New issue: What we got wrong about ADHD and why it matters

New issue: What we got wrong about ADHD and why it matters

Psychology is rife with myths: you only use 10 per cent of your brain; you’re either left-brained or right-brained; your brain has a ‘learning style’. Culture is littered with ideas that would have any decent psychologist rolling their eyes. At 146 years old, psychology is no spring chicken, but compared to something like astronomy, it’s a toddler. Since the subject is still in its infancy, a lot of the early ideas about human thought and behaviour linger, giving rise to misconceptions about how our brains work. While erroneous conclusions about the ‘left/right brain’ idea is relatively harmless, others can get us into trouble. TV in the 90s taught us that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was something only kids had – the unruly, fidgety kind that couldn’t sit still long enough to do their homework. The trouble is, psychology and the early narrative around the condition oversimplified what was happening. As we learn more about the disorder, those assumptions are crashing into real people’s lives and a forgotten generation of undiagnosed people are emerging, having struggled their whole lives. This issue, we investigate why millions are waking up to the new reality of ADHD.

Holly Spanner

Life on Mars?

NASA's Perseverance rover has discovered strange leopard-spot patterns on a rock that resembles evidence of ancient microbial life. And scientists think it may be the first ‘clearest sign’ that there was once life on Mars.

Whiplash weather

Rapid changes in weather patterns are leading to deadly consequences. Weather patterns are swinging from one extreme to the other, faster and more frequently than ever before.

Lucid dreaming

Imagine being able to slip into a lucid dream every night; everything feels real, you can control everything around you... and you can fly. There are ways you can learn how to do it yourself, but scientists are also developing technology that could unlock vast potential.

Breathing for better health

Breathing is something we do unconsciously. But taking some conscious, deep breaths could unlock a host of benefits... here's everything you need to know about improving your health from the comfort of your sofa (or bed!).

Plus

  • A secret weapon in the fight against depression: Depression is a widespread disorder, and scientists are continually looking for faster, inexpensive ways to treat it. Could a dietary supplement taken by bodybuilders and athletes be the answer?
  • Artificial Intelligence: How much more intelligent is AI going to get, or has it reached its peak?
  • Q&A: Your questions answered. This month, it's a spooky special: Is psychopathy born or bred? What are some of the spookiest experiments we’ve ever done? How many organs could I survive without? Can animals smell death? What’s the smelliest thing in the world? Could I get a phone signal on the Moon? Should I keep my car keys in a Faraday box? Do I have alexithymia? Should I start sniffing rosemary? And more…

Issue 425 on sale Tuesday 14 October 2025

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Holly Spanner

Staff Writer, BBC Science Focus

Holly is the Staff Writer for BBC Science Focus and looks after the popular Q&A section. She holds an MSc (distinction) in Geoscience (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, and specialises in astronomy and earth sciences. Before joining Our Media, she worked as a geoenvironmental consultant and engineer, informing on ground risk and remediation in the north of England, while hunting for exoplanets in her spare time. Alongside this, she was regional editor of a popular theatre website for nine years, and has a solid background in curating and developing content for the digital space. Holly is also an artist and illustrator, and regular contributor to the craft website, Gathered. She has previously worked with the RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot and Brother, as well as on BBC Good Food magazine, Home Style magazine, and Papercraft inspirations magazine. She enjoys photography and has a sustained interest in antiques.

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