TL;DR
The Connection Between ADHD And Dopamine
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental mental health disorder. It is associated with symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, poor concentration, etc. But it can also greatly alter the levels of certain neurochemicals in the brain.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is one of the most often diagnosed mental health illnesses in children. It greatly interferes with a child’s vision and his ability to speak, certain types of behavior, and physical mobility. It can influence the major areas of development including the social domain and the academic domain.
Understanding Dopamine
A human brain comprises certain brain chemicals often called neurotransmitters. Dopamine is one of these neurotransmitters.
Low Dopamine Levels And ADHD
Naturally, a child’s brain can develop the required dopamine levels. However, two primary brain parts are involved in the development of dopamine namely the hypothalamus and adrenal glands. The level of dopamine remains low due to the presence of excessive dopamine transporters.
Ways To Manage ADHD And Low Leveled Dopamine
The first thing to do is gain full knowledge about mental illness. The next step is to always seek professional medical assistance and family support.
ADHD And Dopamine: What’s The Link?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental mental health illness. It is linked with hyperactivity, inattentiveness, lack of focus, etc. However, it can also severely disrupt the levels of certain brain chemicals. One of them is the dopamine regulation issues. Even the slightest change in the levels of dopamine level can lead to major issues in the lives of sufferers.
To study more about ADHD and Dopamine and what causes ADHD dopamine, you can continue reading this blog.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is an extremely commonly diagnosed mental health illness in children. It severely hinders a child’s perception, communication skills, certain behaviors, and movement. It can affect a child’s major areas of life such as socially, and academically.
Identifying Signs Of ADHD
Every child experiences different types of signs and the severity of these signs. Some frequently experienced signs include:
- Difficulty in paying attention and maintaining it.
- Lack of focus
- Lack of organizational skills
- Less engaging behavior in tasks that require effort
- Less attention when talked to
- Lack of memory
- Difficulty in finishing a provided task
- Persistent fidgeting
- Restlessness
- Extremely talkativeness
- Issues in waiting for a turn
- Difficulty in staying seated
Read More: ADHD and Depression: Exploring the Connection
What Is Dopamine?
A human brain comprises certain brain chemicals often called neurotransmitters. Dopamine is one of these neurotransmitters. The primary role of dopamine is to manage the following:
- Memory
- Mood
- Movement
- Motivation
- Pleasure
- Reward
- Attention
- Sleep
- Thoughts
- Behavior
- Leaning
If a child’s body has the proper proportion of dopamine in the brain the consequences will be positive including being happy, focused, motivated, and alert. Likewise, if the amount of dopamine is decreased in the brain then the after-effects will be negative such as being sad, sleepy, lethargic, and non-motivated. On the other hand, high levels of this neurochemical make the child have happy and energetic feelings.
What Is The Connection Between Low Levels Of Dopamine And ADHD?
The link between ADHD and imbalances in dopamine is a little complex to understand.
A child’s brain can make dopamine naturally. There are two major brain parts involved in the release of dopamine. One is the hypothalamus and the other is the adrenal glands.
If a child is suffering from ADHD, then the release of dopamine in their brain will be low. On the other hand, the release of dopamine transporters is more. These transporters result in a lowered presence of dopamine in the brain by pushing it out of the brain cells.
How Is ADHD Treated?
The primary focus of any ADHD treatment is to balance the dopamine level in the brain. Therefore, the first and foremost therapeutic approach is the use of psychiatric medications. These are usually stimulants. Common ones are:
- Dextroamphetamine
- Methylphenidate
These particular medications are developed in such a way that they increase the lowered dopamine levels in the brain by lowering the number of dopamine transporters and raising the number of dopamine levels.
Other Therapeutic Approaches:
Another treatment option available for treating ADHD and increasing dopamine adhd is behavioral therapy. However, this behavior therapy focuses on working on both the child and the family. Additionally, behavior therapy involves counseling sessions for the patient and family as well.
Read More: ADHD Telehealth: An Effective Way To Overcome Signs Of ADHD
Coping With ADHD
ADHD is an overwhelming mental health illness. Managing the signs of ADHD can sometimes become challenging, isolating, and frustrating. There is a famous saying “Knowledge is power”. That’s right in the case of ADHD as well. If a person is well aware of details about ADHD, then it becomes easy for them to manage the signs. The initial step is to join a support group, socializing with others can motivate the affected person that they are not alone in this mental illness fight. Lastly, sharing your concerns with your loved one holds great importance in overcoming the signs of ADHD. Letting your family know about your needs can empower you to get relief from mental chaos.
Conclusion!
ADHD is a chronic neurological condition generally associated with dopamine dysfunction in the developing brain. Moreover, ADHD brain vs normal brain dopamine is crucial to understand. The lack of dopamine in ADHD also leads to symptoms which include; inattention, fidgeting, and poor abilities to complete tasks. Management includes mainly stimulant medications that increase dopamine levels; behavioral therapy is given to the child, as well as to the family. Learning and understanding ADHD is never easy, however, with the right information, relevant support and encouragement, and good communication, managing ADHD becomes much easier. If you are tired from ADHD signs, then get in touch with Solid Foundation Psychiatry today and experience mental peace.