By exerting an affect on the frontal lobes and thus the working memory and other executive functions, the individual is better able to remember what has just been happening, organize the information, and apply it to their next act. Patients with ADD are familiar with hyperfocusing and the ability to stay focused and not be distracted whenever they are interested in a particular activity or have a new creative interest or project at hand. The medication helps to keep the attention area of the brain turned on and constant, not allowing it to wax and wane depending upon the degree of interest, and thus the individual's performance or work effort is more consistent. Thus I tell the patients that they are looking for the Ritalin or Dexedrine to help them stay focused on the dull boring routine work as well as they can naturally focus on more interesting projects. The nerve connections utilizing dopamine in the more central areas of the brain involved with emotion are the reason for adults initially experiencing a sense of calm, with increased relaxation and tolerance for other people's behaviour even before they notice their better concentration.
Moods become more even and relationships improve.
Ritalin and Dexedrine both help with inhibition and this in effect means that they help to restore self-control and the ability to think before acting. With increasing positive reinforcement and the development of good coping strategies, many are able to minimize the use of stimulant medication as they choose appropriate careers and lifestyles.