The research demonstrates that your child will likely have a side effect from the medication. Side effects range from reduced eating and growth, irritability, rage, and personality changes to psychotic behaviors.
Most ADHD drugs are "stimulants." They can raise your blood pressure and speed up your heart rate. If you already have an issue with your heart, these medicines could be risky.
For older children, the best treatment is often a combination of behavior therapy and medication. But for children under 6 years of age, experts recommend that ADHD be treated with behavior therapy first, before trying medication. Behavior therapy is the recommended treatment for ADHD in children under 6 years of age.
Many studies in the lab don't show that people without ADHD get any boost to their cognition when they take ADHD drugs, but real-life situations like exams and writing papers haven't fully been tested. But many studies do show that these kinds of meds make you think you did better than you actually did.
The prescription of stimulant medication for children with ADHD has been one of the most controversial issues in child psychiatry. Some sectors have demonized stimulant medication, charging that parents and physicians are being grossly negligent in prescribing such “dangerous” drugs.
Why does ADHD carry a stigma? Despite evidence to the contrary, many people still don't believe that ADHD is a bona fide medical condition. They see it as an excuse for sloppiness or laziness. The fact that ADHD symptoms appear to come and go, depending on the situation, only feeds the doubters' contempt.
Although it is true that overdiagnosis means that some people without ADHD receive treatment, on the whole, people with ADHD are actually undertreated.
"These changes in brain chemistry were associated with serious concerns such as risk-taking behaviors, disruptions in the sleep/wake cycle and problematic weight loss, as well as resulting in increased activity and anti-anxiety and antidepressive effects."
Stimulants are believed to work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.
Even among children in whom ADHD is correctly diagnosed, medication is overprescribed. Most studies show that ADHD medications decrease symptoms in about 70% of children.
People with ADHD can be effectively treated without drugs, improving brain dysregulation and help optimize brain function, leading to a reduction and/or resolution of symptoms and improved quality of life.
ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents, with the prevalence in Australia estimated to be between 6% and 10%. (International 5-8%).
People may mistrust best practice guidelines around ADHD, including medications that experts often recommend. And parents sometimes decline to pursue diagnosis and treatment for their children. They may be hesitant because they feel some treatments could affect a child's growth.
Effects of ADHD include: Social isolation. Decreased scholastic and job performance. Inability to form lasting bonds with others.
Less Impulsivity
If your medication is working, you'll notice less impulsivity — both physical and verbal. You will interrupt people or jump out of your seat less often. You'll notice that your thoughts are less impulsive, too.
These may include hyperfocus, resilience, creativity, conversational skills, spontaneity, and abundant energy. Many people view these benefits as “superpowers” because those with ADHD can hone them to their advantage. People with ADHD have a unique perspective that others may find interesting and valuable.
Certain ADHD medications, especially stimulant medications, can cause physical anxiety symptoms such as increased heart rate and difficulty sleeping. They may also worsen anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and co-occurring anxiety disorders.
Many adults with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and paying attention. But, even though they have possible symptoms of ADHD, they still can enjoy life and relax. A common misconception about ADHD is that adults who have it cannot relax at all.
The most popular ADHD medications among ADDitude readers include (in alphabetical order): Adderall XR (amphetamine) Concerta (methylphenidate) Dexedrine (amphetamine)
What to Do if Medication Stops Working. If you're taking ADHD medicine and your symptoms don't improve or they get worse, tell your doctor. They may recommend that you slowly increase your dose. If that doesn't work, you may have to try a different drug.
ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
Sleep apnea is a common culprit that's often misdiagnosed as ADHD — and vice versa. Fortunately, researchers are devising simple tests to definitively diagnose and get kids the treatment they need.
Rather, the rise seems to be due to an increase in access to healthcare; a decrease in stigmatization about receiving mental health care; and greater awareness of the symptoms of ADHD among clinicians, guardians, educators, and patients. In the past, ADHD was only diagnosed in children who were hyperactive.
The causes of overdiagnosis may include changes in diagnostic thresholds, poor diagnostic practices, and advertising by the pharmaceutical industry. Overdiagnosis leads to overtreatment, and dramatic increases in prescriptions for adult ADHD during the last decade should arouse concern.