Why do we use stimulants to treat ADHD?
- kimberlyannecv
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
When we first think of the the mental disorder ADHD, the last thing that we would think of doing is to add more stimulus. After all isn't the point to slow down the hyperactivity in this "hyperactivity disorder"?
Usually yes, but in this case stimulants are used to control levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that are used to send messages around the body to perform many functions. In this case, a stimulant would be used to control the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that encourages movement, behavior and cognition, and attention. Norepinephrine is best associated with the "fight or flight" response, they increase alertness and attention, affect sleep-wake cycles, mood and memory. Both are very important to daily function, however those with ADHD have disordered levels that makes it difficult to utilize properly.
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, people who have this condition may present with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is not an exhaustive list, and are actually common among the average population. However, those with ADHD present these symptoms more frequently and more severely, so much so that it begins to negatively effect their day to day life.
So let's go back to the main question, why stimulants instead of depressants?
ADHD varies from person to person, but generally patients experience an inconsistent level of neurotransmitters that fluctuates throughout the day leading to burnout. If an ADHD patient were to use a depressant they would achieve that low feeling earlier in the day, which would make them more miserable than being left unmedicated. With a proper dose of stimulant, patients can control their energy and make it last until the end of the day.
Think of when you're driving a vehicle and merging into the busy highway. When you gradually increase speed your body barely notices how fast you're actually going. And once you're at that speed you want to maintain the momentum instead of slow down. In ADHD, this is called hyperfocus, or a session of intense focus with no break leading to neglect of other aspects of routine. For example, someone in hyperfocus about their work may forget to eat or use the restroom and will neglect that need until their work is done.
So lets say we try to counter this speed by slightly tapping the breaks. You then lunge forward from the sudden drop of energy. That's how a depressant would act on a person with ADHD, the sudden stop of energy can lead to devastating consequences on the mind and body. This is called burnout, after that session of high adrenaline and focus wears off your body is tired and calls for rest. There is no other way to remedy this than to listen to your body and rest. This can be impossible for people who still have work to finish or need to drive themselves home. They can't rest just yet.
Instead of driving at full speed, we can adjust the top speed to something more manageable to last longer. We can also drive the car until it comes to a gradual stop. Or in this case, make the neurotransmitters in the brain keep you engaged until the end of the day or for however long you need it. This is the goal that stimulants aim for and achieve.
There are different types of stimulants, immediate-release and extended-release. Immediate-release affect the body right away and last for a couple of hours, however they involve a sharp decrease in energy level. That's why there is extended-release, it kicks in more slowly but lasts for almost an entire day depending on the brand. Usually patients use a mix of both, they take extended-release in the day and take immediate-release in the evening for a boost to finish the day with. Finding the correct amount will take trial and error, but eventually once the right dosage is found it will prove to improve daily life.
This article is for educational purposes only. If you believe you have ADHD please talk to your provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Photo Credit:
Tara Winsted on pexels.com
Credit:
Cleveland Clinic - ADHD Medications
Harmony Ridge Recover - Stimulants vs. Depressants
NIMH - What is ADHD?
Very Well Mind - ADHD Burnout
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
