How ADHD Medication Affects the Brain
How ADHD Medication Affects the Brain
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that allows one to be overactive, and not be able to control his/her behavior or to stay focus. This condition interferes with a person’s ability to pay attention. Having ADHD causes hyperactivity in places such as home, school, or work. ADHD, apparent in children during preschool and early school years; it’s not only found in children, but adults as well. Adults who have ADHD may be unaware that they have it. Parents or teachers are usually the first to notice one with ADHD. This disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed and some symptoms may improve. There are many medications used to treat ADHD, but how does these medications affect the brain? Most people are aware of what ADHD looks like on the outside, but are unaware of how it affects the inside of the brain. This disease affect parts of the brain such as The Frontal Lobes, the Cerebellum, and The Basal Ganglia. The Frontal Lobe of the brain manages your emotions, allows you to make good decision, concentrate, plan ahead, learn, and generates memory. The Cerebellum part of the brain is responsible for producing coordination, motor movement, balance, muscle movement, and equilibrium. Therefore, The Basal Ganglia part of the brain helps with movement as well as the motor control. The Cerebellum, Frontal Lobe, and The Basal Ganglia are appeared to be thinner in one who suffers with ADHD than in one who does not. This disease affects the brain in many different ways, but there are many medications to manage the symptoms of ADHD. Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta are some of the medications that are used to treat patients who have ADHD. The medication helps to improve focus, thinking, and ability to learn and work. It also reduces symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. According to WebMD, “Adderall increases the ability to pay attention, stay focused and stop fidgeting.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that allows one to be overactive, and not be able to control his/her behavior or to stay focus. This condition interferes with a person’s ability to pay attention. Having ADHD causes hyperactivity in places such as home, school, or work. ADHD, apparent in children during preschool and early school years; it’s not only found in children, but adults as well. Adults who have ADHD may be unaware that they have it. Parents or teachers are usually the first to notice one with ADHD. This disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed and some symptoms may improve. There are many medications used to treat ADHD, but how does these medications affect the brain? Most people are aware of what ADHD looks like on the outside, but are unaware of how it affects the inside of the brain. This disease affect parts of the brain such as The Frontal Lobes, the Cerebellum, and The Basal Ganglia. The Frontal Lobe of the brain manages your emotions, allows you to make good decision, concentrate, plan ahead, learn, and generates memory. The Cerebellum part of the brain is responsible for producing coordination, motor movement, balance, muscle movement, and equilibrium. Therefore, The Basal Ganglia part of the brain helps with movement as well as the motor control. The Cerebellum, Frontal Lobe, and The Basal Ganglia are appeared to be thinner in one who suffers with ADHD than in one who does not. This disease affects the brain in many different ways, but there are many medications to manage the symptoms of ADHD. Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta are some of the medications that are used to treat patients who have ADHD. The medication helps to improve focus, thinking, and ability to learn and work. It also reduces symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. According to WebMD, “Adderall increases the ability to pay attention, stay focused and stop fidgeting.
References: 1) Kam, Katherine. “Tips to Reduce ADHD Medication Side Effects.” WebMD.2013 2) Quinn, Patricia. “Drug Treatment of ADHD.” WebMD. 22 May.2012 3) “Ritalin (methylphenidate)” Netdoctors. 24 May. 2013