Evidence for different stimulant response in ADHD?
Hi!
An extremely common anecdote I see on social media is that ADHD medication, in particular stimulants, affect people with ADHD differently than the rest of the population.
I know that medication decreases ADHD symptoms reliably, thus being different than for other individuals.
But what about objective cognitive markers (such as working memory, reaction speed, cognitive control, etc.) and subjective experience and feeling (e.g., calmness)?
People with ADHD on the internet say they feel “calmer” and that “their thoughts are quieter”, while saying that non-ADHD people just feel euphoric, motivated, energized, etc.
But I imagine that “healthy” individuals could also feel calmer and more focused.
Is there real evidence that stimulants such as amphetamines and ritalin affect individuals with ADHD differently on objective cognitive markers and subjective feelings (NOT in clinical symptoms)?
Do you agree with this anecdote as psychiatrists and scientists?