How Low Dopamine Levels Affect ADHD Symptoms

Research has demonstrated there is a link between ADHD symptoms and dopamine signalling in the brain. Dopamine is most commonly recognized as the mood-boosting neurotransmitter that is involved in feelings of pleasure and reward.

Dopamine also plays a role in executive function, motivation, attention span and the ability to concentration. Low dopamine levels in the brain, excess levels of dopamine transporters and dysfunction of dopamine receptors have all been hypothesized as causes of ADHD.

Many medications used to treat ADHD work by affecting dopamine levels in the brain. Stimulant drugs like Adderall and Ritalin cause a surge of dopamine to be released from neurons, resulting in a short-term spike of dopaminergic activity.

While this can improve attention and focus temporarily, it often results in dopamine deficiency after the effects of the drugs have worn off. This can cause negative side effects and dependence, which is why many seek out natural ADHD remedies that can optimize dopamine levels with a lower risk of side effects.

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ADHD and Dopamine Function in the Brain

Much evidence suggests that norepinephrine and dopamine play key roles in thinking, attention, memory and learning. They help us to sustain our thoughts, focus more effectively and prolong our alertness, motivation and effort toward given tasks.

Dopamine is the precursor of norepinephrine inside the brain. DA (C8H11NO2) and NE (C8H11NO3) are quite similar in molecular structure. The only difference is the addition of a hydroxyl group for NE.

However, each has distinct origin sources and projection pathways in the brain. With selective alterations, each demonstrates unique behavioral effects.

Both are involved in neuronal signalling within the prefrontal cortex area of the brain, which is responsible for executive function.

The prefrontal cortex controls the feelings, behaviors and thoughts of working memory which are directly related to ADHD markers including:

• Inappropriate social behaviors;
• Failure to self-monitor actions;
• Failure to plan for the future;
• Lacking attention;

ADHD and dopamine imaging studies show difficulties in these prefrontal functions. These dysfunctions are believed to cause most ADHD behavioral symptoms.

Common Treatment for ADHD

ADHD affects roughly 10% of children and 4% of adults in the world. In children, ADHD symptoms often include social dysfunction, learning disabilities, low self-confidence and higher risks for develop substance abuse problems.

Millions of children with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. Roughly 75% of children and 70% of adults with ADHD are given stimulant drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, Focalin, Evekeo, Vyvanse and Concerta.

It is estimated that about 30% of children using these medications either do not respond to them or develop adverse side effects. A few of these possible adverse effects include pounding heartbeat, swollen face, suicidal thoughts/actions, hallucinations, severe headaches and seizures.

ADHD, Dopamine and the Reward Cascade

Most dopamine pathways inside the brain originate in the VTA (ventral tegmental area). Numerous cortical projections travel through various pathways which modulate motor movements, emotions and perceptions of pleasure and reward.

The reward pathway is largely located in an area of the basal forebrain called the nucleus accumbens. ADHD and dopamine research often centers on this pathway.

Many people with ADHD report that they can only sustain focus on topics or objects that interest them personally. They have much difficulty paying attention to anything that is not intrinsically interesting; even though it may be very important for any number of reasons.

ADHD researchers hopes to discover ways that dopamine can help to modulate interest in important stimuli.

Dopamine pathways that extend to the mesocortex are believed to modulate attention and motivation. They also regulate how we relate what we are focusing on, problem solving and working memory.

Dopamine projections to these pathways control processes which suppress distractions. They also inhibit improper behavioral expressions, like those commonly seen in ADHD.

Many people with ADHD have difficulties with controlling their reactions. They may fidget and seem unable to keep quiet, even in delicate situations. They may inappropriately and spontaneously express their thoughts and feelings regardless of the setting.

Dopamine projections in the mesocortical pathway help to inhibit these expressions by allowing people to sustain focus and weigh options before acting.

ADHD and Dopamine Research

Animal research shows that very small alterations in catecholamine levels can yield extreme changes in the capacity of the prefrontal cortex to modulate behavior.

Maintaining appropriate levels of DA and NE is imperative for prefrontal cortex efficacy. It is believed that optimizing catecholamine levels can improve ADHD symptoms like motor hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Increasing Dopamine Naturally

Adopting certain healthy lifestyle habits can help to naturally elevate dopamine levels. Choosing water-rich, protein-rich, low-fat, low-sugar foods helps to provide the raw materials the body needs to manufacture natural dopamine.

Daily exercise and effective stress coping methods are also very important. Supplements can also be used to increase dopamine levels, such as L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine and Mucuna Pruriens.

By encouraging the body to increase dopamine synthesis and secretion, norepinephrine levels may be subsequently elevated. Over time, ensuring adequate availability of these two powerful neurotransmitters may help to naturally combat the symptoms of ADHD.

Conclusions

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is traditionally treated with stimulant drugs. However, these drugs may not improve the underlying conditions that cause ADHD and some experience serious side effects.

There is a clear link between optimal dopamine levels and improving focus and attention. Non-stimulant therapies that safely increase dopamine for those with ADHD may present safer and more effective symptom management in the long term.

A number of other natural supplements have also been explored for this benefits for ADHD symptoms. Fish Oil, Ginkgo Biloba, Vinpocetine and Choline have all demonstrated positive effects with a low risk of side effects.

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