Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) by President-elect Donald Trump, following the US Presidential Election held on November 5, 2024. Trump has said that he will let Kennedy "go wild" on food, health, and medicine, but what exactly does that mean?

While RFK Jr.’s confirmation by the Republican-majority Senate seems likely, it is not guaranteed, and his tenure won’t begin until Trump is inaugurated on January 20, 2025. However, his well-known controversial views and conspiracy theories already raise significant concerns—and some possible opportunities—for ADHD healthcare and beyond. Let's check out what this Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement might mean for ADHDers living in America.

The Risks for ADHD Healthcare

Many of us can agree that RFK Jr. being put in charge of United States healthcare is worrisome. Some of the health-related things he's known for include:

• Spreading anti-vaccine misinformation, which led to the deaths of at least 32 Samoans in 2019

• Promoting the consumption of raw, unpasteurized milk, which can cause severe food-borne illnesses [1,2]

• Believing that vaccines (specifically the MMR - mumps, measles, and rubella - vaccine) cause Autism, despite this theory being debunked long ago [3]

• Promoting a disproved conspiracy theory that 5G networks and Wi-Fi cause cancer

But what about ADHD? Here's how ADHD healthcare might be impacted by RFK Jr. if he takes over the HHS—and, consequently, the FDA and CDC—in 2025.

Medication Shortages Could Worsen

The U.S. is already facing ADHD medication shortages, and RFK Jr.’s plans to "overhaul the FDA" could further disrupt ADHD med supply. He has pledged to fire hundreds of officials in regulatory agencies like the FDA and CDC, potentially destabilizing processes for approving, manufacturing, and distributing medications.

This could slow approvals for new generics, exacerbate production issues and delays, and leave ADHD patients struggling to find treatment options.

Stigma Around ADHD Medications

RFK Jr. has frequently criticized pharmaceutical companies and cast doubt on established medications for various conditions and diseases, from autism and depression to HIV/AIDS. If he applies similar skepticism to ADHD medications, such as stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta, or Ritalin, it could:

• Discourage healthcare providers from prescribing ADHD medications

• Amplify stigma around using stimulants, particularly for children

• Leave patients feeling unsupported or hesitant to seek treatment

Misinformation on ADHD and Its Treatment

Kennedy’s history of promoting unfounded health claims—like linking vaccines to autism—raises concerns about misinformation impacting ADHD care. If he suggests unproven "natural" alternatives as substitutes for medication, it could mislead patients and reduce access to an official ADHD diagnosis and effective, evidence-based treatment and management strategies.

Possible Benefits (If Handled Carefully)

Reforming Food Safety Policies

RFK Jr. has criticized the use of artificial food dyes and additives, which some research suggests can exacerbate hyperactivity in children. If he advocates for stricter food safety regulations, it could lead to a reduction in ingredients linked to ADHD symptom aggravation, aligning U.S. standards more closely with Europe.

Addressing Environmental Contributors

Kennedy’s focus on pesticides and other toxins might reduce environmental exposures that contribute to neurodevelopmental issues. While this could benefit ADHD care, his efforts must be grounded in solid evidence rather than speculative claims.

Challenges in Leadership

No matter your political stance, it's important to know that RFK Jr. is widely regarded as unqualified for the role of HHS Secretary. His lack of medical or public health expertise, combined with a track record of promoting fringe theories, raises serious questions about his ability to lead such a vital agency in our country.

His role as the HHS secretary would put him in charge of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). HHS also oversees public health programs that millions rely on, including Medicare, Medicaid, and mental health services.

His leadership style and unscientific views could erode trust in these institutions, making it harder for ADHD patients to access care and resources.

What Can We Do to Prepare?

As the ADHD community faces potential changes under RFK Jr.’s likely leadership of HHS, here’s how we can prepare for his possible takeover in 2025:

1. Stay Informed: Follow updates on his confirmation and track any proposed policy changes starting in January 2025. Reliable, unbiased, science-based sources will be key. (Click here to redeem a free month of Ground News.)

2. Advocate for Science: Support organizations that champion evidence-based ADHD care. If you feel really strongly about potential policy changes, you could also write to your state's representatives to emphasize the importance of accessible and proven treatment.

3. Educate Others: Share accurate information about ADHD and its treatments. Help debunk misinformation that could undermine the community’s healthcare.

4. Strengthen Your Support Network: Join ADHD communities and advocacy groups to stay connected and amplify your voice against harmful policies. (You can start by following me on Bluesky!)

Let's Wrap This Up

While RFK Jr. could bring attention to issues like food safety and environmental health, his unscientific positions and lack of qualifications pose significant risks to all healthcare, including practices and treatments related to ADHD.

For now, his nomination remains tentative, but the ADHD community should prepare to address the challenges his leadership may bring if confirmed by the US Senate.