“Our study documents that early treatment with stimulant medication has very strong protective effects against the development of serious, ADHD-associated functional complications like mood and anxiety disorders, conduct and oppositional defiant disorder, addictions, driving impairments and academic failure,” says Joseph Biederman, MD, chief of the Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD Program at MGH and MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
Full Answer
Why are stimulants effective in treating ADHD?
Stimulants regulate impulsive behavior and improve attention span and focus by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, primarily dopamine, which transmit signals between nerves.
Why do stimulants have the opposite effect on ADHD?
While taking stimulants would cause most of us to become hyperactive, they have the opposite effect on those with ADHD. While stimulants can cause children with this disorder to have difficulty sleeping and can cause them to feel uncomfortable, it actually quiets their hyperactivity and improves their attention.
Does stimulant treatment of ADHD increase the risk for drug abuse?
stimulant medication to treat young children with ADHD does not affect—neither increasing nor decreasing—the risk for substance abuse in adulthood.”
Do stimulants protect against psychiatric disorders in youth with ADHD?
Conclusions. We found evidence that stimulant treatment decreases the risk for subsequent comorbid psychiatric disorders and academic failure in youth with ADHD grown up.
How does a stimulant work?
Stimulants mainly accelerate brain activity by increasing the level of a chemical (catecholamine), which boosts alertness, energy, and attention. Moreover, they also produce the following effects in the body: Increase heart rate. Raise blood sugar and blood pressure.
How does a stimulant affect attention?
Stimulants improve sustained, focused attention, but 'selective attention,' and 'distractibility' may be worsened, possibly because of a drug-induced increase in impulsivity. (2) Both, amphetamine and methylphenidate do not improve (and may even impair) short-term acquisition of information, (3)
Why you should not medicate ADHD?
#1 ADHD Medication Side Effects Harm Kids 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.
Does ADHD increase risk of addiction?
Introduction. Research has shown that those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an increased risk for addiction disorders like alcoholism and substance abuse.
Is there a link between ADHD and drug abuse?
Several studies have shown a strong connection between ADHD, drug abuse, and alcoholism. ADHD is five to 10 times more common among adult alcoholics than it is in people without the condition. Among adults being treated for alcohol and substance abuse, the rate of ADHD is about 25%.
Do stimulants help ADHD long-term?
These observational studies also showed positive correlations between early recognition of the disorder, stimulant treatment during childhood and favorable long-term outcome in adult ADHD patients. In conclusion, stimulant therapy of ADHD has long-term beneficial effects and is well tolerated.
What are the long-term effects of ADHD?
As many cases of ADHD persist long into adulthood, if ADHD is left untreated and undiagnosed, the long-term effects can lead to significant impairment in daily life. Effects of ADHD include: Social isolation. Decreased scholastic and job performance.
Is Ritalin a long-term solution?
In general, most of the available evidence points to the conclusion that long-term medical use of Ritalin for the treatment of ADHD is safe; however, long-term use of any drug, including Ritalin, is not without its costs even if the drug is being used solely for medical reasons and in accordance with its prescribed ...