Have we been thinking about A.D.H.D. all wrong?

Experts have begun to question our assumptions about the condition — and how to treat it.

View in browser|nytimes.com April 19, 2025 On the cover this week: Researchers are concerned over what they see as a disconnect between the emerging scientific understanding of A.D.H.D. and the way the condition is being treated in clinics and doctors' offices. Paul Tough, a contributing writer for the magazine, says his story has roots in his experiences as a parent. "For the last few years, it seems every family I speak to is dealing with the same struggle: how to help their kids stay tuned in and on track." Illustrations by Todd St. John Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong? With diagnoses at a record high, some experts have begun to question our assumptions about the condition — and how to treat it. By Paul Tough 5 Takeaways From New Research About A.D.H.D. Scientists who study the condition are wrestling with some fundamental questions about the way we define and treat it. By Paul Tough FEATURES Alec Soth/Magnum, for The New York Times The Techno-Utopians Who Want to Colonize the Sea Libertarians have long looked at ocean living as the next frontier. Some wealthy men are testing the waters. By Mark Yarm Illustration by Matt Dorfman Lawyer Up? Increasingly, Americans Won't, or Can't. It's dangerous to go to court without legal representation — but more Americans are going it alone. By Rowan Moore Gerety MORE IN THE MAGAZINE The Interview Nate Bargatze Doesn't Mind if You Think He's an Idiot The stand-up comic discusses having a magician for a father, the challenge of mainstream comedy and his aspirations to build the next Disneyland. 34 MIN LISTEN Photo illustration by Tyler Comrie Screenland Why the White House Started Making Deportation Cartoons The Trump administration hasn't yet delivered huge deportation numbers — but it is using the internet to provide regular deportation spectacles. By Peter C. Baker Illustration by Tomi Um The Ethicist My Girlfriend Keeps Looking Through My Phone. Should We Break Up? The magazine's Ethicist columnist on device privacy in relationships. By Kwame Anthony Appiah Linda Xiao for The New York Times. Food stylist: Maggie Ruggiero. Prop stylist: Sophia Eleni Pappas Eat A Chicken à la King That's Actually Fit for a King The midcentury classic is still relevant — even worth celebrating — today. By Eric Kim Illustration by Louise Zergaeng Pomeroy Judge John Hodgman How Gross Can Guys Get in the Kitchen? A ruling on two connected food-handling disputes. By John Hodgman Get your tickets to the Well Festival: Join editors, reporters and other New York Times journalists live in Brooklyn on May 7 for a day focused on health and happiness. Peter Attia, Padma Lakshmi, Robin Arzon, Sara Bareilles, Orna Guralnik, Dan Harris and others will discuss the science and art of living well. Learn more and buy your tickets here. Stay in touch: Like this email? Forward it to a friend and help us grow. Loved a story? Hated it? Write us a letter at magazine@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward this to you? Sign up here to get the magazine newsletter. For narrated versions of our articles and more audio journalism, download New York Times Audio, a new iOS app available for news subscribers. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The New York Times Magazine from The New York Times. To stop receiving The New York Times Magazine, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018