Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that ADHD medication may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of premature death.
According to prior studies, approximately 25% of 1,000 U.S. adults may have undiagnosed ADHD.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition characterized by persistent inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. ADHD was commonly considered a childhood disorder; however, the number of adult ADHD patients has recently increased, leading to more related research.
The research team analyzed data from 148,578 individuals diagnosed with ADHD, with physicians monitoring the progression of the condition for two years post-diagnosis. The study considered all potential causes of death, including unnatural causes such as accidents, suicide, and drug overdoses.
The findings showed that ADHD patients who adhered to prescribed medications had a 19% lower risk of premature death compared to those who did not. Furthermore, appropriate ADHD medications were found to significantly improve cognitive function, leading to enhanced quality of life and a reduced risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
However, experts also warn of the side effects of prolonged high-dose ADHD medication use. Some studies show that high doses of amphetamines, a primary stimulant treatment for ADHD, may increase the risk of psychosis or bipolar disorder by approximately 81%. The researchers clarified that high doses in this study referred to amphetamine dosages of 30 mg or more.
Experts highlighted the health benefits of appropriate ADHD medication while cautioning against the side effects associated with sustained high-dose use.
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