Hidden Dangers

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Nov 24, 2024

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1 Hidden Dangers Emerson Lamansky Grand Canyon University ENG-105 English Composition 1 Jim Higuera September 7, 2023

2 Hidden Dangers When initially diagnosed with a disorder that impacts daily life, it can be difficult to understand all the options for treatment. Life for those diagnosed with ADHD often includes loss of relationships, issues focusing in academic situations, and difficulty controlling impulsive decision making skills (CDC, 2023). Doctors and individuals alike often turn to medication as one of the first ways to combat this disorder. The hidden dangers of ADHD medication are detrimental to those with ADHD and it is only a matter of time before the risk outweighs the reward. The treatment of ADHD with stimulants dates back to the late 1930s and there have been few changes since. With the use of medication for ADHD expanding over the last decade to being the most common practice for the disorder in prepubertal children, teens, and adults, the increase of adverse effects has become more apparent. New formulations of stimulants have developed to extend their effects after a single dose and a new, non-stimulant compound called atomoxetine was introduced in 2003. These new contributions to the medical field have brought attention to short and long-term hidden risks. Before looking into the effects of these stimulants, it is important to understand how they affect the brain. ADHD is diagnosed as an underactive frontal lobe and therefore those that suffer from ADHD have lessened control over executive functions such as decision making, predicting events, and controlling emotions (Higgins, 2009). Stimulants enhance the communication in the brain circuits and therefore improve the areas that those with ADHD struggle from. All stimulants work by steadily increasing the dopamine levels in the brain, in order to mimic the natural production. This then causes the brain of a person impacted with ADHD to function as if it was “normal.” They are typically prescribed for everyday use and can come in a variety of

3 tablets or capsules with varying dosages. The Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder foundation (CHADD) (2023) states that treatment should be unique to each individual and family, in order to help the patient control symptoms, however it is becoming more common for doctors to turn to medication as the first solution. The current practice for ADHD treatment includes a careful medical evaluation for screening of any health disorders prior to the start of stimulant treatment, however the connection between sudden death in patients and the increase of ADHD medication side effects is still questionable. While there are other medications available to treat ADHD, they tend to work much slower than stimulants and are therefore not as frequently used. In 2007, the FDA issued warnings about side effects such as stunted growth and psychosis, as well as other mental disorders, in those that regularly took stimulants. Furthermore, the vast majority of adults diagnosed with ADHD experience at least one additional psychiatric illness in their lifetime (Higgins, 2009). Besides the mental toll that continuous consumption of stimulants can cause, they are also known for decreasing appetite in children and adults. In the Preschoolers with ADHD Treatment Study (2007), about 40% of the children showed a decrease in appetite, even with a low dose of stimulants being consumed. Furthermore, patients are no longer taking the medication for a few years as they go through school, but are instead encouraged to stay on them well into adulthood. Stimulant prescriptions have spread to those without ADHD as a way to boost productivity. With an increase of these drugs being shared throughout society, the hidden dangers continue to spread through the community and impact unsuspecting individuals. The drugs are often found to promote risky behavior in those that do not have ADHD, as people take them to enhance their academic performances.

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4 However, stimulant treatment for ADHD is effective. Improved attention, concentration, productivity, and suppressed impulsive behavior are just a few of the significant improvements that stimulants can provide to patients with ADHD. 70% of adults and children say that the drugs help to ease their ADHD symptoms, and many doctors believe that this is enough of a reason to turn to stimulants as a first option (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). ADHD is a lifelong condition that has no cure and therefore patients will have to continue on medication if they wish to go this route. With a disorder that impacts daily life and relationships, such as ADHD, people can be quick to jump on the first “cure” they are offered. Nonetheless, it is still up to the patient to read into the hidden dangers of the medications that they may be offered, for there are always symptoms that may prove dangerous. References

5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March 30). Learn about attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/index.html Treatment strategies. CHADD. (2023). https://chadd.org/for-professionals/treatment-strategies/ Cleveland Clinic professional, C. C. medical. (2022). ADHD medications: How they work & side effects. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/ 11766-adhd-medication#risks--benefits Higgins, E. S. (2009, July 1). Do ADHD drugs take a toll on the brain?. Scientific American https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-adhd-drugs-take-a-toll/ Vitiello B, Abikoff HB, Chuang SZ, et al. Effectiveness of methylphenidate in the 10-month continuation phase of the Preschoolers with ADHD Treatment Study (PATS) J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2007 In press.

Hidden Dangers

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