By Tim Aiello, MA, LPC, NCC, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS
Introduction
As a therapist specializing in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and living with both Autism and ADHD (AuDHD), I know firsthand how proper ADHD treatment can transform lives. Many of my clients, and even I myself, have experienced significant improvements in focus, emotional regulation, and executive functioning thanks to ADHD medication.
Yet, misinformation about ADHD medications is rampant, leading to fear, stigma, and unnecessary suffering for those who could benefit from them. I want to be clear:
I am a therapist, not a medical provider.
If you are considering ADHD medication, it is critical to consult with a well-trained, knowledgeable medical provider who understands ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition.
That said, I can provide evidence-based insights on the safety, effectiveness, and common myths surrounding ADHD medications.
How ADHD Medications Work
ADHD is a neurological condition, not just a behavioral issue. Research shows that dopamine and norepinephrine dysregulation in the brain contributes to challenges with focus, impulse control, and executive function (Arnsten, 2009).
Stimulant Medications
These medications increase dopamine and norepinephrine, improving focus, emotional regulation, and impulse control.
Methylphenidate-based (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin)
Amphetamine-based (Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine)
Non-Stimulant Medications
Some individuals cannot tolerate stimulants or prefer non-stimulant options:
Atomoxetine (Strattera) – A norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Guanfacine (Intuniv) & Clonidine (Kapvay) – Alpha-2 agonists that help with emotional regulation.
Are ADHD Medications Safe and Effective?
Efficacy
ADHD medications have an 80% success rate when properly dosed and combined with therapy (Barkley, 2021).
A meta-analysis of 23 studies found that stimulant medications significantly improve attention, executive function, and impulse control (Faraone & Buitelaar, 2010).
Studies show that ADHD treatment reduces academic struggles, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity (Biederman et al., 2009).
Safety
Long-term studies confirm ADHD medications are safe when used as prescribed (Molina et al., 2009).
Side effects are typically mild and manageable, including appetite suppression and mild sleep changes.
Concerns about growth suppression are largely unfounded, with any temporary delays normalizing in adulthood (Swanson et al., 2007).
Common Myths About ADHD Medications – And The Truth
🚫 Myth #1: ADHD Medications Are Dangerous
✅ Fact: ADHD medications are among the safest psychiatric medications available when used as prescribed (Barkley, 2021). Side effects are generally mild and manageable.
🚫 Myth #2: ADHD Medications Are Addictive
✅ Fact: Research shows stimulant medications do NOT increase the risk of substance abuse—in fact, proper ADHD treatment reduces the likelihood of developing addiction (Wilens et al., 2008).
Personal Insight: I have taken Adderall for years and have never felt addicted to it. It does not give me a "high"—it simply helps me function at my best.
🚫 Myth #3: ADHD Medications Are Ineffective
✅ Fact: Stimulants are among the most researched and effective treatments for ADHD, with decades of data proving their efficacy in reducing ADHD symptoms (Faraone et al., 2015).
🚫 Myth #4: ADHD Medications Change Personality
✅ Fact: Properly dosed ADHD medication does NOT change personality—it simply helps reduce overwhelm, impulsivity, and inattention, allowing individuals to express their authentic selves more effectively (Pliszka, 2007).
Personal Insight: On medication, I feel more focused, less overwhelmed, and more in control of my emotions—not different, just more like myself.
🚫 Myth #5: ADHD Medications Are Just "Speed"
✅ Fact: While ADHD medications are stimulants, they are prescribed in controlled doses to regulate brain function, not create euphoria (Arnsten, 2009).
🚫 Myth #6: ADHD Medications Are Unsafe for People with Heart Disease
✅ Fact: For most people, ADHD medications are safe. While they may slightly increase heart rate or blood pressure, studies confirm that serious risks are rare when taken under medical supervision (Vetter et al., 2008).
🚫 Myth #7: ADHD Medications Stunt Growth
✅ Fact: Some children may experience temporary slowed growth, but long-term studies show no significant impact on final adult height (Swanson et al., 2007).
🚫 Myth #8: ADHD Medications Cause Sleep Disturbances
✅ Fact: Some individuals experience temporary sleep changes, but this can often be managed by adjusting dosage timing (Barkley, 2021).
Final Thoughts: ADHD Medications Can Be Life-Changing
Speaking as both a therapist and an individual with ADHD, I want to emphasize that ADHD medication is not a cure, but it can be a powerful tool when used correctly.
For me, Adderall has been a game-changer. It has helped me:
✅ Manage executive dysfunction so I can focus on my work.
✅ Reduce mental exhaustion from constantly battling distractions.
✅ Feel more present and engaged in my personal relationships.
However, medication is only one part of ADHD treatment. Therapy, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle modifications are equally important.
If you are considering medication, work with a knowledgeable medical provider who specializes in ADHD treatment. Not all doctors understand ADHD, particularly in adults, so finding the right provider is key.
The goal is not to change who you are, but to help you access your full potential.
References
Barkley, R. A. (2021). Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents. Guilford Press.
Faraone, S. V., & Buitelaar, J. K. (2010). Comparing the efficacy of stimulants for ADHD in children and adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 51(12), 1244–1257.
Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). Toward a new understanding of ADHD. Neurotherapeutics, 6(4), 638–647.
Wilens, T. E., et al. (2008). Does stimulant therapy of ADHD beget later substance abuse? Pediatrics, 111(1), 179–185.
Pliszka, S. R. (2007). Pharmacologic treatment of ADHD. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 46(7), 894–921.
Swanson, J. M., et al. (2007). Long-term effects of stimulant medications on growth. Pediatrics, 120(2), e202-e209.
By Tim Aiello, MA, LPC, NCC, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS
Clinical Director, Myndset Therapeutics
Specializing in Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy & ADHD Treatment
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