ADHD dopamine - Psychologist-JoVo: Research AD(H)D in adults

ADHD dopamine

ADHD is a disorder of early brain development. Dopamine is one of about 50 neurotransmitters in the brain. These are chemicals that regulate communication between brain cells. A good understanding of ADHD is impossible without investigating the relationship between ADHD dopamine. Advancing scientific research is increasingly charting the complex relationship between dopamine and ADHD. To refine diagnosis and make treatment more on point. But ADHD is not only caused by the action of dopamine. ADHD has several causes.

Dopamine ADHD

Dopamine is essential in the reward system (reward, attention, motivation) of the brain. It helps not to procrastinate, keep attention and keep up with learning. The dopaminergic system comprises all the pathways in the brain that transmit dopamine. One assumes That this system is partially dysregulated in people with ADHD. And that this dysregulation leads to the typical symptoms in ADHD such as concentration problems, impulsivity and also hyperactivity.

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Genes and heredity

ADHD is highly genetic, it is estimated to have a heritability factor of 60-75%. Many of the genes involved in ADHD are also involved in this dopaminergic system. They can affect both the availability of dopamine in the brain and the action itself of dopamine.

Environmental influences

There are indications, strong suspicions but not really much hard evidence that the environment also has an influence. For example, diseases or alcohol abuse of the mother during pregnancy. Oxygen deprivation at birth, premature birth or a brain injury in infancy. This could possibly cause the risk of ADHD to increase or the genes present to manifest more strongly in concrete symptoms.

Insights and treatment of the symptoms of ADHD

The most popular Medication stimulates the brain to increase the amount of dopamine present. Examples include methylphenidate and DEX amphetamine. They block the reuptake of dopamine after release in the brain and they also increase its release. This in turn causes the symptoms of ADHD, such as concentration problems, impulsivity or procrastination, long-term goal setting, reduce. Other medication for ADHD.

Dopamine and co morbidity

ADHD often occurs with other problems, such as substance abuse and addiction. The dysregulated action of dopamine in ADHD increases the risk of these behaviours. Nicotine, alcohol and drugs, for example, are very rewarding for people with ADHD, which in turn can potentially cause addiction or substance abuse.

Conclusion

The relationship between ADHD and dopamine is complex and involves a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors and neurobiological changes. Dopamine dysregulation in the brain contributes to the symptoms of ADHD and affects the processing of rewards and motivation. Medications that target the dopaminergic system can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD, highlighting the importance of dopamine in the disorder. Our ADHD treatment programme also has its effects on these symptoms.

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