ADHD Medications Work Differently Than Previously Thought

"Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) includes a mix of ongoing challenges, such as having difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In the U.S., ADHD afflicts an estimated 7 million children, ages 3 to 17. According to one study, among American children, the prevalence of this diagnosis rose from 6.1 percent in 1997-1998 to 10.2 percent in 2015-2016.[1] Children with ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem, have troubled relationships, and demonstrate poor school performance. Symptom severity and frequency may lessen with age, and while some people never completely "outgrow" their ADHD symptoms, they can develop ways to live with them successfully."

"The DSM-5 identifies three types of ADHD: Predominantly inattentive. Most symptoms fall under inattention; having trouble focusing and staying on a task, along with difficulty getting and staying organized. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive. Most symptoms involve hyperactivity and impulsivity. Hyperactive means being overly or problematically active and having too much energy-typically flitting from stimulus to stimulus, depending on whatever catches the person's interest (think "squirrel!") in ways that can be disruptive to the task at hand or to the immediate (classroom) environment."

Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves persistent difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and affects millions of children in the U.S. Prevalence among American children rose from about 6.1 percent in 1997–1998 to 10.2 percent in 2015–2016. Children with ADHD often experience low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and poor school performance, though symptom severity may lessen with age and individuals can develop coping strategies. The DSM-5 recognizes predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentations. Ritalin and Adderall are psychostimulants used in treatment and act on the brain’s reward and wakefulness centers. Lack of sleep appears to play a critical role and requires attention.

Read at Psychology Today