King added.

Scientifically, breathwork can help flush the brain of toxins, clearing mental fog while increasing levels of the beneficial chemicals adrenaline and dopamine, she noted.

"We also found something really shocking and unexpected: The people doing the Wim Hof Method became more willing to speak up at work," King shared. "They were more likely to raise hard issues or have a voice or take interpersonal risks."

"If you train yourself to step into the cold water every morning, you kind of override that voice that says, ‘Don't do that,’" she added. "This bravery, this toughness that you train every morning, starts to show up everywhere else in your life."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

For beginners, Hof recommends simply stepping into a cold shower at home, which activates the cardiovascular system and boosts energy.

"Take the cold shower, go into that breathing, and suddenly you'll feel an innate power awakening," he said. "That is the nervous system, and you have control over that."

Cold exposure may not be safe for everyone, especially those with certain cardiovascular conditions, such as abnormal heart rhythms, heart disease or Raynaud’s syndrome, according to Harvard Health.

Those with underlying conditions should get a physician’s approval before embarking on a cold plunge or another mode of cold exposure therapy, experts advise.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"[For those who] have conditions, I say start with breathing alone," Hof recommended. "Breathing trains the nervous system like weightlifting trains the muscles."

"Know that you are built to have willful control over your health, happiness and strength," he added.

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Stopping Ozempic? New study reveals surprising weight regain results after GLP-1s

With millions of people using injectable GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound, many may wonder what happens if they stop.

Previous clinical trials suggested a discouraging "rebound" effect, where patients regained a significant portion of their lost weight almost immediately after ending treatment.

However, a new study from Cleveland Clinic, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, offers a more hopeful perspective on what happens when the injections stop.

SPECIFIC AMOUNT OF NIGHTLY SLEEP MAY LOWER DIABETES RISK, RESEARCHERS FIND

The study looked at nearly 8,000 adults in Ohio and Florida who used semaglutide or tirzepatide for three to 12 months before stopping, according to a press release.

Unlike tightly controlled clinical trials, the researchers looked at "real-world" outcomes where patients often switch from one medication to another.

Overall, patients did not experience significant weight regain in the year after stopping a GLP-1. Among those treated specifically for obesity, the average weight loss before stopping was 8.4%; one year later, they had regained just 0.5% on average.

"Our real-world data show that many patients who stop semaglutide or tirzepatide restart the medication or transition to another obesity treatment, which may explain why they regain less weight than patients in randomized trials," said lead study author Dr. Hamlet Gasoyan in the press release.

NEW WEGOVY PILL OFFERS NEEDLE-FREE WEIGHT LOSS — BUT MAY NOT WORK FOR EVERYONE

This suggests that the rebound seen in clinical trials may be a result of patients being left without alternative support, a scenario that doesn't have to happen in clinical practice, researchers say.

An estimated 27% of patients transitioned to different medications, including older-generation obesity drugs, while another 20% eventually restarted their original medication once insurance issues or side effects were resolved.

Another 14% transitioned to intensive lifestyle modification programs, working closely with dietitians and exercise specialists.

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Patients who maintained their weight tended to remain engaged with the healthcare system, whether through alternative prescriptions or structured lifestyle support, the researchers noted.

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There were some limitations to the study.

"We included adult patients from a single large integrated health system in Ohio and Florida," the authors noted. "Patient characteristics and healthcare delivery patterns vary across the U.S., which may limit the generalizability of our findings."

Some of the observed weight reduction may be associated with other interventions that the researchers were unable to capture.

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"In our future work, we will examine the comparative effectiveness of alternative treatment options for obesity in patients who discontinue semaglutide or tirzepatide, to help patients and their clinicians make informed decisions," Gasoyan added.

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Mom with no symptoms had stage 4 colorectal cancer — and a rare surgery saved her life

A Los Angeles mother of three says she’s lucky to be alive after an uncommon procedure left her cancer-free.

Amy Piccioli, a busy CPA, was just 39 when she visited the ER last year for what she thought was dehydration due to a stomach bug.

Instead, a CT scan revealed a mass in her colon and multiple lesions in her liver, which led to a colorectal cancer diagnosis — despite having "zero signs."

WOMAN'S ALARMING CANCER SYMPTOMS BLAMED ON PREGNANCY FOR YEARS BEFORE STAGE 3 DIAGNOSIS

"I had no symptoms," Piccioli told Fox News Digital. "I’m one of those people who’s very diligent about my health and very cognizant about changes in my body. So for this to have happened without any signs or symptoms was just shocking to me."

Because the cancer had already spread, it was automatically a stage 4 diagnosis.

"I just went numb — I couldn't believe it," Piccioli said. "Immediately, you have those feelings of panic and fear."

In June 2024, Piccioli began undergoing chemotherapy, along with an immunotherapy drug. Just three months later, scans showed that the chemo had shrunk the tumors. Next, she underwent surgery to remove a tumor from her colon. 

After completing the traditional courses of treatment, Piccioli found herself embarking on a path to liver transplantation.

"The cancer was all over my liver," she shared. "In cases where the cancer is confined to one side of the liver, they can basically cut that portion out … but in my case, a resection was not a possibility because the cancer was everywhere." 

RED FLAGS FOR COLORECTAL CANCER THAT WARRANT SCREENINGS BEFORE 45 YEARS OF AGE

Although the chemotherapy was successful, she said, "it was always going to be a ‘whack-a-mole’ situation, where I would be on systemic chemo for an extended period of time, new stuff would pop up, and it would just be this cycle over and over and again."

"The chances of eradicating the cancer entirely from my liver with chemo alone was very slim. In cases like mine, liver transplantation is really the only long-term solution."

Liver transplantation as part of a colorectal cancer treatment is more prevalent in Europe, but not common in the U.S.

JAMES VAN DER BEEK’S DEATH HIGHLIGHTS ALARMING COLON CANCER RISE IN YOUNGER ADULTS

"We just didn't think it would be an option here," Piccioli said. "It seemed like something that was going to require a lot of effort to get."

Her California care team soon discovered, however, that Northwestern Medicine in Chicago offers a liver transplantation program specifically for metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

"When liver metastasis is noted, our medical oncologists, along with our transplant surgeons begin to make care pathways tailored to the patient," Satish Nadig, MD, PhD, transplant surgeon and director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center, told Fox News Digital.

The chances of a successful transplant depend largely on how the patient responds to treatment, according to doctors. In "carefully selected" patients, the five-year survival rate can be 60% to 80%.

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"Response to chemotherapy is a critical gatekeeper for liver transplantation in colorectal liver metastases," Nadig said.

"Demonstrated disease control or response is usually required, as it identifies patients whose tumor biology (less aggressive and not spreading quickly) is favorable enough to justify a transplant."

IMAGE

Piccioli, who was in search of a living donor, shared the need with family and friends. A lifetime childhood friend, Lauren Prior, underwent screening and was deemed a match.

The transplant was performed in December 2025, making Piccioli the first person at Northwestern to receive a living donor transplantation for metastatic colon cancer.

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Today, she and the donor are recovering well.

"The first week or two were difficult, but by week four, I was up and around, getting back to doing normal life things," she said. "About two months out, I started working out again. I'm now three months out and feel completely normal. It’s amazing what the body can do."

Piccioli recently had her first post-transplant blood screening for tumor molecules within the body, and none were detected. "So I have no evidence of disease currently," she shared. 

She will remain in Chicago for ongoing monitoring and screening until the end of March, when she will return home to Los Angeles.

Early-onset colorectal cancer is often "silent," according to Nadig.

"That’s because screening is absent before age 45 and symptoms (such as slow bleeding) are usually subtle," he cautioned. Tumors can also grow in hard-to-detect locations, like the right side of the colon, or with biology that "delays obvious warning signs."

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Although Piccioli experienced no warning signs, she encourages others to pay attention to any changes in the body that may signal cancer.

"Do the screenings at the recommended ages, follow up and just be diligent about your health," she advised. 

"I think a lot of the reason that I got to Northwestern and was able to receive this transplant was because I was so diligent about calling the doctors, scheduling the appointments … I think that is really the most important thing: You have to be the captain of your own ship."

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Adult ADHD stimulant prescriptions are surging, and doctors are raising concerns

Adults are seeking ADHD treatment at record rates. 

A new Canadian study reveals that stimulant prescriptions have more than doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend that mirrors similar surges in the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and Finland.

Many mental health professionals say the findings align with what they are seeing in their clinics. 

SIMPLE DAILY HABIT MAY HELP EASE DEPRESSION MORE THAN MEDICATION, RESEARCHERS SAY

The study, which analyzed data from January 2016 to June 2024, found that the demographics of those receiving stimulants have shifted significantly. 

Before the pandemic, 48% of new recipients were female; during the pandemic, that number jumped to 59%. The most significant growth occurred among adults aged 25 to 34.

The researchers also noted that the time between a patient’s first ADHD-related healthcare visit and their first prescription shortened during the pandemic.

By June 2024, the monthly rate of adults being prescribed stimulants reached 10.4 per 1,000 people, a more than sevenfold rise since the start of the study period.

While this could signal more efficient care, it also raises questions about whether patients are receiving thorough evaluations, the study indicated. 

SINGLE DOSE OF POWERFUL PSYCHEDELIC CUTS DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN CLINICAL STUDY

Dr. Nissa Keyashian, a California-based board-certified psychiatrist and author of "Practicing Stillness," said the spike was not a surprise.

"In my practice and that of many of my colleagues, many people, particularly women, have received a new diagnosis of ADHD, usually inattentive subtype, in adulthood," Keyashian, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

Many of these women had symptoms that were overlooked during childhood, the doctor said. 

Unlike the hyperactive or impulsive behaviors often seen in boys, the "inattentive subtype" typically causes fewer disruptions at home or school. 

"Many only begin to struggle when they move out, are on their own and have to provide that structure for themselves," Keyashian noted.

ALWAYS RUNNING LATE? THE REAL COST TO YOUR RELATIONSHIPS MAY SURPRISE YOU

Jonathan Alpert, a New York City psychotherapist and author of the new book "Therapy Nation," said he sees many adult patients who are struggling with focus, productivity and mental overload in a "very demanding digital environment."

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"Those challenges can resemble ADHD, but they don’t always reflect an actual diagnosis," Alpert, who also wasn't involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. "Not every attention problem is ADHD."

"We’re living in a culture that increasingly pathologizes normal human difficulty, and that should be concerning to everyone," said Alpert.

The study also highlighted a shift in who is writing these prescriptions. While the number of stimulants prescribed by psychiatrists remained relatively stable, there was a significant increase in prescriptions from primary care providers and nurse practitioners.

The rise of large telehealth companies during the pandemic could be a contributing factor, according to Keyashian, because there could have been an uptick in diagnoses for individuals who didn't actually have ADHD.

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"Medication should treat a disorder, not become a performance enhancer," Alpert noted. "Over time, that can lead to psychological reliance and reinforce the idea that normal struggles require medical solutions."

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The researchers acknowledged some limitations of the study, including lack of access to detailed medical records and uncertainty regarding whether these findings apply to all geographic regions.

Some stimulants may have been prescribed off-label as an adjunctive treatment for depression or anxiety, which also surged during the pandemic, they noted.

For those who suspect they may have ADHD, Keyashian recommends seeing a psychiatrist who is well-versed in that specific diagnosis. 

"It's best to ask the physician you are seeing about their experience and expertise," she advised.

"Many people today feel mentally scattered," added Alpert. "The challenge is figuring out whether we’re seeing more [of the] disorder — or simply the cognitive strain of a hyper-distracted world."

The research was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

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