Posted by Libby on July 19, 2000, at 11:50:57
In reply to Re: ADD and history of addiciton, posted by PattyG on July 19, 2000, at 10:00:13
>the problem of the effect waning in due time. Why aren't we concerned about that happening with those who suffer from ADD? Can someone fill me in on this?<
Here's what I've gotten from my readings...
source:http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/ADHD-in-adults.html
Apparently, it's because of the paradoxical effect stims have in people with ADD. In non-ADDers, stimulants give a euphoric or high feeling which can easily be confused with meeting legitimate treatment goals, because the patient reports feeling better. In non-ADDer's, these effects disappear as tolerance to the drug builds and when the high disappears, and they are left back where they started - or worse - because amphetamine withdrawal can cause (or worsen) depression.
ADDers take stims for their paradoxical (calming) effect and to improve concentration and focus. Since the ADDer doesn't experience a high, they generally don't develop tolerance.
The reasons for the paradoxical effect are still unexplained... There are lots of theories, but no clear conclusions.
poster:Libby
thread:40651
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000717/msgs/40947.html