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Methylphenidate Cuts 23% Higher Pupil Variability in ADHD

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 11:57 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at India's Indraprastha Institute of Technology Delhi analyzed eye-tracking data from 50 Chilean children (28 ADHD, 22 controls) aged 10-12.
Unmedicated ADHD participants showed about 23% higher trial-to-trial pupil variability than controls.
When given methylphenidate, 17 ADHD children displayed reduced variability and stronger pupil responses.
Researchers warned the medication effect may reflect pharmacology rather than normalized attention, noting the findings in Scientific Reports 2026.

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Story summary

Researchers at India's Indraprastha Institute of Technology Delhi analyzed eye-tracking data from 50 Chilean children (28 ADHD, 22 controls) aged 10-12.
Unmedicated ADHD participants showed about 23% higher trial-to-trial pupil variability than controls.
When given methylphenidate, 17 ADHD children displayed reduced variability and stronger pupil responses.
Researchers warned the medication effect may reflect pharmacology rather than normalized attention, noting the findings in Scientific Reports 2026.