6 Myths About ADHD Medications We Need To Stop Believing

Giving your child any new medication can be stressful, but when doctors refer to it as a stimulant and it’s classified as a controlled substance, it’s particularly understandable to feel uncomfortable. Compounding these fears further is the general stigma around mental health conditions and the belief that if a problem is “in your head” then you should be able to control it by force of will or, in the case of your children. , through better parenting

But ADHD is a real neurological condition, and medication helps many people manage their symptoms and lead less stressful and more productive lives. Unfortunately, there are a number of common misconceptions about ADHD medication that can cause parents to worry unnecessarily.

If your child takes ADHD medication or is considering trying it, here are some concerns you can put aside.

“When people talk about ADHD medication, they usually think of stimulants,” Andrew Kahn, associate director of behavior change and experience at
Understood.orghe told HuffPost.

In fact, there are two categories of ADHD medication: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants work by targeting dopamine, a neurotransmitter. They have been prescribed to ADHD patients since the 1960s. Some stimulants prescribed today include Focalin, Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, and Vyvanse (as well as their less expensive generic counterparts).

Non-stimulant drugs target a different neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Some brands of non-stimulants are: Strattera, Intuniv and Tenex.

There are different pros and cons for stimulant and non-stimulant medications, and a common saying among parents of children with ADHD is that you don’t choose your child’s medication, you see which medication works best for your child.

Stimulant medications are a controlled substancewhich means that its use is regulated by federal law.

“A drug may be classified as a controlled substance if there is a potential for abuse or dependence, or if it poses potential health risks and needs to be carefully monitored,” Kahn said.

“Controlled refers to the way in which a drug is stored, produced, handled, and distributed.” Dr. Larry Mitnaul, a board-certified adult and child psychiatrist, told HuffPost. “Those controlled substances with medical indications may be prescribed by licensed medical professionals.”

It is important to note that a potential for misuse does not necessarily indicate a high probability that it will occur.

“The vast majority of people who are prescribed stimulant medications for ADHD do not abuse or misuse their medications,” Kahn said. However, because stimulant medications increase dopamine production in the brain, in addition to increasing focus and attention, they can also lead to “a feeling of better mood or a sense of well-being.” In large enough doses, a person can experience this as a sort of “high”.

If stimulant medications are used in greater amounts than intended, or by someone who does not have ADHD, the risks include “heart attack, stroke, manic behavior, paranoia, and dependency (if used frequently),” Kahn explained.

Non-stimulant medications do not carry the same risks, but stimulant medications are still widely prescribed. “Stimulants … are the most commonly prescribed and most effective in reducing ADHD symptoms,” he explained. Brooke Molinaprofessor of psychology, psychiatry, and pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh.

Because there is a potential for stimulant medication to be misused, some parents worry that their child will become addicted to ADHD medication, or that the medication will serve as a “gateway drug” leading them to use other dangerous substances.

Research does not support this theory. On July 5, Molina published a study on this topic in JAMA Psychiatry that found “no evidence of an association between the use of stimulant medications for ADHD and substance use or substance use disorder in adolescents and young adults in a sample of individuals rigorously and exhaustively studied from childhood to early adulthood,” he told HuffPost. .

“People with ADHD are, as a group, at elevated risk for substance use and substance use disorder, just as children whose parents have a substance use disorder are also at elevated risk for substance use disorder.” substances,” Molina explained. But the results of her study show that “stimulant medications prescribed to children and perhaps continued through adolescence do not contribute to this risk.”

These findings echo a study 2017 who found that not only was there no link between ADHD medication use and substance use problems, but patients taking ADHD medications were less likely to have a substance abuse problem than those who did not.

Kahn said this finding may reflect that people on medication are “less likely to ‘self-medicate’ to overcome their differences. And they are more likely to benefit from the supportive care they receive.” He further noted that “current research indicates that the longer a person with ADHD goes undiagnosed or untreated, the more likely they are to have mental health problems.”

At the same time, Molina noted that there is still a need for vigilance, particularly as children reach their teens: “Sharing, trading, and selling stimulants is relatively common, and families should be prepared for this possibility.”

She recommended keeping the medication in a protected place, being selective with whom you fill the prescription, and preparing a response in case someone asks for the medication.

While other drugs that affect neurotransmitters, such as antidepressants, often take several weeks before users notice an effect, “in general, the effects of stimulant drugs are more immediate,” Mitnaul said. By comparison, it can take four to six weeks to see the impact of a non-stimulant medication.

Frustratingly, even with the rapid results of stimulant medications, it may take some trial and error to find the right dosage and formula for your child. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of these medications, and the dosage depends on your child’s individual sensitivity to the medication, not just her age or weight.

For example, you might find that taking a long-acting stimulant medication in the morning before school works well for your child, but he or she needs a booster dose in the afternoon to control symptoms and finish homework. .

Your doctor can also work with you to adjust medications to address side effects, such as loss of appetite or trouble sleeping.

While problems with school work are often what trigger an ADHD evaluation, the condition affects children at all hours of the day and in all aspects of their lives.

“Taking medication can help address the many areas in which ADHD affects thinking, attention, learning and daily functioning,” Kahn said.

Some children take “breaks” from their medications on weekends and holidays, while others take them every day, regardless of planned activities. It is important to discuss the use of your medication with your doctor, who will be able to best advise you based on your particular medication and circumstances.

“ADHD is a lifelong difference in how the brain works,” Kahn said. It is not a condition that children outgrow, although they can learn to manage it effectively.

“ADHD treatment is not an effort at medication versus ‘something else,’” Kahn continued. “Medications alone can be very helpful in managing some of the core symptoms of ADHD. But even people who are well supported with medication need a variety of other interventions to thrive in their daily lives.”

Although treatment often includes medication, other treatments, such as therapy, accommodations in school, assistance with executive functioning skills, and adjustments to diet and exercise, are often part of an overall treatment plan that will change as you go. for children to grow, mature, and discover how to better manage their ADHD.