Medical Bulletin 13/October/2025

ADHD affects millions worldwide, yet sex-based differences in its diagnosis and clinical outcomes remain poorly understood. To better investigate these disparities, the research team analyzed a clinical sample of 900 adults (54.9% male and 45.1% female) attending a specialized outpatient program for a first-time ADHD diagnosis. The average age of participants was 36.94 years. Using standardized clinical interviews and validated rating scales, they assessed age at diagnosis, symptom severity, psychiatric comorbidities, and psychosocial functioning.

The findings showed that women were diagnosed at an average age of 28.96, while men were diagnosed earlier, at 24.13 years. However, symptoms began at similar ages across both sexes. Dr. Amoretti explained, “We found that although ADHD symptoms started at a similar age in males and females, women were diagnosed about five years later. By the time of diagnosis, they showed more severe symptoms, worse functioning in daily life, and higher rates of depression and anxiety.”

“Girls with ADHD are more likely to seem inattentive and generally less disruptive. This becomes clinically important, as it means that women are just not treated early enough, and often are just not diagnosed at all. We have seen similar tendencies internationally, so it is likely that this is a global problem. The nature of the condition leads to poorer diagnosis in women everywhere, meaning that women can lose on average five years of treatment, 5 years of a better life”.

Males were three times more likely to report legal troubles—18.1% of men had experienced legal issues compared to just 6.6% of women.

Reference: Mestres F, Richarte V, Crespín JJ, et al. Sex differences in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A population-based study. European Psychiatry. 2025;68(1):e90. doi:10.1192/j.eurpsy.2025.2441

These Factors Are Impacting Fertility in Indian Men: Study Reveals

A new research article published in Oncoscience reveals that unhealthy lifestyle habits and hormonal imbalances significantly impact male fertility. The study offers crucial insights amid rising male infertility rates in India and worldwide.

Infertility affects one in six couples globally, with male-related issues contributing to nearly half of all cases. Despite this, there remains a lack of comprehensive data from India on how modifiable lifestyle behaviors and hormonal profiles influence sperm health. This study aimed to bridge that gap by assessing lifestyle, hormone levels, and semen quality in Indian men.

Researchers examined 278 men aged 21 to 50 attending fertility evaluations. Participants underwent semen analysis based on the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, along with advanced tests to assess sperm DNA fragmentation—a key marker of genetic damage. The study also included a detailed lifestyle and hormone profile for each participant.

Nearly half of the men had abnormal semen parameters. Interestingly, while older age did not significantly reduce sperm volume or motility, men over 40 showed higher levels of DNA fragmentation. The data strongly linked poor lifestyle habits to sperm dysfunction. Tobacco and alcohol use were strongly associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Additionally, alcohol was associated with higher sperm DNA fragmentation, and men working in high-heat environments had more DNA-damaged sperm. Both underweight and overweight men had lower semen quality compared to those with normal body weight.

The study also emphasized hormonal influences on fertility. Low testosterone and high prolactin levels were associated with poor semen profiles, while low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels correlated with higher sperm DNA fragmentation. The authors suggest that AMH may serve as a promising biomarker for sperm health.

Although limited by its single-center design and lack of long-term follow-up, this study offers critical evidence supporting the role of lifestyle modification and hormone evaluation in improving male fertility outcomes.

Reference: Chamanmalik S.I., Nerli R.B., Umarane P. Lifestyle and hormonal factors affecting semen quality and sperm DNA integrity: A cross-sectional study. Oncoscience. 2025; 12:115-129. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.627

Can a Natural Sweetener Improve Hair Regrowth Outcomes?

A new study published in Advanced Healthcare Materials demonstrates that stevioside, a glycoside extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, can significantly enhance the transdermal delivery of minoxidil, a first-line pharmacologic treatment for androgenetic alopecia. The study, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, highlights a novel approach using a dissolvable patch containing both stevioside and minoxidil to stimulate hair regrowth in a mouse model of androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss, is a chronic, progressive condition influenced by genetic predisposition and androgenic activity—specifically heightened sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a testosterone derivative. This interaction gradually miniaturizes follicles, shortening the anagen (growth) phase and eventually ceasing hair production.

Minoxidil, a vasodilator approved for topical use, can help prolong the anagen phase and promote regrowth. However, its therapeutic efficacy is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low skin permeability, necessitating prolonged, frequent application with variable patient outcomes.

To address these limitations, researchers developed a microneedle transdermal delivery system combining minoxidil with stevioside as a natural penetration enhancer. In vivo testing on a mouse model of alopecia showed that the patch effectively reactivated hair follicles and initiated new hair growth. “Using stevioside to enhance minoxidil delivery represents a promising step toward more effective and natural treatments for hair loss, potentially benefiting millions worldwide,” said co-corresponding author Lifeng Kang, PhD, of the University of Sydney.

The findings underscore the potential of biocompatible enhancers in improving dermal drug absorption and therapeutic outcomes. Future research may focus on clinical translation and optimization of such delivery systems to advance personalized, non-invasive treatments for hair loss.

Reference: Junying Zhang, Tianyu Shao, Hailiang Li, Luying Zhu, Lamyaa Albakr, Nial J. Wheate, Lifeng Kang, Chungyong Wu. Natural Sweetener Stevioside‐Based Dissolving Microneedles Solubilize Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2025; DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202503575