To begin with…
I have ADHD, and I use medication to help manage my ADHD. Also to begin with, I started my profession thinking that medication to treat ADHD was not the right way to go. I’ve since changed my mind… but why?
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects an individual’s ability to regulate attention, impulses, and activity levels. It is often misunderstood as simply a lack of willpower or motivation. Many people believe that those with ADHD could “just try harder” or “apply themselves” if they really wanted to.
While that may be true in certain moments, the core issue with ADHD is that it is not a consistent ability to control focus or behavior. If people with ADHD could always function at their best, it wouldn’t be considered a disorder. Instead, ADHD is marked by an inability to regulate attention effectively—sometimes hyper-focusing on one thing and other times struggling to focus on anything at all.
Try This at Home
Grab a timer and solve the following math problems without using a calculator:
- 12 x 7
- 15 x 6
- 12 x 22
- 1,348 + 2,377
- 2,334,202 ÷ 222
How quickly did you solve them?
Now, try solving the same problems again, but this time:
- Turn the TV on full blast.
- Have a family member talk loudly next to you.
- Play music from your phone at high volume.
- Tell your niece to teach your dog to bark on command.
Not so easy, right?
This is what it can feel like to have ADHD—trying to focus on a task while being bombarded by distractions that your brain refuses to tune out.
Medication and Stigma
Medication for ADHD is a personal choice, but it is also highly stigmatized. Everyone seems to have an opinion on ADHD meds, or medication in general these days. We are constantly bombarded with messages that stimulants are dangerous or that they will “fry your brain.” Some of the extreme takes would have you believe that taking medication will ruin your life and even cause your dog to hate you and move in with the neighbor’s cat.
In truth, ADHD medications are one of the most effective treatments for the disorder. For some, taking medication is like putting on glasses for the first time—suddenly, the world is clearer, and focusing on tasks becomes significantly easier. However, medication is not a magic bullet. It should always be explored in consultation with a doctor to determine what is right for you. While not everyone with ADHD needs or benefits from medication, it is an option worth considering for those who struggle with the day-to-day challenges ADHD presents.
Why I Changed My Mind
I changed my perspective on ADHD medication as I worked closely with many people who struggle with ADHD in a world that is not designed to accommodate them. Managing a busy therapy practice, a demanding caseload, and a family life became increasingly overwhelming. When I finally decided to try medication, I didn’t expect it to fix everything—but it made an undeniable difference. I could focus better, stay engaged in cognitively demanding tasks for longer periods, and manage my responsibilities more effectively.
I still have challenges. My working memory is still not perfect, my desk is often cluttered, and I still get distracted. However, medication has allowed me to implement coping strategies that once felt impossible to maintain. It gave me the ability to bridge the gap between what I wanted to do and what my brain would allow me to do more consistently.
Should You Consider Medication?
The decision to use medication depends on your personal values, what you need to function at your best, and what your body can tolerate. It is essential to involve your doctor in this process. Most importantly, regardless of your choice, practice a non-judgmental attitude toward others who make different decisions. What works for one person may not work for another.
Medication does come with side effects, and those need to be carefully considered. Always talk to your doctor before starting any medical intervention. If you have questions, ask your therapist or doctor for guidance. You’ve got this.
Final Thoughts
ADHD is a real and complex condition. The decision to use medication should be a personal one, made in collaboration with a doctor and based on what works best for you or your child. Whatever you choose, know that there are tools, strategies, and support available to help manage ADHD. And most importantly, practice kindness—toward yourself and others—when it comes to understanding ADHD and the choices people make to manage it.