Nootropics For ADHD: Do They Really Work 2023?

The human brain is unparalleled in its ability to sift through an endless barrage of incoming information, process and store it, and then make decisions. But, for many, symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, e.g., inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, make it extremely difficult for the brain to multifunction seamlessly.

Nootropics can improve these symptoms. Otherwise, people with these symptoms are easily distracted and have difficulty staying organized and completing tasks. This can lead to problems at school or work and in relationships.

ADHD is a common but distressing psychological disorder; in 2020, over 366 million adults suffered symptomatic ADHD.^[1] Traditional ADHD treatments typically include psychostimulant medications like methylphenidate^[2] and behavior therapy. Side effects associated with prescription drugs and lack of access or resources for therapy have led many to consider alternative treatments, including nootropics for ADHD.

What Are Nootropics? 

Nootropics^[3] are dynamic compounds that boost brain function. Nootropics are frequently marketed as smart drugs with the capacity to enhance thinking, sharpen focus, improve memory, and increase productivity. While many are naturally occurring compounds, e.g., Ginkgo biloba, synthetic nootropics exist. Nootropic stacks combine several compounds with different effects and mechanisms of action.

Nootropics impact the brain^[4] in several ways. They function as vasodilators, allowing increased blood flow through the brain’s blood vessels, ensuring that critical brain regions receive ample oxygen and nutrients. Nootropics can reduce inflammation in the brain, protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline, increase neuroplasticity, and release important neurotransmitters like dopamine and excitatory glutamate.^[5]

How Can Nootropics Help With ADHD?

Nootropic supplements contain natural ingredients that can help manage ADHD symptoms.  They help reduce mental fatigue and brain fog that can occur due to the chronic overstimulation associated with ADHD. The increased blood flood can also increase energy for brain cells.

Nootropic supplements can also improve ADHD symptoms and cognition by modulating neurotransmitters associated with learning and memory, like acetylcholine, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid — GABA as neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and impulse control, like serotonin and dopamine. For focus, these ADHD supplements modulate neurotransmitters so that brain chemistry facilitates learning and memory formation.

A brain supplement can also build resilience in the brain by stimulating the production of nerve growth factor, which is responsible for increasing neuroplasticity^[6] — the development of new neurons and neuron connections. Many support cognitive enhancement through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help promote overall brain health. Increased resilience means that the brain is better equipped to manage ADHD symptoms.

What Types Of Nootropic Are Beneficial For ADHD?

Many natural and dietary supplements can help improve overall brain health, increase mental clarity and mental energy, and protect against cognitive decline. The best natural nootropics for ADHD include:

• Citicoline.
• Bacopa monnieri.
• Ginkgo biloba.
• Rhodiola rosea.
• Korean red ginseng.

Citicoline

Citicoline is a naturally occurring nootropic and psychostimulant found in human and animal tissue. Citicoline was incorporated into several prescription medications but is now available over the counter as a dietary supplement. Studies have shown that citicoline supplementation increases the energy available to brain cells and facilitates neurotransmitter activity,^[7] leading to cognitive benefits like improved memory, attention, and concentration.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed that healthy adults who consumed a citicoline-caffeine beverage showed enhanced brain activation, improved sustained attention, and quicker reaction times.^[8] One study found that healthy adolescent males who received citicoline supplements for 28 days demonstrated improved attention, greater psychomotor speed, and reduced impulsivity^[9] compared to those who received a placebo.

Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri, a medicinal Ayurvedic^[10] herb, is a powerful antioxidant^[4] that enhances brain performance in several ways, including:

• Protecting neurons from oxidative stress.
• Boosting memory by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
• Increasing blood flow in the brain.
• Regulating brain chemicals like serotonin, acetylcholine, and dopamine.

In a study of children with ADHD aged 6 to 12, six months of supplementation with Bacopa monnieri reduced ADHD symptoms^[11] like restlessness, learning problems, impulsivity, and increased self-control. A systematic review of clinical trials investigating this natural nootropic in children and adolescents concluded that supplementation produced significant improvements in cognition, memory, and attention.^[12]

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba has been used safely for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and has demonstrated effectiveness across a broad range of psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression. The antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of this native Chinese plant can improve overall mental performance and promote brain health.

In a randomized, double-blind study of children and adolescents with ADHD who were being treated with methylphenidate, those who were randomly assigned to receive a Ginkgo biloba supplement rather than a placebo showed greater reductions in inattentiveness^[13] on an ADHD rating scale. Thus, this nootropic supplement can be a helpful complementary treatment for ADHD. Similarly, a systematic review concluded that research supports the safety and helpfulness^[14] of Ginkgo biloba for ADHD in children and adolescents. Those with bleeding disorders, however, shouldn’t use it.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea^[15] is an adaptogen herb that promotes healthy brain function and protects neurons by increasing resilience during stress. Some research indicates that this natural supplement can have mental health-promoting effects on mood and cognition^[16] by facilitating acetylcholine and balancing mood by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine. Rhodiola rosea also increases dopamine and acetylcholine in the limbic system, which may help to calm overstimulation, thereby promoting improved focus and memory.^[17]

Korean Red Ginseng

Ginseng is one of the most widely used herbs and powerfully affects^[18] the central nervous system to promote cognitive health. This natural nootropic impacts the neurotransmission of acetylcholine and GABA, improves learning and memory, and can increase neuroplasticity. Ginseng can also stimulate the production of nerve growth factor, which triggers brain regeneration by developing new neurons.

A randomized, double-blind study concluded that Korean red ginseng is a safe and effective treatment for ADHD. Compared to those who received a placebo, children aged 6 to 15 who received Korean red ginseng supplements for eight weeks exhibited significant reductions^[19] in inattention and hyperactivity. In an open-label clinical trial, treatment with 500 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids and 3 milligrams of Korean red ginseng for 12 weeks resulted in improved attention, memory, and executive functioning^[20] in a sample of 6 to 12-year-olds with an ADHD diagnosis who were not taking any psychotropic medication.

Side Effects Of Nootropics

Compared to traditional ADHD medications, nootropics and other top cognitive enhancers have relatively few side effects. Nootropics are generally well-tolerated,^[21] but mild side effects may occur in some people, including increases in blood pressure, mild sedation, digestive problems, stomach irritation, and headaches. Nootropics can interact with other medications and supplements; for example, ginkgo can complicate anticoagulants. Bacopa monnieri can aggravate gastrointestinal conditions, and ashwagandha can be sedating.

 Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid nootropics until more research confirms safety. Before taking any brain supplements or nootropics, consult a healthcare professional. 

Other Treatment Options For ADHD

Traditional treatment options for ADHD include psychostimulant medications like methylphenidate and behavior therapy. Behavior therapy focuses on increasing adaptive and helpful behaviors while reducing or eliminating problem behaviors. Therapists work with patients and their families to build skills related to organization, social functioning, and task completion. The school or work environment can also be modified to limit distractions and facilitate attention and focus. 

The Takeaway

Nootropics are powerful compounds that can be used to improve focus, increase attention and memory, and improve brain health. Research has demonstrated their effectiveness in treating ADHD symptoms safely and with minimal side effects, particularly compared to prescription ADHD drugs.

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