ADHD and the Zombie phenomenon

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Dec 6, 2023

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ADHD and the Zombie Phenomenon Grand Canyon University ENG-105: English Composition 1 08/10/2022 1

Introduction Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can be diagnosed at an early age in childhood that can last into adulthood (Mayo Clinic, 2022). According to ( Mechler, K., et al., 2022) “Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity by themselves are population traits, if present to an extreme degree led to functional impairment and represent the cardinal symptoms of ADHD”. The zombie phenomenon is a relevant issue that relates to the use of medications for ADHD that causes side effects that can impact the quality of a person’s way of life. Diagnosed with ADHD offers multiple medications due to their symptoms, effects, and treatment. Treatment of ADHD consists of psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, and medical treatment. According to (Michielsen, M., et al., 2020) they wrote: “The international guideline for ADHD treatment advises psychostimulants, methylphenidate, and lisdexamfetamine as the first-choice medication for ADHD followed by dexamphetamine and atomoxetine” in which these stimulants help reuptake inhibition of blood flow and help maintain the nervous system. Non-stimulants such as Atomoxetine help balance out the chemical norepinephrine that is made by some nerve cells and in the adrenal gland. Also (Michielsen, M., et al., 2020) recommended using stimulants as the first line of therapy and non-stimulants as the second line of therapy depending on the individual and severity of ADHD symptoms which medication can be adjusted to the right dosage when needed. 2

The medications that are prescribed for ADHD can cause symptoms and issues that can hinder a person’s way of living making them feel like a zombie. According to Larry Silver, M.D. Methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextro-amphetamine (Dexedrine, Evekeo), and dextro- amphetamine/levo-amphetamine (Adderall, Adzenys) have similar side-effect profiles (Larry Silver, M.D., July 11, 2022). These side-effects can cause loss of appetite which can change eating habits. Sleeplessness is another side-effect that stimulants can cause making it hard to “turn off” the brain when resting. Even suicidal thoughts and attempts are a serious problem. Most ADHD medications that are stimulants can raise blood pressure and speed up the heart rate causing heart diseases ( Kara, M., Robinson, March, 2021) . Older adults that use stimulants and have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases may worsen the existing cardiac disorders. Adults with ADHD may be at risk of cardiovascular disease due to negative lifestyles such as smoking, drinking alcohol, loss of sleep due to sleep disorders, and obesity, which are all associated with ADHD (Michielsen, M., et al., 2020). Those who suffer from the effects of ADHD experience behavioral problems such as limitations in motor skills, irritability, learning disability, attention defect, and hyperactivity. These behaviors can be a problem for parents who have children and educators since they affect their development. Doctors usually recommend behavior training for parents and caretakers to help strategize a discipline plan for the patients and behavior therapy when needed. Parents will learn to encourage the behaviors they want to promote, learn how to praise effectively, and use correct consistent consequences when kids are insubordinate. The Mayo Clinic states that developing a healthy lifestyle and diet can help manage ADHD symptoms, reduce time on electronics, get enough sleep, and be productive throughout the day (Mayo Clinic, 2022). 3

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To conclude, patients and caretakers worry about giving their children or patients medication due to the zombie phenomenon. Due to this, people have doubts about giving their children or patients ADHD medication and choose to look for an alternative route. Behavioral therapy is an effective way to manage symptoms of ADHD for all ages. Managing the side effects of stimulant medication can be controlled by adjusting the dosage and having it monitored. The Mayo Clinic research on ADHD is ongoing and further developed for successful medicine and its effects on children and adults to help improve diagnosis and information distribution methods. When diagnosed with ADHD, medications are offered depending on symptoms, treatments, and effectiveness. 4

References Larry Silver, M. D. (2021, September 13). ADHD medication side effects no one should tolerate. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag .com/adhd-medication- side-effects-that-no-one- should- tolerate/ Larry Silver, M. D. (2021, September 13). ADHD medication side effects no one should tolerate. 5

ADDitude. https://www.additudemag .com/adhd-medication- side-effects-that-no-one- should- tolerate/ Larry Silver, M. D. (2021, September 13). ADHD medication side effects no one should tolerate. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag .com/adhd-medication- side-effects-that-no-one- should- 6

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tolerate/ Kara, M. Robinson (March, 2021) Long-Term Effects and Risks of ADHD Drugs: Adderall, Ritalin, and More (webmd.com) https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/long-term-risks- adhd-medications Larry Silver, M. D. (July 11, 2022). ADHD medication side effects no one should tolerate. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-medication-side-effects-that-no-one- should-tolerate/ Mayo Clinic, (2022). ADHD. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children – Symptoms and causes- Mayo Clinic Mechler, K., Banaschewski, T., Hohmann, S., & Häge, A. (2022). Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents. Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 230. https://doi- org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107940 Michielsen, M., Kleef, D., Bijlenga, D., Zwennes, C., Dijkhuizen, K., Smulders, J., Hazewinkel, A., Beekman, A. T. F., & Kooij, J. J. S. (2020). Response and Side Effects Using Stimulant Medication in Older Adults With ADHD: An Observational Archive Study. JOURNAL OF ATTENTION DISORDERS. https://doi- org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/1087054720925884 7

ADHD and the Zombie phenomenon

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