THE ZOMBIE EFFECT OF STIMULANT MEDICATION FOR ADHD
So your child has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and your doctor recommends stimulant medication. Many parents resist treating their child’s ADHD with medication. Their fears include side effects of the medication and their potential for abuse. Should you start ADHD medication for your child?
As a pediatrician with 3 decades of experience working with ADHD children and their families, this is what I know.
Medication
The most effective intervention with the largest evidence base for management of children with ADHD is medication. Stimulants reduce symptoms in 70 -80% of children with ADHD. Furthermore, the medication decreases the symptoms of ADHD by 40–50% resulting in marked improvement in the child’s academic performance and social interactions.
Stimulant medications are the drugs most commonly prescribed for ADHD. The two stimulants for ADHD treatment are the methylphenidates (such as,Ritalin, Concerta) and the amphetamines (such as, Adderall, Vyvanse). These medications increase the levels of the neurotransmitters Dopamine and norepinephrine in the areas of the brain responsible for executive functions thus improving the child’s time management,self organization and problem solving, self-restraint, self-regulation of emotion, and self- motivation. The child will be able to focus and complete her school work and prevent distractions and off task behaviors thereby allowing her to achieve academic success.
Stimulant Side Effects
Stimulant side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, and nervous tics (such as eye blinking and facial twitches). Most of the time these side effects resolve after stopping the medication.
The Zombie Effect
Stimulant medications should never cause a change in your child's personality. When the medication is working properly your child should be the same happy, affectionate, playful kid you have always known and loved. She should not be an emotionless, obedient, productive robot. This is called the “Zombie Effect.” When the stimulant blunts her emotions to this extent, the dose of the medication is too high. You should promptly notify your doctor.
Treatment for the Zombie Effect
Your doctor will lower the dose of the stimulant and this may eliminate the zombie effect. If this treatment fails, he may switch to a different stimulant medication or select a non stimulant medication such as Straterra.
Stimulant medications should reduce ADHD symptoms allowing your child to be successful in school and in relationships with family and friends, while keeping her vibrant loving personality. There is a place for medication in the treatment of ADHD. However, the medication should never change your child’s personality. Beware the “Zombie Effect!”
