Dopamine - Dopamine And Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a syndrome that affects as many as 3.5 million American children, and many adults as well, is characterized by an inability to pay attention, over-activity, and impulsive behaviors. ADHD has been associated with certain forms of the dopamine D4 receptor, and with individual differences in the gene that encodes the dopamine transporter, a molecule that binds and carries dopamine. ADHD often is treated with stimulatory drugs such as Ritalin, which increase the availability of dopamine in the brain.