Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD is characterized by a continual pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is typically diagnosed by the time the child reaches school age, with symptoms emerging before the age of seven. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than half of children with the diagnosis take medication to treat these symptoms.
Types
Ttwo types of stimulant drugs arre used to treat ADHD: amphetamines and methylphenidates. According to Robert Weis in "Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology," the most commonly prescribed types of amphetamines are Adderall and Dexedrine. The most common methylphenidates are Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin and Metadate. As reported by the National Institute of Mental Health, these medications work differently for each child. Trial and error may be necessary to determine the medication that best suits a child's needs. Medications may be available in different forms, including short-acting, long-acting and extended release. Extended release medications release amounts of the drug gradually over an extended period of time, while long-acting medications maintain the drug in the child's body longer.
How They Work
According to Robert Weis in "Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology," these drugs affect two neurotransmitters in the brain, dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to enhanced attention and ability to control behavior. By increasing dopamine activity in areas of the brain that are less active, stimulant medications activate children's ability to control and inhibit behavior.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that stimulant medications gradually mimic the body's natural increase in dopamine levels. Physicians often start with a low dose that is gradually increased so that the body can adjust. When the correct medication and dosage is found, stimulant medications help to improve the symptoms of ADHD, improving a child's ability to focus and attend. Improvements are often seen in the child's ability to avoid distractions, pay attention, control behavior, use organizing and planning skills and solve problems.
Risks and Side Effects
The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that common side effects of stimulant medications are difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, irritability, anxiety, headaches and stomach aches. Other less common side effects include tics and slight changes in personality. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the use of stimulant medications can put children at greater risk for later drug abuse as well as abuse of the ADHS medications themselves. Because these drugs increase attention and focus and reduce ability to sleep, they are often used to enhance performance. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that children who take stimulant medications as prescribed by their doctor are not found to be at risk for addiction.
References
- "Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology"; Robert Weis; 2008
- National Institute of Mental Health: ADHD Medications
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA InfoFacts: Stimulant ADHD Medications-Methylphenidate and Amphetamines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mental Health in the United States---Prevalence of Diagnosis and Medication Treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder---United States, 2003
