A recent article discusses the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication Adderall, the recent shortages, and the issues surrounding its misuse.
Adderall is an amphetamine stimulant used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain to help regulate dopamine dysfunction linked to ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Adderall blocks the dopamine transporter protein that clears dopamine from brain synapses, leading to stabilised dopamine signaling.
However, Adderall is prone to misuse by people without ADHD who take it seeking euphoria or enhanced focus. Unlike those with ADHD, people without dopamine regulation issues may experience a "high" from Adderall as it causes excessive dopamine buildup and overstimulates the brain's reward system. The author argues that this can lead to cardiovascular issues, anxiety, dependence, and addiction with prolonged misuse.
The misuse of Adderall to enhance cognition has increased its abuse rates and stigmatisation. This makes accessing the medication more difficult for those with ADHD who genuinely need it. Whilst other ADHD medications like Ritalin work differently, Adderall remains very effective and beneficial for patients when taken appropriately. The author argues false narratives around Adderall ultimately negatively impact those relying on it to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Why is Adderall necessary?
There are a few potential reasons why it may seem that ADHD medication feels essential for some to manage under modern capitalist societies. Fast-paced service and information economies tend to heavily reward constant productivity, focus, organisation, and impulse control - areas that can be intrinsically difficult for those with ADHD. Medication can help mitigate these struggles. Additionally, there is increased competition for jobs, academic spots, and resources with growing populations. Medications allow some people with ADHD to compete more evenly in domains where their symptoms disadvantage them. Furthermore, the rat-race mentalities and insecure nature of gig work with minimal safety nets likely worsen ADHD symptoms for both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. Medications offer relief so people can functionally keep up. Pharmaceutical marketing and overprescription also steer more people towards medication as an easy 'fix' even when lifestyle adjustments could aid symptoms. Finally, the lack of robust mental health resources and stigma surrounding disabilities apply pressure to conform to inflexible societal standards of achievement and behaviour.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
A neuroscientist explains the Adderall conundrum
A neuroscientist explains the Adderall conundrum
A neuroscientist explains the Adderall conundrum
A recent article discusses the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication Adderall, the recent shortages, and the issues surrounding its misuse.
Adderall is an amphetamine stimulant used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain to help regulate dopamine dysfunction linked to ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Adderall blocks the dopamine transporter protein that clears dopamine from brain synapses, leading to stabilised dopamine signaling.
However, Adderall is prone to misuse by people without ADHD who take it seeking euphoria or enhanced focus. Unlike those with ADHD, people without dopamine regulation issues may experience a "high" from Adderall as it causes excessive dopamine buildup and overstimulates the brain's reward system. The author argues that this can lead to cardiovascular issues, anxiety, dependence, and addiction with prolonged misuse.
The misuse of Adderall to enhance cognition has increased its abuse rates and stigmatisation. This makes accessing the medication more difficult for those with ADHD who genuinely need it. Whilst other ADHD medications like Ritalin work differently, Adderall remains very effective and beneficial for patients when taken appropriately. The author argues false narratives around Adderall ultimately negatively impact those relying on it to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Why is Adderall necessary?
There are a few potential reasons why it may seem that ADHD medication feels essential for some to manage under modern capitalist societies. Fast-paced service and information economies tend to heavily reward constant productivity, focus, organisation, and impulse control - areas that can be intrinsically difficult for those with ADHD. Medication can help mitigate these struggles. Additionally, there is increased competition for jobs, academic spots, and resources with growing populations. Medications allow some people with ADHD to compete more evenly in domains where their symptoms disadvantage them. Furthermore, the rat-race mentalities and insecure nature of gig work with minimal safety nets likely worsen ADHD symptoms for both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. Medications offer relief so people can functionally keep up. Pharmaceutical marketing and overprescription also steer more people towards medication as an easy 'fix' even when lifestyle adjustments could aid symptoms. Finally, the lack of robust mental health resources and stigma surrounding disabilities apply pressure to conform to inflexible societal standards of achievement and behaviour.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.