Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about dealing with stressful times. You may feel like you have more to get done and less time to do it, but think before you reach for medication to make that easier.
There is a growing trend of adults who need to improve their concentration taking medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center discourage this practice. Dr. Adam Brenner, a UT Southwestern psychiatrist, says it’s illegal to take these drugs without a prescription, and it can lead to addiction. Misusing these drugs, which are stimulants, can also cause side effects such as abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure. You’re better off using legal means to multitask or improve your concentration, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising and using caffeine in moderation.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/mentalhealth to learn more about
UT Southwestern’s clinical services in mental health.
