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3-2-1 ADHD
Priyanka Vaidya
April 21, 2025
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can impact daily functioning in children and adults. An ADHD brain differs from a neurotypical one, from the size and activity levels of certain regions to the chemical signals traveling throughout the brain. ADHD can present in three different ways: Inattentive ADHD, where individuals find it difficult to plan or complete a task, follow directions or discussions, or follow instructions and get easily distracted, is referred to as ADD. Hyperactive-Impulsive is where individuals tend to talk a lot, often interrupting others, unable to wait their turn, or speaking at inappropriate times. Combined: Individuals with combined ADHD demonstrate symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD equally.
ADHD in children is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are more severe and frequent than typically observed in children of the same age. The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults include difficulty paying attention and staying focused, often leading to being easily distracted, overlooking details, and trouble completing tasks.
ADHD affects people worldwide, with recent estimates indicating that around 400+ million adults globally have ADHD. This condition’s long-term effects are broad and can significantly impact an individual’s educational, occupational, social, and health outcomes. Early identification and comprehensive management may help mitigate some of these risks.
3 startups making an impact in this space:
Company | |||
Location | US | US | US |
Modality | Therapeutics | Therapeutics | Care access |
Descriptor | First FDA-cleared device for treating pediatric ADHD. | Personalized digital therapeutics delivered via video games to improve cognitive impairments. | Shimmer is a virtual coaching platform for adults with ADHD. |
Core Problem | There is a gap in the market for non-drug therapies for patients aged 7-12 years who are not prescribed ADHD medications. | Medications for ADHD and other cognitive impairments have side effects, and treatments are not personalized. | There is no personalized coaching platform for patients with ADHD who need tools and systems to thrive. |
Solution | An innovative non-medication treatment for children with ADHD that uses trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS). | A new class of FDA-approved digital medicines for people living with cognitive impairments is delivered through video games. | Personalized 1:1 video coaching, customized productivity tools, and learning modules for adults with ADHD. |
Product Suite | Monarch eTNS system, which is the first non-drug treatment for pediatric ADHD cleared by the FDA. | EndeavorOTC is an FDA-authorized game-based treatment clinically proven to improve focus and attention in adults with ADHD. EndeavorRx is an FDA-approved, doctor-prescribed video game treatment for kids with ADHD. | Shimmer offers an ADHD support system with coaching sessions, tools, and resources. |
Regulatory Status | FDA cleared. | FDA approved. | Not applicable. |
Funding Stage | IPO | Series D | Seed |
Team | Experts from the business management and healthcare industry. | Seasoned health tech and digital therapeutics entrepreneurs. | The founder is a person who lives with ADHD. |
Traction | Global traction. | D2C products have gained widespread traction | Strong D2C traction. |
2 actionable insights to inspire your strategy.
Digital Therapeutics Digital therapeutics (DTx) are evidence-based software interventions designed to prevent, manage, or treat medical disorders, including ADHD. In recent years, DTx has emerged as a promising adjunct or alternative to traditional ADHD treatments, especially for children. These tools use game-like interfaces and adaptive reward systems to improve attention, working memory, and behavioral regulation, with high adherence rates and minimal risk of side effects or misuse. DTx interventions are generally well tolerated, with lower rates of adverse events compared to pharmacological treatments. Parents often prefer digital options due to the absence of medication-related side effects. | Telehealth Telehealth has become an integral part of ADHD management for both children and adults, offering a range of benefits that address traditional barriers to care. Telehealth allows patients to access ADHD specialists and therapy regardless of geographic location, which is especially valuable for those in rural or underserved areas. Virtual consultations can decrease diagnostic waiting times and enable clinicians to see more patients, helping to address the high demand for ADHD services. Many individuals with ADHD find virtual sessions less stressful and more comfortable, as they can participate from familiar settings. |
1 key resource to deepen your understanding.
Is ADHD a superpower? From misunderstood symptoms to treatment breakthroughs, Kristen covers it all in this episode from the ‘I have ADHD’ podcast:
And that’s all for today, see you next Monday!
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