An estimated 2.5 million children and teens take these and other stimulant-based medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Nearly half of the cases of hallucination and other psychiatric side effects reviewed by FDA researchers involved children younger than age 11.
In fact, the usage of stimulant medications, which have known dopaminergic effects, is associated with hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic phenomena in a small number of young children with ADHD.
The most common side effects of psychostimulants are symptoms such as loss of appetite, insomnia, weight loss, abdominal pain, and headache. In literature, there are reports of hallucinations and priapism with the use of methylphenidate alone or with other medications.
Like any medicine, ADHD medicines can have side effects. Not everyone gets side effects, though. The most common side effects are loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Other ADHD medicine side effects include jitteriness, irritability, moodiness, headaches, stomachaches, fast heart rate, and high blood pressure.
Another side effect of ADHD medication is a lack of appetite and other stomach problems like nausea. Again, not getting enough calories can make people feel dizzy and spacey.
When the dosage is too high, stimulants can cause children or even adults to seem “spacey” or “zombie-like,” or to be uncharacteristically tearful or irritable (a condition known as emotional lability). In general, the best way to rein in these side effects is simply to lower the dosage.
Differences in emotions in people with ADHD can lead to 'shutdowns', where someone is so overwhelmed with emotions that they space out, may find it hard to speak or move and may struggle to articulate what they are feeling until they can process their emotions.
Many studies in the lab don't show that people without ADHD get any boost to their cognition when they take ADHD drugs, but real-life situations like exams and writing papers haven't fully been tested. But many studies do show that these kinds of meds make you think you did better than you actually did.
Most ADHD medications are stimulants, which means they can have addictive potential. However, studies have shown that when taken as prescribed and monitored by a doctor, these medications are generally not addictive.
Is ADHD considered a disability? Yes, ADHD is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). There are several types of disabilities, including but not limited to: learning disability.
ADHD is often comorbid with an SUD, which may predispose to psychosis.
Untreated ADHD in adults can lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. This is because ADHD symptoms can lead to focus, concentration, and impulsivity problems. When these problems are not managed effectively, they can lead to feelings of frustration, irritability, and low self-esteem.
Research has shown that in children with ADHD, the prefrontal cortex matures more slowly than typically developing kids. It is also slightly smaller in size. Similarly, the cerebellum, hippocampus, and amygdala are also thought to be smaller in volume in kids with ADHD.
No brain imaging modality — MRI, SPECT scan, T.O.V.A, or other — can accurately diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). Despite what you may have read in the popular press, none of these tools can be used reliably as accurate, stand-alone diagnostic tools to identify ADHD.
Take Medication According to Symptoms
Although some people need medication all day, every day, others need coverage only for certain activities. Adults are likely to need coverage at the office and children are likely to benefit during the school day.
You'll have to keep taking ADHD medication to manage your symptoms. In addition, up to 50% of children with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. If you have found a medication that helps you manage your symptoms, it may be helpful to keep taking it throughout your life.
Some patients report that their medication feels good — productivity, focus, and mood are all improved with minimal side effects — but it doesn't feel like enough. Maybe you can focus for 20 minutes now instead of 5, but you still can't get your work completed.
Most ADHD drugs are "stimulants." They can raise your blood pressure and speed up your heart rate. If you already have an issue with your heart, these medicines could be risky. Examples include: Amphetamine (50% levoamphetamine/50% dextroamphetamine) (Evekeo)
Stimulants are believed to work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.
Some ADHD experts believe that a cluttered desk, closet, or house reflects a disorganized mind; others take it as a sign of genius. A lot of adults with ADHD, including me, agree with the latter opinion. Either view can be true, depending on the individual and the degree of his disorganization.
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.
An ADHD “Brain dump” is a phrase used to describe the process of transferring information from your brain to another medium. You could write the contents down on paper, type them into your computer or speak them into an audio recording… whatever works for you.