Add: How Does Dopamine Affect Adhd?

By Tellman H. Knudson

An article in Scientific Daily, dated August 8, 2007, suggests that a lack of dopamine in the brain may be related to attention deficit. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that controls attention, motor activity, learning, motivation and reward, mood, sleep, and milk production. This study found that low levels of dopamine may actually be one cause for ADHD. Though the study no doubt extends to ADD sufferers, as well, the test was done with ADHD subjects alone.

Nineteen ADHD adults and 24 normal adults, around the age of 32, were studied by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Each of them was given a positron emission tomography (PET) scan before an after the administration of a drug known to bond with dopamine in the brain and limbic system. The results of the testing were that the ADHD group had much lower levels of dopamine bonded to the drug than did the healthy adults.

So, what?

This just reinforces the idea that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is chemically based. Because you have ADD or because you don’t know if you have ADD and are having a terrible time with life, you probably have chemical imbalances in the brain. You’re not a bad person. Some adults with ADD have learned to control the symptoms better than others. And natural methods of control really do work for some. I find espresso throughout the day really helps me, which is obviously due to the fact that it’s a stimulant as with attention deficit medications.

But there are many ways to cope. You may be able to work with routines and systems to keep yourself focused. You may be able to study communication techniques to improve relationships. But you may not. Some people with ADD and ADHD just need the medication. However, the frightening thing to come from the dopamine study is that these lower levels of dopamine are also associated with a tendency toward substance abuse. Before that happens, get a proper diagnosis. Come to InstantADDSuccess.com and take a preliminary test. If you find it to be positive, then seek out health professionals who can help you.

About the Author: Tellman Knudson is a certified hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner, who has helped many of his clients to cope with the symptoms of ADD. Subscribe to his free weekly

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