Five sentence summary ADHD medications, which are almost always stimulants, are Schedule II substances in the US, making them hard to obtain. The federal and state government have rules for prescribing them and doctor's offices and insurance companies may make their own rules in addition, so there is considerable variation in how difficult it is for someone to get their prescription. It's not easy though, despite the fact that stimulants lower the likelihood ADHD folks will engage in dangerous and risky behavior, including abusing drugs. Stimulants are most likely to be prescribed Let's get a few things clear on ADHD medications. They are one of the most effective treatments for ADHD symptoms. A 2023 review found "no non-pharmacological treatments showed a consistent strong effect on ADHD symptoms." When we're discussing ADHD medications, the vast majority of the time, we're referring to stimulants. You may have heard of methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, Concerta, Adderall, or Ritalin; they're all stimulants.
There are medications that are not stimulants, one of the most popular non-stimulants is Straterra (brand name for atomoxetine), but they are generally not as effective and take longer to have an effect (see studies here and here ).
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Five sentence summary
A disability is a mental or physical impairment that substantially impacts one or more major life activities. The impact on major life activities is based on when the person is not using mitigating measures. ADHD can fit this definition. There are multiple ways ADHD could be disabling, including inability to sleep and remember to take medications. Everyone's experience with ADHD is different.
The definition of disability
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 26% of adults in the US have some disability, 10.8% of adults in the US have a disability that affects their cognition, and one in four women have a disability. Disabilities can be permanent or intermittent. They can be visible or "invisible" (although many so-called invisible disabilities are not truly without visible symptoms).
ADHD and disability
According to the ADA, it certainly can fit the definition. Think about when you're not medicated, not using any fidget tools, not in therapy, and are completely your ADHD true self; are your major life activities significant impacted? If the answer is yes, then your ADHD is a disability.
ADHD may be disabling in that
Learning disabilities
In the US, ADHD is not considered to be a learning disability. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder. This doesn't mean you can't consider your ADHD to be a disability, it just means that in the US (and I believe the UK), ADHD is not a learning disability. This distinction might matter if you're applying for funding. If you are a student, it does not mean you cannot register with the disability office. In fact, regardless of whether or not you consider your ADHD to be a disability, you should consider registering with this office.
Everyone's experience with ADHD is different. Some people may not consider themselves disabled whereas others might find their ADHD has a major impact on their ability to communicate, process information, sleep, and etc. Others may have thought they fit this category as a child but no longer find ADHD to be disabling. How you identify is up to you. You are the one who experiences your ADHD. You are the one most affected. Key points:
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