Does your child have trouble staying in one place for long? Does his attention wander too quickly? Or does he do things impulsively and impulsively? These can often be signs of ADHD ( Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ) . There are several reasons for this. Among them, we are going to talk about the chemical in our brain called 'Dopamine' today.
What exactly is dopamine?
Simply put, dopamine is a chemical messenger that transmits messages between nerve cells in our brain. In medical terms, we call this a neurotransmitter. This chemical called dopamine is involved in more things in our body than we think.
Think about it, this is like the 'Motivation Chemical' in our brain. That is, a chemical that motivates us to do something, makes us happy, and keeps us focused.
Here are some of the main things that dopamine affects:
- Our memory
- Motivation
- Mood
- Body movements (Movem ENT )
- Attention
- Pleasure and reward
- Sleep
- Learning
- Behavior
If your child has the right amount of dopamine in their body, they will often be happy, alert, focused, and eager to do something. But if these levels are low, they may become lethargic, sad, and sleepy. They may also experience memory loss, sleep problems , and difficulty concentrating.
But what happens if dopamine levels get too high ? It can lead to excessive energy, insomnia, aggressive behavior, and loss of control over impulses.
What is the connection between ADHD and low dopamine levels?
The relationship between ADHD and dopamine is a bit complicated, but let's keep it simple.
Normally, our brain naturally produces dopamine. Now imagine that we use dopamine to send a message between two nerve cells in our brain . After the message is delivered, the remaining dopamine is taken back into the original cell. There are special proteins that help in this process of taking it up, which we call dopamine transporters .
Think of these transporters as little 'vacuum cleaners.' As soon as the dopamine message is finished, these 'vacuum cleaners' come in and remove the remaining dopamine.
Scientists believe that children with ADHD have too many of these 'vacuum cleaners', or dopamine transporters, in their brains, or that they are overactive . What happens then? Before the dopamine can properly deliver the message, the transporters come and quickly remove the dopamine. This means that the dopamine stays in the nerve cells for very little time. This is considered the main reason why attention and behavioral control are affected in ADHD.
What is the treatment for ADHD?
Stimulants are one of the main types of medication that doctors prescribe to manage ADHD. These medications temporarily block the activity of the dopamine transporters we talked about earlier.
That means that the 'vacuum cleaner' is being done a little more. Then, because dopamine remains between nerve cells for more time, the brain's message exchange can take place properly. This is a great help in improving the child's attention and controlling his/her own behavior .
Also, some studies have found that children with a gene called DAT1 have higher activity of these dopamine transporters, suggesting that there is a genetic influence.
| Generic name of the drug | Commonly used brands (Examples) |
|---|---|
| Methylphenidate | Ritalin, Concerta, Aptensio XR, Daytrana |
| Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine | Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis |
| Dexmethylphenidate | Focalin, Focalin XR |
| Lisdexamfetamine | Vyvanse |
| Dextroamphetamine | Dexedrine, Dextrostat |
Most importantly: These medications should only be given to children on the advice of a specialist. The doctor will determine the correct dosage based on the child's weight, age, and symptoms. If the dosage is incorrect, instead of improving attention, it may become more difficult to concentrate.
Are there any side effects to these medications?
Yes, like any medication, there can be side effects. But don't worry, most of the time these aren't serious. Your doctor will talk to you about these and help you manage everything.
| Side effects and what you should do | |
|---|---|
| Minor side effects that may occur initially and subside within a few weeks | |
| Headache | Stomach ache |
| Dizziness | Dry mouth |
| Slightly elevated blood pressure | |
| If these symptoms persist, inform your doctor. | |
| Appetite | Insomnia |
| Weight loss | Restlessness/anxiety |
| Repeatedly making the same movement or sound (Tics) | |
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Blurred vision | Allergies with skin rashes |
| Serious problems with the heart or blood vessels (e.g., chest pain, rapid heartbeat) | |
If your child develops any unusual symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. If necessary, your doctor will adjust the dosage or switch you to another medication. Never stop taking the medication or change the dosage on your own.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not just a child's laziness or bad behavior. It is a real medical condition related to brain chemistry.
- Changes in the functioning of the chemical dopamine in the brain are a major reason for this.
- There are very effective treatments for this. Through the right medication and behavioral therapy, the child can be helped to lead a successful life.
- Some side effects may occur after starting the medication. Don't be afraid of it, talk openly with your doctor . He will give you the necessary guidance.
- If you suspect your child has ADHD, please see a pediatrician or psychiatrist.
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