Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has long been treated with stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin. These medications have been effective in improving focus and managing impulsivity for many people. However, recent findings suggest that prolonged use of stimulant medications may carry health risks, particularly concerning the heart. A study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session found that young adults prescribed stimulants were at a higher risk of developing cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by a weakening of the heart muscle. While the overall risk remains low, the findings underscore the need to explore alternative treatment options that can reduce dependency on medication, especially for long-term management of ADHD.

Neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections—offers an exciting opportunity to help manage ADHD through non-pharmacological interventions. By harnessing neuroplasticity through cognitive training and other behavioral therapies, individuals could improve attention, self-regulation, and impulse control, potentially reducing their reliance on stimulant medications. In this post, we will explore how neuroplasticity-based interventions could be used to manage ADHD and why it may be important to consider these approaches in light of the recent concerns about stimulant medications.

The recent study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session revealed that people prescribed stimulant medications for ADHD were significantly more likely to develop cardiomyopathy compared to those who were not prescribed stimulants. According to the study, individuals on stimulants were 17% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy after one year and 57% more likely after eight years. Cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes the heart muscle to weaken and pump less effectively, can result in fatigue and limited physical ability over time (Napoli, 2024).

While the overall prevalence of cardiomyopathy remains relatively low—affecting less than 1% of individuals prescribed........

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