Eli5: How do ADHD meds work in the ADHD brain in comparison to a normal brain?
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So, as best as I can without overcomplicating it.
The theory goes that ADHD brains lack the chemical dopamine/have a hard time making/absorbing it. This chemical is really important for a number of things. Yes, its a “reward” chemical, meaning that the little hit of it you get when you complete a task reenforces the neural pathways that formed from doing it. Thats why most people can do a boring/annoying task. It sucks but they can do it, because they have a lower threshold for this chemical.
ADHD brains lack the ability to produce enough dopamine/have a higher threshold of tolerance, meaning it takes more dopamine than normal to get the same effect. Thats why when people with ADHD find something that interests them, it REALLY interests them. It also explains why people with ADHD tend to be fairly impulsive or more prone to substance use disorders. Our brains are CRAVING dopamine. Thats why when I find a song I like, I can often listen to it on repeat for hours.
Stimulants essentially boost the available amounts of dopamine in the brain. This brings people with ADHD up to around the same level as those without ADHD, meaning what little dopamine they can produce/ absorb, goes a lot further than normal.
Think of it like trying to run a car on really low fuel. All ADHD stimulant meds do is top up the fuel to around the same level as people without.
Dopamine is also really important for other tasks, like filtering out excess stimuli. The amount of sensations that a human body encounters, if our brains didnt filter out the “noise” from the important stuff, we’d go insane! ADHD brains cant do this as well as people without ADHD, so are more sensitive to stimuli, hence distraction/lack of focus.
Generally when people without ADHD take these meds, they are increasing the level of dopamine past what they need, hence the feeling of being high.
I believe people without ADHD often hear or see the effects of these medications on people with ADHD and think it will do that for them. It doesn’t. I believe there is are a few studies that show using stimulants for study (when you dont have ADHD) doesnt improve your results. It lets you sit at a table longer to study, sure. But it doesn’t help you remember nor does it make you smarter.
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