You have probably played 2 truths and a lie, and if not, you'll get the idea pretty quickly.

(I actually haven't played this! But my friend and I were lounging by a pool on Saint Simons Island a few summers ago and a bunch of adorable, drunk college kids introduced us to it!)

I'm going to tell you 3 things about myself but one of them isn't true.

Can you guess which one is the lie?

1. I was an art education major in college (and I was excellent at making coffee mugs!)
2. I worked for years in a factory that put pills into bottles (it's amazing how those machines work!)
3. I wanted to be a psychiatrist as soon as I started med school (it's obviously the best specialty!)

Ok, delayed gratification. Reply with 1, 2, or 3 and I'll tell you if you're right (and give you a course for free)!

You know what that is?

An incentive!

And you know who loves an incentive?

Everyone!

But especially people with ADHD!

In this week's video I'm not talking about incentives though, it's all about meds used to treat ADHD! (Incentives are part of the non-pharm treatment strategies!)

It's only 12 minutes but it's packed with details about stimulants and non-stimulant medications and how they help!

Here are the take-aways:

• There are 2 types of stimulants: methylphenidate and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine
• Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine by blocking those transporters so the chemicals don't go back into the neuron as fast
• They can also increase norepinephrine and dopamine by causing an increase in the release of these chemicals
• Methylphenidate is generally preferred first: fewer side effects, drug-drug interactions, and misuse potential
• Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine lasts a little longer, provides a notable "kick", and can be more effective for severe ADHD symptoms
• Other non-stimulant medications are Strattera, Wellbutrin, clonidine, and guanfacine but all of these still have some side effects; they're good alternatives if someone can't take or doesn't want stimulants though
• Clonidine and guanfacine can be paired with stimulants for more symptom coverage
• When trying to improve grades, stimulants don't offer great direct benefits. But if prioritizing studying is a problem they might help there!

This is a med heavy video and not super exciting (sorry, even I don't really think so!), but it's got all the drug info someone wondering about adult ADHD treatment would want to know!

And did you make a choice yet?

Reply back with 1, 2, or 3 and I'll let you know if you're right!

Cheers to healthy brains,

Dr. B

Jessica Beachkofsky, MD

Your friendly, online psychiatrist!

P.S. Here's today's ADHD meds video!​

P.P.S. What do you think? 1, 2, or 3? You get a free course (and self-satisfaction!) if you're right! Reply now!