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Stimulant medications for ADHD, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, often face criticism over side effects and claims of harming brain development. But what does science actually show?
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When it comes to ADHD treatment, stimulant medications like amphetamines and methylphenidate often get a bad rap. Critics raise concerns about side effects, long-term impacts, and even claims that these medications could harm brain development. But what does science really say?
A growing body of research is painting a very different picture—one that suggests certain ADHD medications may actually support healthy brain development in people with ADHD. A recently published study adds even more weight to this idea, showing structural brain differences in adults with ADHD who were treated with stimulant medication compared to those who were never medicated.
Let’s break down what this new research found—and what it could mean for people living with ADHD.
There's no shortage of negative headlines about ADHD medications. Some people worry that stimulants might “damage” the brain or interfere with natural growth, especially when used over long periods. These concerns often stem from studies on drug abuse involving illegal or misused stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine, which can have serious and harmful effects on the brain.
However, when stimulant medications are used as prescribed for ADHD, the evidence does not support the idea of brain damage. In fact, many studies have found signs of neuroprotection—that is, signs that the medications may help the brain develop more normally in people with ADHD.
The new study, published in Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, examined the brains of adults with ADHD—some of whom had been treated with stimulant medications for 1 to 5 years, and others who had never taken medication.
The sample was small, including only 26 individuals (13 in each group), but the researchers still found statistically significant differences in brain structure between the treated and untreated groups. That’s notable because small studies typically struggle to detect such differences unless they are fairly strong.
The researchers identified three specific areas of brain development that differed between the groups:
Gyrification refers to the ridges (gyri) on the brain’s surface. The gyrification index is a measure of how folded the brain is—more folding is often linked to better cognitive processing and efficient brain function.
Adults who had taken stimulant medication showed increased gyrification in several regions of the brain compared to those who had not been treated.
The sulci are the grooves or “valleys” between the brain’s ridges. Greater sulcal depth may indicate more complex brain surface structure, which can be associated with enhanced brain connectivity and processing.
This study found deeper sulcal depths in the medicated group, again suggesting a more developed or mature brain structure in certain areas.
Cortical thickness relates to the outer layer of the brain involved in decision-making, attention, and sensory processing. The study found a notable increase in cortical thickness in those who had taken medication, even though total brain volume did not differ significantly between the groups.
Together, these changes suggest that ADHD medications may positively influence specific aspects of brain morphology—especially in regions known to be involved in attention, self-regulation, and executive functioning.
Interestingly, the study also looked at impulsivity in participants. It found that those who had taken medication scored lower on impulsivity and “venturesomeness” scales, suggesting improved self-control. However, these behavioral improvements didn’t directly correlate with the brain structure changes observed, possibly because only a limited range of symptoms was assessed.
It’s important to remember that these effects aren't guaranteed for everyone. Based on previous studies, researchers estimate that 25% to 40% of people who take stimulant medication over several years may experience these positive brain growth changes. That still leaves a significant portion who might not see the same neurological benefits.
Moreover, we still don't know exactly which medications, doses, or treatment durations are most effective at producing these changes. More research is needed to answer those important questions.
While there’s still much to learn, this new research adds to a growing body of evidence showing that ADHD medications—when used responsibly and under medical supervision—can do more than just manage symptoms. They may also support healthy brain development in meaningful ways.
If you're considering ADHD medication for yourself or a loved one, studies like this can offer reassurance. The narrative that these treatments are harmful to the brain is not supported by scientific evidence. On the contrary, long-term treatment may contribute to improved brain structure and function for some individuals.
As always, medication is just one piece of the puzzle. A holistic ADHD treatment plan should also include behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes, and professional support tailored to each person’s needs.
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