Experts initially believed that ADHD occurs as a result of low levels of dopamine, but they have since realized that the relationship is a little more complicated. According to the Gulf Bend Center, people with ADHD may have a higher concentration of dopamine transporters in the brain.
As you know, one trademark of ADHD is low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine — a chemical released by nerve cells into the brain. Due to this lack of dopamine, people with ADHD are "chemically wired" to seek more, says John Ratey, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
People who have normal dopamine levels may still crave dopamine boosts, but people with ADHD have dopamine voids to fill so that craving is more frequent. Substances, experiences, and activities that cause dopamine boosts are often addictive, even if many of them wouldn't cause an addiction in the average person.
A chronic deficit of serotonin (5-HT) at the synapse may trigger symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD is associated with abnormally low levels of the neurotransmitters transmitting between the prefrontal cortical area and the basal ganglia i.e., dopamine and noradrenaline. Dopamine is closely associated with reward centers in the brain, and also interacts with other potent neurotransmitters to regulate mood.
The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury.
People with ADHD may compulsively seek high-dopamine activities and stimulus to turn their brains on, which is why people with ADHD can be more likely to engage in impulsive and risky behaviors. Anything that triggers a strong burst of dopamine in the brain may be sought after by an individual.
ADHD was the first disorder found to be the result of a deficiency of a specific neurotransmitter — in this case, norepinephrine — and the first disorder found to respond to medications to correct this underlying deficiency. Like all neurotransmitters, norepinephrine is synthesized within the brain.
Why? Sugar and other high carb foods boost dopamine levels in the brain, leading us to crave them more often when dopamine levels are low. Since children with ADHD have chronically low levels of dopamine, they are more likely than other children to crave and eat sugary or carbohydrate-heavy foods.
What is the cause or basis of ADHD? It is an impulse disorder with genetic components that results from imbalances of neurotransmitters.
Some signs that you might be understimulated include: Lack of motivation. Physical hyperactivity. A sense of unease, making you feel "flat" or irritable.
Many people with ADHD (Inattentive subtype and hyperactive subtype) find their brains work faster than people who don't have ADHD. Your non–linear way of thinking means you can problem solve, catch on to new ideas and have high speed conversations in a way that non–ADHDers just can't.
Alcohol is a depressant. That is why many people use it to relax. In the case of people afflicted with ADHD, many will use alcohol to calm down the hyperactivity.
Prescription stimulants are often used to treat ADHD. These medications increase the levels of dopamine in the brain.
Answer: Using caffeine, either in a drink or in an over-the-counter preparation, is not recommended by medical experts as a treatment for ADHD. Although some studies have shown that caffeine may improve concentration in adults with ADHD, it is not as effective as medication.
Some of the common foods that can cause ADHD reactions include milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges. If you suspect a food sensitivity may be contributing to your child's ADHD symptoms, talk to your ADHD dietitian or doctor about trying an elimination diet.
When we eat high carb foods and sugar, the dopamine level in our brains is boosted. When those levels drop, it makes us crave more carbs and sugars. People with ADHD, who have lower levels of dopamine, are more likely to develop cravings and addictions to high carb foods and sugars as a result of that dopamine boost.
If you hide your adult ADHD symptoms from other people, that's called masking. Basically, you're trying to seem more “normal” or “regular.” ADHD causes some people to act hyperactive or impulsive. It makes other folks have trouble paying attention. And still other adults have a combination of those symptoms.
These may include hyperfocus, resilience, creativity, conversational skills, spontaneity, and abundant energy. Many people view these benefits as “superpowers” because those with ADHD can hone them to their advantage. People with ADHD have a unique perspective that others may find interesting and valuable.
Magnesium for Relaxation and Sleep
Healthy levels of magnesium in the blood can help relax individuals with ADHD. Some small studies8 have shown that adding magnesium supplements decreases some symptoms of ADHD.
People with ADHD have a disruption in the dopamine reward pathway in their brain. Essentially, they have fewer proteins to transport dopamine to the parts of the brain responsible for executive function, motivation, and to an extent, satisfaction.
Experts initially believed that ADHD occurs as a result of low levels of dopamine, but they have since realized that the relationship is a little more complicated. According to the Gulf Bend Center, people with ADHD may have a higher concentration of dopamine transporters in the brain.
Low levels of dopamine can make you feel tired, moody, unmotivated and many other symptoms. Treatments are available for many of the medical conditions linked to low dopamine levels.