ADHD Physiology
As the Mayo Clinic notes, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a chronic problem that affects millions of children and can linger into adulthood. This condition causes patients to have trouble with focusing and concentration and can also result in impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Although the exact cause of ADHD is not completely understood, it is thought to be a result of reduced activity in certain sections of the brain. MentalHelp.net explains that ADHD is often associated with lower levels of a chemical called dopamine.
Dopamine and ADHD Medications
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which means that it neurons use it to chemically communicate with each other. Dopamine has a particularly key role in parts of the brain that govern decision making and the prioritization of thoughts and actions. As a result, patients with decreased dopamine levels have a hard time maintaining focus because of diminished levels of dopamine. Medications that are used to treat ADHD in adults work to help correct the diminished levels of dopamine and the associated reduced brain function. MentalHelp.net notes that many medications for ADHD are stimulants.
ADHD Drug Mechanism
Stimulant medications work for adults with ADHD by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. ADHD.org.nz cites a study that shows that patients who were given Ritalin (a commonly used stimulant for the treatment of ADHD) had a significant increase in the amount of dopamine in their brain 60 minutes after receiving the medication. Researchers also think that stimulant medications may reduce the "background" brain activity (brain activity that is not associated with specific actions or thoughts), which allows for clearer signaling throughout the rest of the brain.
