What does the latest research say about the impact of ADHD drugs on brain health and quality of life? Image credit: Marco_Piunti/ Getty Images
This article originally appeared on Medical News Today Around 25% of adults in the United States suspect they may have undiagnosed attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a recent survey has found.As awareness of the symptoms of ADHD in adults, in general, and women, in particular, increases, more and more people are seeking diagnosis and treatment.
One recent study suggests that ADHD medication can help boost cognitive function. Another has found that people taking these drugs even have a lower risk of premature death.
However, it is not all good news: High doses of ADHD medication have also been linked to a heightened risk of psychosis, prompting doctors to exercise extra caution in treating their patients.
Recently, a national survey of 1,000 adults in the United States conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine found that 25% of respondents suspected they might have undiagnosed attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) .
That means that around one in four U.S. adults suspects they may have this developmental condition. While this may seem like a large number, it is perhaps unsurprising, given the rise in research on the causes and symptoms of ADHD and an increased awareness of what it actually looks like in adults , particularly in women .
However, the researchers who conducted the recent survey expressed a worry that only 13% of respondents said they had sought advice on their suspected ADHD from a healthcare professional.
“ Anxiety , depression , and ADHD — all these things can look a lot alike, but the wrong treatment can make things worse instead of helping that person feel better and improving their functioning,” emphasized Justin Barterian, PhD , a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, in a press release .
Indeed, recent studies have been highlighting the impact of medication in the treatment of ADHD, showing that the correct prescription can […]
ADHD drugs’ impact on brain health, quality of life: What we know
