Question

In same cases of ADD (attention deficit disorder) the impulsive, erratic behavior can be normalized with drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. Explain this finding in terms of neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

Answer 1

Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) has two neurotransmitters - Dopamine and Norepinephrine. To pay proper attention, the brain must be adequately stimulated. In ADD, stimulation of neurotransmitters does not work properly.

Erratic behavior is related to low levels of Norepinephrine. ADD person cannot judge about the importance of certain things in environment and also which can be ignored and makes them difficult to focus. They may not be able to judge that flight path of a fly in the room is as important as the teacher's algebra lesson. Drug with Norepinephrine helps the patient to help in their deciding ability.

The behavior problems is found to be related to low levels of Dopamine. When dopamine levels are normal, one can repress the urge to do or say something in public, grab something interesting on a desk, blurt out our opinion, or touch/poke someone who has just walked within our physical range. Low levels of dopamine in the brain makes control of impulsive behavior almost impossible in the ADD affected person. Drug with dopamine helps the patient to recover from this behavior problem.

In treatment, medications is effective with ADD patient with Dopamine and Norepinephrine. These drugs boost their levels into the normal range and producing increased attention and decreased impulsivity.