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2 Studies Tie Dopamine to ADHD

Low level of brain chemical connected to substance abuse, too

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Aug 7, 2007 5:19 PM CDT

(Newser) – Levels of dopamine—a brain chemical associated with movement and emotion—may explain the occurrence of attention deficit and hyperactivity, two studies published yesterday concluded. The studies found decreased dopamine activity in the brains of individuals, both children and adults, diagnosed with ADHD. Doctors say these decreased levels could have an effect on cognition.

The studies might also explain why so many of those struggling with ADHD have problems with substance abuse. Drugs associated with addiction—alcohol, nicotine, meth, cocaine—temporarily increase the level of dopamine in the brain. The adult study involved comparing brain scans of adults with and without ADHD; the children's study compared MRI exams of the two groups, as well as testing for a gene associated with low dopamine.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

ADD and ADHD usually manifest during early school years, indicated by symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and violent behavior. (Index Open)

While the exact cause of ADHD are unknown, these PET scans of glucose metabolism in the brains of a normal adult (left) compared to an adult diagnosed with ADHD (right) indicate that some causes are diagnosable... (Wikimedia Commons)

Research suggests that ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is directly correlated with levels of Dopamine in the brain. (Shutterstock.com)

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ADHD, always at the center of controversy, frequently inspires non-chemical treatments and parodies thereof, as seen in this video excerpt. (CBKnox (YouTube))

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2 Studies Tie Dopamine to ADHD