Effect of Stimulant Drugs on the Brains of ADHD Patient

This document discusses the effect of stimulant drugs on the brains of ADHD patients, benefits of using stimulant medications, concerns of parents of children with ADHD, and concerns of using stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. It also highlights the common side effects of stimulant drugs such as sleep problems, delayed growth, decreased appetite, headaches, and stomachaches, among others. The document cites various studies and researches to support the claims.

Phycology
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Table of Contents
Effect of stimulant drugs on the brains of ADHD patient.............................................................................3
Benefits of using stimulant medications......................................................................................................3
Concerns of parents of children with ADHD................................................................................................4
Explain the concerns of using stimulant drugs to treat ADHD.....................................................................4
References...................................................................................................................................................6
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Effect of stimulant drugs on the brains of ADHD patient
The drug has been targeting a region of the brain that is connected with decision making part,
attention and a part that help in expressing an individual’s personality (Advokat & Scheithauer,
2013). It has been found that the new ADHA treatment has become a deep public concern and
abuse of ADHD medicines. Despite public concern, the doctors are continued to prescribe
Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine just because these medicines are working well. The class of
medicine that has been used to treat ADHD is known as stimulants. Under this treatment, the two
different neurotransmitters use to boost in the brain which known as norepinephrine and
dopamine. Dopamine works as a memory formation. Norepinephrine can be linked with arousal.
The scientists have found that the excess does of stimulants can affect neurotransmitter levels of
the brain and patient can be addicted to it. The important thing is about to notice that no one is
focusing on low dose as the drugs can be more effective at low doses (DeSantis, Noar & Webb,
2009).
Benefits of using stimulant medications
It is often being found that stimulant medications are working really fine and become the most
effective way to the attention of deficit hyperactive disorder symptoms. This medicine directly
works with the brain and change their way of working that makes adult and children be
productive in their work and school (Gregoire-Bottex & Soe, 2018). Using this medicine people
does not face any difficulty in paying attention and reduce the symptoms of ADHA. Stimulants
change the functions of the brain so the patient can feel more organized; make them able to
follow the instructions and also in having positive interactions with others. The patients can work
efficiently in professional and social environment. Stimulant has been used as a medicine for
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ADHA from last 40 years and the researchers found that this is the most effective and safe drug
for ADHA. It is also a short-acting medicine which means it does not remain in the body for a
long time. The medicine stopped working once the patient stops taking it this may minimize the
side effects of appetite or trouble in sleeping (Maul & Advokat, 2013). However, this drug can
affect each patient differently.
Concerns of parents of children with ADHD
It is painful and confusing for parents to identify whether their children require special treatment
or not. Difficulties in learning and pinpoint can be normal for children and it becomes hard for
parents to know whether things are normal or not. People often face difficulties with their first
child because they may not aware of a period like when playing with sounds and learn to speak.
It is difficult for parents to distinguish between a very active toddler, a healthy and a hyperactive
toddler with ADHA. When ADHA diagnosed the parents often low and it takes time to accept
the truth that their child has learning disabilities. Some parents feel guilty as well because they
think that the learning disabilities ADHA which their child has are somehow their fault (Schlarb,
Starck & Grünwald, 2016). Children and adults with ADHA often face failure or low
achievement as it comes from a neurological base. The biggest confusion that parents face with
ADHA is what the children will be able to do and what they cannot do.
Explain the concerns of using stimulant drugs to treat ADHD
A stimulant is an effective medication in reducing symptoms of ADHA but there are also side
effects of it which can be uncomfortable and harmful for patients. When side effects are started
become a problem then the doctors recommend changing the dosage. The most common side
effects can be noticed are sleep problems, delayed growth, decreased appetite, headaches and
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stomachaches, tics, rebound, moodiness, and irritability (Levy, 2014). The dose of Stimulant can
keep the patient awake into the wee hours due to the activation of the medicine. Some patients
also face issues with eating as extended-release medicines becomes an issue with eating habit. It
also slows down the growth of children especially boys. At the beginning of the use of medicine
children also encounter nausea and headaches. Some parents discovered that their children
become aggressive and irritable just after having the medicine.
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References
Advokat, C., & Scheithauer, M. (2013). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) stimulant medications as cognitive enhancers. Frontiers In
Neuroscience, 7. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00082
DeSantis, A., Noar, S., & Webb, E. (2009). Nonmedical ADHD Stimulant Use in
Fraternities. Journal Of Studies On Alcohol And Drugs, 70(6), 952-954. doi:
10.15288/jsad.2009.70.952
Gregoire-Bottex, M., & Soe, K. (2018). Adverse Effects of Non-Stimulant ADHD
Drugs: Atomoxetine, Alpha-Agonists. Current Psychopharmacology, 7(1), 11-14.
doi: 10.2174/2211556007666180328150248
Levy, F. (2014). Stimulant Side Effects and the D1/D2 Receptor Gene Activity. The
ADHD Report, 22(5), 6-7,12. doi: 10.1521/adhd.2014.22.5.6
Maul, J., & Advokat, C. (2013). Stimulant medications for
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) improve memory of emotional
stimuli in ADHD-diagnosed college students. Pharmacology Biochemistry And
Behavior, 105, 58-62. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.01.021
Schlarb, A., Starck, M., & Grünwald, J. (2016). Occurrence of ADHD in parents of
ADHD children in a clinical sample. Neuropsychiatric Disease And
Treatment, 581. doi: 10.2147/ndt.s100238
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