ADHD In the Therapy Room
Q&A
Q. Why are stimulant medications given to someone with ADHD hyperactive type? Wouldn’t this make them even more hyperactive?
A. It does sound like it would make symptoms worse, however it somehow works. In short, stimulant medication boosts dopamine availability within the brain which in turn stops the brain from seeking extra dopamine. This has the effect of calming down a hyperactive person. Some people feel this takes away their ‘spark’ or reduces their creative side, others find it calms the noise, enabling them to concentrate.
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