Some thoughts on medicating for ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD manifest themselves in ways that polarize those who have it. Similarly, the medication that is often given to people with ADHD will aid in one aspect of the disorder, yet greatly contribute to the heightening of its other symptoms.

So,  most children are given a stimulant in order to coerce the part of the brain that otherwise functions in an imbalanced way. This is why many people with undiagnosed ADHD drink gobs of coffee. Caffeine will greatly increase the ability to focus for those who otherwise struggle.

I think it's a myth however, when people say "my child has ADHD so caffiene has the opposite affect on him." 

Yeah, okay! That's why you're child looks like "Tweek" from South Park and his heart just erupted out of his chest from beating so fast. The stimulant drug will in fact heighten a persons ability to concentrate, but it will contribute greatly to the high level of anxiety and restlessness that ADHD generates. People on stimulants may have a better functionality when it comes to productivity, but they tend to be assholes because of their debilitating anxiety.

Likewise, anti-depressants can be prescribed to those whose prolonged anxiety eventually generates an emotional and physical crash . This cycle mimics that of bi-polar disorder, and I'm beginning to suspect that they're the same thing on different ends of the spectrum. The prescription drug that I take is Welbutrin, which is also known as Zyban when it's prescribed for those who want to quit smoking. 

Nicotine is an amazing drug for treating ADHD (alcohol is too, hence all the years of using both heavily). It operates as a stimulant for the frontal lobes of the brain yet does not generate anxiety (this fact brought to you by Philip Morris - LOL!). Welbutrin operates in such a way that it mimics the affects of nicotine, thereby alleviating your need for it.

What frightens me is when psychiatrists begin mixing and matching these medications in order to "strike a balance" with this polarizing disorder. Treating such things requires a holistic approach whereby chemically treating it is coupled with teaching people the tools necessary to overcome its symptoms.

Truth be told, I hate HATE HATE taking medication! It helps however, and it beats self medicating for a lot of reasons. 

If you have a child whom you're considering medicating for ADHD, I'd love to hear your story and perhaps offer some insight. If you think you suffer from the disorder yourself, go see a doctor and don't listen to your friends. People who don't suffer from the same things have an inability to sympathize with your reality. Sadly, the stigma around mental health is ugly and prominent in our society, but as someone once said to me:

Ryan, I have diabetes. I take insulin. Should I be ashamed of taking insulin? No. It's a fact. I have it and I must treat it. It's just that simple.