ADHD stimulants appear to work less by sharpening focus and more by waking up the brain. Brain scans revealed that these medications activate reward and alertness systems, helping children stay interested in tasks they would normally avoid. The drugs even reversed brain patterns linked to sleep deprivation. Researchers say this could complicate ADHD diagnoses if poor sleep is the real underlying problem.

ADHD stimulants appear to work less by sharpening focus and more by waking up the brain. Brain scans revealed that these medications activate reward and alertness systems, helping children stay interested in tasks they would normally avoid. The drugs even reversed brain patterns linked to sleep deprivation. Researchers say this could complicate ADHD diagnoses if poor sleep is the real underlying problem.

  • GorGor@startrek.websiteEnglish
    161·
    11 hours ago

    I suspect most adults have some coping mechanisms built up so its often harder to separate out the basic problems. Children offer a ‘cleaner’ study, so that is what they focus on.

    I have to say my 6 year old has a lot of symptoms. I started giving her melatonin to help her sleep and a lot of the behavioral issues have gotten a lot better.

    I’m not trying to say its a cure all, but I was surprised how well it helps her sleep, and how many (I thought) unrelated issues have improved.