Amphetamine and methylphenidates are common compounds in stimulants. These compounds also happen to be addictive. There is a growing problem with addiction forming to these drugs, as well as abuse of their usage. Some people use stimulants to help them concentrate or lose weight. There is no evidence to support this actually works. If not treating for ADHD, abuse of these drugs can have far worse consequences. Side effects include raised blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, and in high doses, stroke. Repeated abuse can result in negative personality changes, including irritability and paranoia. 

ADHD Stimulant Drug Abuse

Examples of Stimulant Medication for ADHD

In addition to being a potential symptom of ADHD, sleeping problems/disorders are a common side effect of ADHD medication, particularly stimulants. This lack of sleep can significantly impact an individual, especially those with ADHD, as it can significantly increase symptoms of ADHD. This is most commonly seen in children. 

ADHD Medication Impact on Sleep 

Adderall, also known as mixed amphetamine salts, works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS) and increasing the amount of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the synaptic cleft (a small gap where neurons can communicate with one another).

Stimulant Medication in ADHD: Adderall

Based on the scenario provided, evaluate the use of stimulant medication as a first-line treatment option for the child. Justify your recommendation by weighing the potential benefits against the known risks and side effects mentioned by the parents.

ADHD Treatment Recommendation

Based on the case study below, evaluate the physician's proposed treatment plan. In your evaluation, weigh the likely benefits for the child's symptoms against the potential risks mentioned, and justify your conclusion.

Evaluating a Medication-Based Treatment Plan

Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine with dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are a common treatment for ADHD. These drugs function by elevating dopamine activity in the brain, which helps improve concentration. They are effective for 70-80% of individuals with ADHD, especially those with moderate to severe cases. However, they can have side effects like headaches, sleep loss, and irritability, and there are concerns about potential for addiction, heart issues, and psychiatric problems.

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There are three types of medication that can be used to treat ADHD:
- Stimulants
- Non-stimulants
- Antidepressants (people with ADHD may have additional mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and they may take an antidepressant to treat those issues along with a stimulant for ADHD).

ADHD: Medication

Though there is no cure, there are treatments to help manage symptoms. Like most treatments for mental disorders and psychological issues, the best treatment is often a combination of therapy and medication. For children with ADHD, therapy is often recommended for their parents/guardians so they know how to better handle the symptoms their child manifests. 

Regarding medications, stimulants are the most frequently prescribed. However, other kinds are prescribed, as stimulants don't work for everyone.

- Stimulants
- Non-stimulants
- Anti-depressants

ADHD Treatment

A key biological factor in ADHD is believed to be the neurotransmitter dopamine. Evidence suggests that individuals with ADHD exhibit reduced dopamine activity in crucial brain areas, particularly those linked to motivation and reward. This finding supports the theory that a dopamine deficit is a significant contributor to the disorder's development.

Dopamine's Role in ADHD

Bhargava, H. (2021, March 9). ADHD Medications: Compare ADHD Drug Treatments &amp; Side Effects. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-medication-chart. 

WebMD ADHD medications

Durban, K. (2021, April 15). Adderall: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety Info. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/adderall.html. 

Adderall Drugs.com

Robinson, L. (2021, April 19). ADHD Medications. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/medication-for-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd.htm. 

ADHD Meds Help Guide

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Stimulant Medication in ADHD

Though these medications tend to be slower acting, they come with less risks than stimulant medications, including less risk for agitation, sleeplessness, and lack of appetite. They also do not pose much of an addiction risk. They can also last longer. That isn't to say they come without any side effect risk. Though side effects differ by medication, suicidal thoughts, fatigue, nausea, and stomach aches are common. 

Non-stimulant ADHD meds

These drugs are particularly effective if an individual is struggling with depression AND ADHD, as they seem to put a damper on hyperactivity, impulses, and aggression. However, the ability to concentrate is not well fixed by anti-depressants. 

Anti-depressants in ADHD Treatment

Brain imaging studies reveal structural and functional abnormalities in the frontal lobes of children with ADHD. This brain region, which is rich in dopamine, is crucial for inhibiting behavior. Compared to their peers without the disorder, children with ADHD tend to have a smaller frontal lobe volume and exhibit reduced activation in this area when performing mental tasks. These neurological differences are thought to be a key explanation for the hyperactive and uncontrolled behaviors characteristic of ADHD.

Frontal Lobe Abnormalities in ADHD

A client describes a lifelong pattern of behavior characterized by a significant lack of motivation for tasks they perceive as mundane or offering delayed gratification, such as administrative work or long-term academic projects. However, they report an ability to focus intensely on activities that provide immediate and powerful rewards, like competitive video games or high-stakes hobbies. Based on this specific pattern of motivation and reward-seeking, which neurochemical system is most likely functioning differently in this individual, and why?

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