MAHA Commission Means Fear, Stigma, Health Threats for Two-Thirds of ADDitude Readers
“This sets us back at least 10 years in mental health care. Referring to any therapeutic treatment as a potential ‘threat’ not only worsens stigma but propagates complete misinformation.”
April 11, 2025
In 44 days, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission says it will deliver to President Trump a report — based on existing research, public hearings, roundtables, and meetings but not new studies — on the scope, causes, and treatments related to childhood chronic disease. In its founding documents, the MAHA Commission, chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., singled out autoimmune diseases, autism, and ADHD, which it said “pose a dire threat to the American people and our way of life” and “harm us, our economy, and our security.”
Medical professionals and advocates were swift to condemn the commission’s stigmatizing portrayal of ADHD and autism as “a dire threat,” and challenged its suggestion that chronic conditions like these may be caused by “over-utilization of medication, certain food ingredients, certain chemicals and other exposures” — claims not supported by accepted scientific knowledge and research.
Of greatest concern to caregivers and patients with ADHD was the commission’s vow to “assess the prevalence of and threat posed by the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants, and weight-loss drugs.” As countless ADDitude readers have said to us: Stimulants are not a threat; they are an essential and effective treatment that mitigates threats to our wellbeing. Many expressed fear that the commission’s actions could restrict access to their prescription medication.
While the commission said it would rely on “transparency and open-source data,” it has not held any reported public hearings or meetings with ADHD experts since it was established in February. News outlets have reported only one closed-door gathering on March 11 with no public invitation or known agenda.
Secretary Kennedy has not responded to ADDitude’s open letter, urging him to consult with ADHD experts and researchers regarding evidence-based findings to effectively treat the condition. However, more than 400 ADDitude readers shared their opinions of the MAHA Commission and its anticipated assessment and final recommendations, which are expected to be delivered to President Trump on August 12.
- 66% of readers said they feel fearful, angry, and/or skeptical of the MAHA Commission
- 23% of readers said they are reserving judgment, feel torn, or are unfamiliar with the MAHA Commission
- 10% expressed excitement or hopefulness about the commission’s work
[New Class! ADHD Treatment Guide for Adults]
Here are some of those opinions, sent to ADDitude in response to the question: What do you think the MAHA Commission assessment, and subsequent recommendations, might mean for your family and others with ADHD, depression, and other related conditions?
Those Who Oppose the MAHA Commission
“I am deeply concerned by this resolution and its negative bias against the medication that has been life-changing for so many people and families. I also find it misaligned with the opinions of the respected researchers like Dr. Russell Barkley who have worked so hard to destigmatize ADHD medication and help people understand that dangerous consequences can come from living without any treatment. I am concerned that this resolution is misrepresenting itself as trying to improve health, when it is actually an effort to restrict treatment options that are already heavily researched and proven.” — an ADDitude reader in Florida
“Health insurance companies will use the commission’s recommendations to make it harder for us to undergo ADHD testing and treatment in every form. They will use it to justify denying requests to receive all types of therapy, medications, etc., and/or increase our payments to receive them. They will use it to justify denying coverage for pre-existing conditions that they no longer feel need to be treated.” — an ADDitude reader in Florida
[Reader Essay: “We Should Never Pull a Life-Saving Medication from a Child.”]
“One assessment by non-experts devoted to a political cause will be wasteful and biased. It will certainly not be worth throwing out an entire body of scientific dispassionate inquiry and knowledge that has accumulated over decades of ADHD research and practice. I can’t imagine what his motive is except to humiliate and dehumanize us.” — an ADDitude reader in Virginia
“This sets us back at least 10 years in mental health care. Referring to any therapeutic treatment as a potential ‘threat’ not only worsens stigma but propagates complete misinformation.” — an ADDitude reader in Colorado
“It is significantly concerning when those without medical knowledge or an understanding of how to look at and critically assess research are making decisions about how to treat health concerns. We are already seeing the impact of unsound decision-making, as previously eradicated illnesses and diseases are making an unwanted comeback. Without informed decision-makers, people will suffer.” — an ADDitude reader in Pennsylvania
“MAHA will probably limit which medications are covered by insurance or Medicaid, making life unaffordable and unbearable for many neurodivergent people who are relying on them just to get through each day. Each person’s body chemistry handles different drug formulas differently, and often it takes trial and error to find the correct med for each person. Taking many of these medications off the table will greatly impact so many.” — an ADDitude reader in North Carolina
“I see a huge threat in this MAHA initiative. It sounds like segregating or eliminating ‘mutants’ at the beginning of a sci-fi movie. Add in the attack on Section 504, and it would seem that anyone who is not physically or neurologically ‘typical’ is not worth helping/saving/protecting. It’s absolutely horrific. I think it could go way beyond limiting treatment, and I believe it would be a massive disservice to our people, and our public health, setting a terrible precedent for who is ‘valuable enough.'” — an ADDitude reader in California
“The very wording of the statement reflects their bias against these vital tools. Their intent is to restrict access and convince people that they don’t work. This will only further harm marginalized communities that already receive care at lower rates.” — an ADDitude reader in Arkansas
“I am terrified of the outcome of this so-called assessment. For several years we’ve tried to find the right drug combination for my daughter. Now we seem to have it, and I’m afraid it will be stripped away in a couple of months. We both have ADHD, take stimulants, as well as meds for anxiety and depression. If they are no longer available to us, I will attempt to migrate to Canada, seeking asylum based on the fact that living in the U.S. would put our health severely at risk.” — an ADDitude reader in Texas
“No different than a Type-1 diabetic who needs insulin to lower blood sugar levels, my son’s brain needs these medications to help balance its chemistry. Without them, I’m certain he would not be able to attend school. Our insurance company makes me fight every month for the medication he has. I can’t imagine more limitations!” — an ADDitude reader in Oregon
“If the recommendations lead to stricter limitations on the prescribing of medications, it may force individuals with ADHD, depression, and other mental health conditions to turn to less effective or more dangerous treatment options. Additionally, limiting prescribed medications could reinforce the stigma surrounding mental health, making it harder for individuals with ADHD and depression to seek help as their treatment options are limited.” — an ADDitude reader
“I exercise, eat healthy, meditate, blah blah blah, and only the meds make my brain work better. I can feel the moment it turns on. Take the meds away, and you have mayhem at work, and at home. It’s mind-bending to ponder the consequences.” — an ADDitude reader in New Mexico
“I can’t even think about this without feeling ill. On the surface, I look like a normal, functioning professional with an advanced degree. I am fortunate to have landed a job with a six-figure salary, but I can’t tell you how many nights I spent curled up crying during the stimulant shortages because I was terrified that I would lose my job if I couldn’t function without my medication. Not to mention how hopeless and embarrassed I felt having to desperately call every local pharmacy to see if they had medication in stock. We need to broaden access — not limit it.”- an ADDitude reader in Michigan
“Politicians should not be interfering with medication access or making decisions on what is or isn’t safe. That’s what the FDA is for. These headlines make me extremely anxious and, in a way, feel less than — like those who want to ban SSRIs and other medications do not care about those of us who need them.” — an ADDitude reader in Michigan
“They are targeting medications that truly make a difference in the day-to-day lives of ADHD brains and their parents. If some of these medications get taken off the market, there will increases in suicides. Taking away what works without viable alternative solutions is a huge mistake. As a scientist, I’m scared of people who are not accepting of scientific proof.” — an ADDitude reader
“Based on the anti-science rhetoric from this new administration, I am afraid they may act to limit the usage of these medications based on their motivated reasoning. They will disregard the body of evidence, and use false-cause, anecdotal, and Texas sharpshooter fallacies to do real harm to Americans who need these medications to function or even survive.” — an ADDitude reader
Those Who Support the MAHA Commission
“I’m hoping for a broad, holistic, ground-up approach where our treatment options outside of medications are expanded and supported and made more financially accessible to make needed medications and prescriptions more effective.” — an ADDitude reader in Georgia
“I want to know that what my kids are taking is actually safe, actually healthy, and actually doing what it should be doing. We should not be afraid of that. If they find that pharmaceutical companies are lying to us, then please, by all means, take the medications out of production and find us alternatives that really do help! I say this as a mother of four children on ADHD and depression/anxiety medications.” — an ADDitude reader in Minnesota
“I tend to be more conservative when it comes to diagnosing and medication management, so I think we need an assessment of the system with new recommendations from a new perspective. In the 30 years I have been a social worker, I have seen many over-diagnosed and over-medicated clients. I think we need to go to a more holistic approach. I feel that meds are often prescribed in isolation, when they should be in combination with therapy or other forms of counseling/support groups. Mental health is a huge crisis, but even more so is the over-medication of the U.S. population. I welcome the oversight.” — an ADDitude reader in Maryland
“Healthcare in the U.S. needs to be reformed and the only way to do that is to shake things up. It would mean we can get rid of things that aren’t working and implement new policies and ideas that will work. It might mean we have to fight harder for the things that matter but when we work together anything is possible!” — an ADDitude reader
Those Undecided on the MAHA Commission
“My initial reaction was fear and disbelief — wondering why this was being investigated and whether I might have trouble accessing my medications. But once I engaged my professional mindset, I realized the potential harm of prescribing antidepressants and other psychiatric medications too freely. When these medications are used as a quick fix rather than addressing underlying issues — such as biological conditions, illnesses, or nutritional deficiencies — it can be dangerous.” — an ADDitude reader in Texas
“I think it’s important for scientists and doctors to continuously assess and research all medications to ensure they’re effective and safe, but the language of referring to these as a potential ‘threat’ is harmful and potentially dangerous. It could increase stigma, reduce access to medications for those who need them, and contribute to a broader uptick in ableism especially toward mental health disorders. I also think that it sets a dangerous precedent of politicizing health issues, which could further contribute toward not only stigma but misinformation from politicians who are not medically trained or certified, harmful policies and legislation targeting people with mental and physical disabilities, and a cultural shift away from accommodations, accessibility, and legal protections for people affected by mental health disorders.” — an ADDitude reader in Colorado
“A review of these medications may lead to more informed prescribing practices, ensuring that treatments are effective and necessary. This could improve patient outcomes and tailor treatment to individual needs, which is crucial for managing conditions like ADHD and depression. However, there are potential risks associated with the recommendations that could affect access to treatment. If the assessment finds that certain medications are being overprescribed or misused, it might result in stricter regulations or guidelines that could limit access for those who genuinely need these medications. Moreover, increased examination and discussion around these medications may inadvertently contribute to stigma.” — an ADDitude reader in Australia
MAHA Commission: Next Steps
- Free Download: The Ultimate Guide to ADHD Medication
- Read: “Disability Is DEI.”
- Reader Reactions: “I’m Truly Scared for What This Could Mean”
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