Brain chemical has key role in ADHD: studies

Brain chemical has key role in ADHD: studies

news.yahoo.com

By Will Dunham Mon Aug 6, 4:01 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two studies published on Monday showed the importance of a brain chemical in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, with researchers saying it might help explain why people with ADHD often are substance abusers.

Researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health focused on the role of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain involved in governing movement, emotional response and the ability to feel pleasure and pain.

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[edit on 8/7/2007 by damajikninja]

Very interesting article, explaining the role of dopamine in ADD individuals. It states that a group of ADD adults showed a lower than normal level of dopamine in the brain.

Apparently, the ADD research community has always known that people properly diagnosed with ADD tend to be substance abusers. The idea is that these people use substances in order to achieve temporary normalcy. Recreational drugs such as marijuana, nicotine, alcohol, and coc aine increase dopamine levels - an effect that ADD people would benefit from. (Of course, these substances also have negative effects and should not be considered a safe way to counter the effects of ADD.)

The study provides a logical rationale for why ADD medications work.

It is interesting to note that the individuals in the study had never been medicated for their ADD. The study also included brain scans of ADD children, and a DNA examination. It was discovered that a certain gene linked to dopamine appeared to be associated with ADD, as well as thinner brain tissues in the areas that control attention.




news.yahoo.com
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Have there been any large scale studies with respect to the efficacy of NDRIs on ADHD sufferers? What about dopamine (or dopamine precursor) supplementation? This is very interesting.

Originally posted by AceWombat04
Have there been any large scale studies with respect to the efficacy of NDRIs on ADHD sufferers? What about dopamine (or dopamine precursor) supplementation? This is very interesting.

You just went over my head, Ace! I'm not familiar with what NDRIs are... can you clarify? I'm sure it stands for Something Something Re-Uptake Inhibitor

[edit on 8/7/2007 by damajikninja]

Right; norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors. They work similary to SSRIs, but inhibit the reuptake of different neurotransmitters. Wellbutrin is an example of one used to treat depression and anxiety. Its active ingredient can also treat smoking addiction.