There is a lot of talk about ADHD however little do we know why someone might be afflicted by this condition. Neurotransmitters such as Noradrenaline and Dopamine play a significant role in various cerebral neuro-circuits and research shows that a deficit might play a role in the pathology of ADHD. Dopamine as a neurotransmitter plays significant roles in: Learning, Emotional control and motivation and energy.
What is ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, that is characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that produce impairments across cognitive, behavioral and interpersonal domains and it tends to be inconsistent with the patient’s age (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). ADHD is mainly genetic however it can be influenced by environment and its very individual specific.
Functional MRI studies show that there might be a disfunction especially in the fronto-striatal-thalamic loops within the Brain. This circuit appears to function as a distinct, well-integrated regulatory pathway that links cortical and subcortical regions of the brain. Dysfunction in these areas might be attributed to dysfunctions in executive function, attention, and motor control.
How does Dopamine impact ADHD
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in various cognitive functions, including motivation, reward processing, and motor control. Within the brain, dopamine is synthesized in regions such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra and acts as a key player in the brain’s reward circuitry. In individuals with ADHD, there is evidence of dysfunction in the dopamine system, leading to disruptions in neural signaling and communication within the brain.
One of the primary theories regarding the role of dopamine in ADHD is the dopamine dysregulation hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that abnormalities in dopamine neurotransmission, specifically in the fronto-striatal pathways, contribute to the core symptoms of ADHD. These pathways are neural circuits that facilitate communication between the prefrontal cortex and the striatum, playing a crucial role in executive functions such as attention, impulse control, and decision-making.
Research has shown that individuals with ADHD may exhibit lower levels of dopamine in certain brain regions, leading to difficulties in maintaining focus and there this can effect Studying, Motivation and social relationships. Medications such as MethylPhenidate that is a prescribed only medication helps to improve the dysfunction in ADHD by boosting the Dopamine neurotransmitter.
Are There Natural Ways of increasing Dopamine ?
The short answer here is yes!
Rather then just relying on medications alone Dopamine can be increased via natural methods, By far the best ways of doing so include exercise, diet, sleep and meditation. supplements may also help such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc that aid the production of Dopamine.
The overall advantage of Exercise is that it can increase Dopamine production in several ways:
Stimulating Dopamine Production: Physical activity stimulates the production and release of dopamine in the brain. Exercise triggers the release of various neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which plays a key role in regulating motivation, pleasure, and movement.
Enhancing Dopamine Receptors: Regular exercise can increase the number and sensitivity of dopamine receptors in the brain. This makes the brain more responsive to dopamine, leading to improved mood, focus, and motivation.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can also impact dopamine levels. Lower stress levels can help regulate dopamine release and improve overall well-being.
Promoting Neuroplasticity: Physical activity promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections. This can support healthy dopamine function and neural communication, enhancing cognitive function and mood regulation.
Overall, regular exercise can have a positive impact on dopamine levels, contributing to improved mood, focus, and overall mental well-being.