Medication Abuse
Among drugs abused by teens, Adderall is the fourth most commonly abused drug(National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2011){C}. Can that be extrapolated to adults? I believe we can extrapolate it to include young adults to the age of 25-27. The diagnosis criterion is weak and often subjective. Many times, providers are pressured to find and treat patients with prescription medications and when the diagnosis is not clear, it is an easy leap when the testing is borderline positive.
Patients presenting with the complaint of ADHD symptoms are required to take a computerized test that evaluates decision-making and other criteria. Based on the results and an interview they can be prescribed Adderall or similar drugs. There are diseases that mimic ADHD and unless we are taking the time to properly evaluate the patient, we may be setting them up for failure.
According to a study in 2010, the abuse of Adderall increased by 78% from 1998 to 2005(Setlik J, 2009){C}. In addition, according to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of prescriptions for Adderall increased from 4 million in 1991 to 45 million in 2010 (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2011){C}. This is no longer something that can be taken lightly. I do believe ADHD is an actual diagnosis, but the guidelines and testing need to be analyzed to ensure we are not pharmacologically changing our society because it is easier than dealing with our patients or children.
The side effects of these drugs are not benign. Adderall is an extremely strong stimulant, which belongs in the amphetamine family. These types of drugs can increase heart rate and blood pressure at the same time, decrease appetite and sleep (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2014){C}. With enough of this type of drug in the body, it could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Although no studies have been able to show evidence, it is thought that Adderall and other drugs for ADHD can lead to drug dependence and abuse later in life (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2014){C}.
Conclusion
ADHD is a real diagnosis and it can be treated non-pharmacologically. There are options for therapy sessions and training events that instruct young adults and children on how to control their ADHD. Sports, music, exercise, hobbies, and passions are all necessary for children, not as resume builders, but for personal and emotional development; examples of activities that have proven to be wonderful therapy for those suffering from ADHD symptoms and which happen to mirror their success in relieving adulthood stress.
Being able to self-soothe and de-stress without chemicals is an imperative life skill. Unnecessarily prescribing medication that interrupts the learning of these tools and instead introduces a powerful stimulant into the delicate system of children and teens is increasing the likelihood of their abusing drugs or alcohol in the future, not to mention the unknown changes these medications make to the prescribed child’s physiology; all reasons enough to rethink, reevaluate, and reestablish ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Sources:
Abuse, N. I. o. D. (2011). Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction.
Abuse, N. I. o. D. (Producer). (2014). Stimulant ADHD Medications – Methylphenidate and Amphetamines Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/drugfacts_stimulantadhd_1.pdf
Setlik J, B. G., Ho M. (2009). Adolescent Prescription ADHD Medication Abuse Is Rising Along With Prescriptions for These Medications. Pediatrics, 125(3), 875-880.
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