6.1b pharmaceutical treatments are available for ADHD

The first line of treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication, usually an amphetamine derivative. This has the effect of raising dopamine levels in the brain, which aids in the regulation of attention and executive dysfunction. It also allow the patient to feel a level of satisfaction upon completing a task.

When taken under the proper supervision of a medical professional, stimulant medication should not cause addiction. This is because a patient with ADHD starts out with a deficit of dopamine, and the stimulant does not increase it to the level where euphoria is experienced. If an ADHD patient is struggling with addiction to their medication, it is likely they are being over-prescribed.

A number of non-stimulant medications are also available.

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