how does ADHD medication work?
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Diagnosed ADHD sufferer here!
So, people with ADHD have brains that work a little differently than other people. Paying attention, sitting still, and controlling impulses may become more difficult. ADHD meds help with this.
The meds usually contain chemicals called stimulants. These stimulants do very interesting things in the brain. They make certain chemicals in the brain work better, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
Imagine your brain is like a car, fuelled by dopamine and norepinephrine. People with ADHD may lack or under-fuel their brains because their brains work differently to someone who is ‘Neurotypical’ (AKA Someone who is your average Joe on the street with no mental health issues or learning difficulties). This drug gives the brain more energy and helps it work better.
When people with ADHD take medication, they tend to be more focused and alert more like someone who is Neurotypical. It can also help you control your impulses and keep your cool. It’s like filling your brain with the right fuel to keep its engine running smoothly.
However most of the time these drugs tend to ‘Normalise’ someone with ADHD. Basically bringing them to normal levels. In this case, there is no increased focus or energy, we just become someone who can perform more like a ‘normal’ person.
ADHD is a HUGELY underappreciated condition. It can have DIASTEROUS effects on someone’s life, e.g. Getting into debt because they either forgot about a bill, or they don’t want to think about it which ends up in people with ADHD panicking and then they end up getting sent to court. Or it can have an impact on relationships e.g. Starting fights over small things which cause you to ruin that relationship, or suffering with something called Rejection Sensitivity aka Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) (overwhelming feelings of sadness and emotional pain when someone ignores you/ghosts you online or shouts at you over something)
Another condition is Emotional dysregulation. When someone is experiencing emotional dysregulation, they may have sudden angry outbursts, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and other self-damaging behaviours. Over time, this condition may interfere with your quality of life, social interactions, and relationships at home, work, or school. Think like a pressure cooker, slowly building pressure before suddenly, BOOM! It explodes.
You also need to bear in mind that someone’s ADHD is unique. They usually won’t have the same symptoms as someone else EXACTLY and so medication strengths can vary from person to person. ADHD is made up of a few ‘classes’ but the most notable ones are:
* ADHD, combined type (mine). This is the most common form of ADHD is defined by impulsive and hyperactive behaviour, as well as inattention and distraction.
* ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type. This rarest form of ADHD is characterized by impulsive and hyperactive behaviours without inattention or distraction.
* ADHD, inattentive and distractible type. This type of ADHD is primarily characterized by inattention and distractibility without hyperactivity.
So the next time someone says ‘I have ADHD’ just remember the pain that person is going through. It’s really tough for them. My medication affects me in a way that I’m more ‘normal’ with a better ability to focus but I’m still able to be distracted, but it also makes me more neutral in everything. I don’t get angry, I don’t get sad, I don’t feel a lot of happiness. I’m just neutral in everything. It keeps my outbursts under control and I can remember things easier.
I hope this helps! If you have any follow up questions, please feel free to ask!
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