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Ability to be more alert, mask pain… is it similar to caffeine or something closer to meth? Should this be allowed?
To me it is about like taking an Excedrin(more alert pain reliver), so as long as she has been diagnosed with ADHD, I got no problem with her getting a TUE for this.
To me it is about like taking an Excedrin(more alert pain reliver), so as long as she has been diagnosed with ADHD, I got no problem with her getting a TUE for this.
Im with you. Unless there is more to the story this is a nothing burger. And I only word it that way because, and this has nothing to do with the athlete here, FAR too often there is more to the story.
I applaud her by doing the right thing and NOT racing until she hears back on the TUE decision. I’m really interested to see if they approve the TUE. My understanding is that TUE’s are rarely approved.
My understanding is that TUE’s are rarely approved.
TUEs for the “good stuff” area rarely approved. I don’t think Adderals qualifies as good stuff. According to the 2020 annual report (latest I could find), 2020 had 2,130 approved TUEs (down ~30% from COVID). Doesn’t say out of how many applications, but still a number in the thousands doesn’t sound terribly rare. Most often approved are glucocorticoids (31%), followed by stimulants (27%) (where Adderall would likely fall).
So seems plausible she could get her TUE if her medical issue is properly documented to the required level.
I’m a little jaded by the glucocorticoid stuff. As I put that in the “medium good stuff” category. But I recognize that legitimate asthma exists, etc.
My understanding is that TUE’s are rarely approved.
TUEs for the “good stuff” area rarely approved. I don’t think Adderals qualifies as good stuff. According to the 2020 annual report (latest I could find), 2020 had 2,130 approved TUEs (down ~30% from COVID). Doesn’t say out of how many applications, but still a number in the thousands doesn’t sound terribly rare. Most often approved are glucocorticoids (31%), followed by stimulants (27%) (where Adderall would likely fall).
So seems plausible she could get her TUE if her** medical issue is properly documented **to the required level.
I’m a little jaded by the glucocorticoid stuff. As I put that in the “medium good stuff” category. But I recognize that legitimate asthma exists, etc.
But is ADHD really a medical issue? I mean, to me, a medical issue means sort of life threatening as in you might die if not treated. Does ADHD meet this definition?
Or maybe I’m just being the a$$hole here…
Does ADHD meet this definition?
No, but that’s your definition, not WADA’s : “The athlete has a clear diagnosed medical condition, which requires treatment using a prohibited substance or method;”
I guess I am wondering how ADHD impacts her overall performance? ADHD is largely considered a disorder of executive functioning. Would her executive functioning skills be so impaired that she would not be on the same level, physically, as other athletes? IMO, the ADHD dx is moot and as a practicing therapist, this just doesn’t make sense to me. Maybe I’m not making sense. I know there are Psychologists on ST so maybe they can chime in.
I guess I am wondering how ADHD impacts her overall performance? ADHD is largely considered a disorder of executive functioning. Would her executive functioning skills be so impaired that she would not be on the same level, physically, as other athletes? IMO, the ADHD dx is moot and as a practicing therapist, this just doesn’t make sense to me. Maybe I’m not making sense. I know there are Psychologists on ST so maybe they can chime in.
i found myself wondering the same. especially since this seems to be a new diagnosis/TUE request (?) in her late 20s.
i guess the argument would be that she needs the meds to be on an even keel in her day-to-day life outside of sport, so perhaps that’s what’s considered in the TUE process?
My understanding is that TUE’s are rarely approved.
Or maybe I’m just being the a$$hole here…
Nah you’re not being “that guy†just don’t know. There’s a bad stigma with mental disorders and treatment because they can be subjective.
My wife has Adult Attention Disorder, the day of testing crushed her all the little mundane things involved. She is medicated with a low dose of Dexedrine. When she takes it she is clearly more focused, not hyper focused but focused. She isn’t ready to pop with energy.
My understanding with Adderall, Dexedrine etc is if not taken for what prescribed it will have that hyper energy effect. For those needing it, it levels them out.
I guess I am wondering how ADHD impacts her overall performance? ADHD is largely considered a disorder of executive functioning. Would her executive functioning skills be so impaired that she would not be on the same level, physically, as other athletes? IMO, the ADHD dx is moot and as a practicing therapist, this just doesn’t make sense to me. Maybe I’m not making sense. I know there are Psychologists on ST so maybe they can chime in.
i found myself wondering the same. especially since this seems to be a new diagnosis/TUE request (?) in her late 20s.
i guess the argument would be that she needs the meds to be on an even keel in her day-to-day life outside of sport, so perhaps that’s what’s considered in the TUE process?
She has spoken about mental health issues since college.
Would her executive functioning skills be so impaired that she would not be on the same level, physically, as other athletes? IMO, the ADHD dx is moot and as a practicing therapist, this just doesn’t make sense to me. Maybe I’m not making sense.
The medical condition is not required to affect physical performance. WADA grants athletes the right to the same full spectrum health care that non-athletes get, as long as they don’t gain an athletic advantage by doing so.
Though I’d add that being an elite athlete does require good executive functioning. The average day of an elite endurance athlete is incredibly regimented, incorporating all kinds of skills in time management, nutrition, public relations, handing bureaucracy, training plans, injury management, etc. Coaches and other support helps, but a lot is still on the athlete.
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Ability to be more alert, mask pain… is it similar to caffeine or something closer to meth? Should this be allowed?
I don’t want to really guess or speak on her behalf, but I bet a large part of it is just having normal executive function. This isn’t necessarily about the race itself, but being able to function in normal day life (which training is a part of).
As someone with diagnosed ADHD and anxiety myself, I love that she is being open about it, and the struggles that come with. After I started taking medication (not Adderall), everyday tasks and functions that come naturally to most people that I usually struggle with began to become manageable. This carries over into training and general preparation.
So no, I don’t think she is looking for some “boost” in performance, as long as she is being honest about the situation.
My understanding is that TUE’s are rarely approved.
TUEs for the “good stuff” area rarely approved. I don’t think Adderals qualifies as good stuff. According to the 2020 annual report (latest I could find), 2020 had 2,130 approved TUEs (down ~30% from COVID). Doesn’t say out of how many applications, but still a number in the thousands doesn’t sound terribly rare. Most often approved are glucocorticoids (31%), followed by stimulants (27%) (where Adderall would likely fall).
So seems plausible she could get her TUE if her** medical issue is properly documented **to the required level.
I’m a little jaded by the glucocorticoid stuff. As I put that in the “medium good stuff” category. But I recognize that legitimate asthma exists, etc.
But is ADHD really a medical issue? I mean, to me, a medical issue means sort of life threatening as in you might die if not treated. Does ADHD meet this definition?
Or maybe I’m just being the a$$hole here…
Yes you are being an asshole with your ridiculous standard for “medical issue”.
I think the narrative in this thread is messed up… The key headline here is that she absolutely has done the right thing, and chosen not to race while on a prohibited substance without at an approved TUE. it is not a prohibited substance out of competition, so she can be taking it while training, but she’s following the rules in not competing until she gets a decision on the TUE. Unlike others who have raced while knowingly on prohibited substances hoping to get a TUE, she’s absolutely doing the right thing.
We have to stop viewing mental health and physical health as independent, both are part of one’s health and can impact an athlete’s ability to compete (especially at the top level) to the best of their abiity. There’s a difference between struggling to deal with the pressure of competition and diagnosed mental health condition that requires medication. Given that she falls into the category of the later rather than the former, I don’t see any problem with a TUE being issued, assuming that the reviewing authorities feel that it’s justified. I don’t know that adderall would enhance performance on its own (with the exception of concentration based sports such as shooting, archery, or maybe biathlon), but for someone with neurochemical deficiencies preventing them from regulating their own focus, it could be life changing in the quality of life, and in one’s ability to train day in and day out.
If anything, we should be applauding her for taking care of her mental health, being honest and transparent about it, and doing the right thing in sitting out of competition, until such a time that she either gets a TUE, or explores other treatment options if the TUE is not granted. If she were a cheater she would be racing in NYC, while on the prohibited substance, and hoping for a retroactive TUE if she got popped…
My understanding is that TUE’s are rarely approved.
TUEs for the “good stuff” area rarely approved. I don’t think Adderals qualifies as good stuff. According to the 2020 annual report (latest I could find), 2020 had 2,130 approved TUEs (down ~30% from COVID). Doesn’t say out of how many applications, but still a number in the thousands doesn’t sound terribly rare. Most often approved are glucocorticoids (31%), followed by stimulants (27%) (where Adderall would likely fall).
So seems plausible she could get her TUE if her** medical issue is properly documented **to the required level.
I’m a little jaded by the glucocorticoid stuff. As I put that in the “medium good stuff” category. But I recognize that legitimate asthma exists, etc.
But is ADHD really a medical issue? I mean, to me, a medical issue means sort of life threatening as in you might die if not treated. Does ADHD meet this definition?
Or maybe I’m just being the a$$hole here…
Yes you are being an asshole with your ridiculous standard for “medical issue”.
no, he’s not being an asshole. let’s turn it down a notch.
100% agree with you Trauma, she does everything by the books - and more. She didn’t have to disclose that information, but wants to be transparent.
Regarding mental health, its disappointing how so many are ignorant and others downright hostile about these issues. I am someone who struggles with these issues. In my morning, if I have the unlucky combination personal and work related factors, I can end up paralyzed for hours, sometimes the whole day. Not eating, not doing work, not doing my workout-sessions. I’m not talking the standard putting off work. Its like when you open up to many programs on your computer and it completely freezes, just that you don’t have any reboot button. It surely sound pathetic, and it maybe is. I have achieved great things in my field (I’m doing a PhD), however this is a constant struggle in my life that is limiting my potential in many fields, is causing a lot of frustration and lost friendships due to me not being able to juggle work-friendships-training. Thankfully I will also be medicated, but as these medications have lot of side effects and varying effects this will be a long journey - and has been already. (We are talking several months with questionnaires and therapy before I now will get started with my appointments with a psychiatrist, bloodwork, ECG etc). If I am lucky and find a medication that works for me, this means I will regain some control over my life. If people think this will give me an unfair advantage I’m not sure what to tell you.
For anyone thinking that these issues isn’t a “medical issue” as its “not life threatening” I would look up the statistics regarding ADHD and suicide. Here is an example:
Adults with ADHD are five times more likely to attempt suicide than their neurotypical peers, according to a new Canadian study that found the greatest disparity among women. Researchers found that 23.5% of women with ADHD have attempted suicide. https://www.additudemag.com/…-women-suicide-risk/
Sounds pretty life threatening if you ask me.
In general I think some introspection is warranted when you have no idea on the matter, yet first reaction is to second guess the person and her doctors about her medical history and proposed treatment. Odds are they have some insight.
With this I don’t mean to say that you can’t discuss what should be a TUE etc, but please try to educate yourself before you make blanket statements about ADD, Adderall, this person and how ADD impacts her, and how medication might impact her.
This whole issue and subsequent thread boils down to a few things:
- Does a substance give the user a competitive advantage?
- Does a substance give the user treatment for an ailment?
It’s only when the answer to both is ‘yes’ that TUE’s become an issue. It’s always going to be thorny because it’s a grey area. EPO surely gives a competitive advantage, and has medical uses for late stage cancer etc, ibuprofen gives (possibly) a slight competitive advantage, and is invaluable in treating pain in patients. Both of those are close to black and white cases, but what about things like clenbuterol for asthma?
My opinion: Adderal does provide a non-trivial competitive advantage, and there are similar medications (methylfenidate) that provide a similar level of treatment an lower level of competitive advantage.
seems to be ADHD is becoming more common as opposed to the past. CDC stat says 9.4% of population has it. As for meds, I do have asthma and anxiety myself. The asthma medication is a life saver, and only taken for those situations. I really try to avoid using it to build up tolerance. As for anxiety meds, i feel dealing with it is better… ive seen friends on them… and well it seems they have become worse in an overall perspective. Crazy situations where they drive to my home, and all of a sudden they dont know where they are. Ends up I have to drive them home in their car. People like that should not be driving at all.
I can answer this as my daughter takes ADHD medication. I mentioned to her that she could probably come off for the summer since all she has is rowing (no academic work) and then she explained to me just how much focus rowing requires for her… the stroke rate, what she is doing with her hands, the transition from the start to the mid-portion of the race, the stuff floating in the water (no-don’t focus on that!), her pacing, what’s that smell ? (no, not that either) and there is all kinds of counting apparently that she needs to keep in mind on top of that. I think for many who do not have ADHD it is hard to understand just how much focus is required in many of these sports and how hard that can be for some of these kids. I had no idea how hard it would be for my daughter to row (or be coached) without medication.