How Stimulant Medication Helps ADHD

While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, many adults struggle with symptoms for years without a diagnosis, and even if you’re diagnosed as a kid, your symptoms don’t just go away as you mature.

ADHD can impact every aspect of your life, from your career and education to your social life. If you’re finding it difficult to keep up and stay organized, stimulant medication might be a solution. 

At Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, in Lakewood, Colorado, Alison Burton, DNP, PMHNP, treats ADHD with a combination of coping strategies and stimulant medication so you can start succeeding more in life.  

Understanding ADHD 

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects your ability to focus. Many children with ADHD begin displaying these symptoms in school, struggling to sit still and/or pay attention to their teachers. 

While ADHD is often associated with children and teenagers, it doesn’t go away as you age. If left untreated, ADHD can become a major roadblock in your life. Symptoms may include several or many of the following:

• Forgetfulness
• Low frustration tolerance 
• Finding it hard to multitask
• Poor time management and planning
• Decreased performance at school or work
• Disorganized working and living spaces 
• Poor coping mechanisms for stress
• Difficulty focusing 
• Mood swings 
• Impulsivity 

All of these symptoms can seem like simple shortcomings to someone else, especially if they aren’t familiar with ADHD. However, they’re not character flaws, and you can address them with proper treatment and medication. 

How stimulant medication can help

Before prescribing any medication, Dr. Alison goes over your medical and family history to search for signs of a previous diagnosis. ADHD tends to run in families, so you might have another relative with similar experiences. 

She asks you a lot of questions about your lifestyle, moods, and most common symptoms. Try to provide as much information as you can, such as how you cope (or don’t cope) with these symptoms and which ones are bothering you the most. 

From there, Dr. Alison creates a treatment plan that suits your needs and preferences. If you’re interested in trying medication, she might recommend a stimulant to help you stay focused. 

Stimulants work by increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This increases your attention span, reduces hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, and helps you manage executive dysfunction. 

One of the major benefits of medication is that it can be combined with other treatments. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you recognize negative patterns and build better habits; and psychotherapy, which gives you a chance to talk things through with Dr. Alison. 

Are you or a loved one struggling with ADHD? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alison by calling 303-578-8949, or request an appointment online.