ADHD Experts Podcast 588- Heart Health and ADHD Treatment: Implications of Stimulant Use for Adults
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Dec 16, 2025 In this insightful discussion, Dr. Samuele Cortese, an expert in ADHD and neurodevelopmental disorders, delves into the complex relationship between heart health and ADHD stimulant medications. He shares groundbreaking findings on the long-term impacts of these medications, including potential cardiovascular risks and the importance of monitoring. The conversation also touches on the benefits of stimulant use in reducing various risks like accidents and mortality, offering a nuanced perspective on balancing treatment efficacy with heart health considerations.
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Stimulants Are Highly Effective
- Stimulant medications (methylphenidate and amphetamines) are the most effective psychiatric drugs for reducing ADHD symptoms.
- Their effect sizes rank among top medications across all branches of medicine, Dr. Samuele Cortese explains.
Long-Term Benefits In Real-World Data
- Real-world long-term data show stimulants reduce risks like mortality, suicidal behavior, substance misuse, accidents, and criminality.
- These benefits must be balanced against potential side effects when making treatment decisions.
Monitor Vitals Before And During Treatment
- Monitor blood pressure and pulse before and during any ADHD medication, not only stimulants.
- Track baseline values and follow-up measurements because individual responses can vary from the small average changes reported in trials.