When are stimulants typically prescribed by healthcare providers?

Stimulants are typically prescribed by healthcare providers primarily to treat conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. These medications work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD. In the case of narcolepsy, stimulants help combat excessive daytime sleepiness and improve overall alertness.

In contrast, the other options mention conditions for which stimulants are not standard treatments. For chronic pain management, alternative approaches such as analgesics or anti-inflammatories are usually more appropriate. Similarly, depression is often treated with antidepressants rather than stimulants, and while some stimulants can have a temporary effect on mood, they are not a first-line treatment for depressive disorders. Anxiety disorders typically benefit from a combination of therapy and medications like SSRIs or benzodiazepines, rather than stimulant medications, as stimulants can sometimes exacerbate anxiety symptoms.