ADHD tied to brain's reward pathway

We all have at least a vague idea of what ADHD is. Many live with, or know someone who lives with ADHD. However, what do we really know about it? A recent study shows that ADHD may be tied to the brain's reward pathway, and this may be one of the primary causes of the symptoms of ADHD.

Understanding what causes the symptoms of ADHD can help those who suffer from it, and those who offer treatment options, to determine the best course of action.

So what did this study determine? According to the study, ADHD may be caused by an interruption or dysfunction in the brain's reward pathway. An interruption or dysfunction in the brain's reward pathway may interfere with how people experience reward and motivation. Basically, the brain is creating less dopamine because of some sort of dysfunction, and since dopamine is a chemical in the brain essential to normal functioning of the nervous system, the failure to produce sufficient amounts leads to ADHD symptoms. When you have a deficit of dopamine, you may experience the symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, low motivation, etc. which in turn can lead to problems such as drug abuse and obesity are also common.

For years doctors and researchers have been trying to determine the link between ADHD and drug abuse and obesity. They seemed to accompany one another in unusually high percentages. Now, with research indicating that the please receptors are not getting the right amount of dopamine, it helps to explain why people with ADHD may be more likely to abuse drugs or become obese. They are not getting pleasure and motivation, so they turn to other things, often eating, or drugs.

This study tested a group of people, some with ADHD, some with out, to see how much dopamine they had in their brain. The conclusion to the tests showed that those with ADHD had lower amounts of dopamine receptors and transporters in two regions of the brain. These two regions are the ones used to process rewards, and to inspire motivation. If the pathway is not working, then motivation diminishes, and the normal rewards from things like paying attention in school, or appropriate behavior, are not processed, accounting for many of the typical ADHD problems.

This is why stimulant medications are effective for increasing focus, etc. It allows the patient to increase their dopamine transporters and receptors, and thus get the proper motivation and reward processing needed to encourage "normal" or appropriate behavior.

If you, or a loved on, suffers from ADHD, it may be wise to get on a stimulant medication that can help with dopamine production and transportation so that your brain centers are processing things they way they ought to, and allowing you to function within the bounds of a normal way of life.