ADHS durch zu viel Dopamin und Noradrenalin?!

About this video

• Video Title: ADHS durch zu viel Dopamin und Noradrenalin?!
• Channel: ADHS verstehen mit Mark
• Speakers: Mark
• Duration: 00:06:28

Overview

This video explains that ADHD symptoms, particularly those related to executive functions and the hyperactive-impulsive type, can be caused by both too low and too high concentrations of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The speaker discusses research findings suggesting an "optimal" level of dopamine is necessary for proper brain function, and explores how different medications affect norepinephrine levels to treat ADHD.

Key takeaways

• Dopamine and Executive Functions: The brain functions optimally regarding executive functions when dopamine concentration is optimal. Both too low and too high dopamine levels can lead to impairments in executive functions, which are associated with the predominantly inattentive type of ADHD.
• Stimulant Effects: Previously, it was understood that stimulant medications, which increase both dopamine and norepinephrine, improved executive function symptoms in individuals with ADHD, implying a deficiency.
• The "Inverted-U" Dopamine Hypothesis: New research indicates that an excessive concentration of dopamine can also cause the same executive function impairments, suggesting an inverted U-shaped relationship where optimal function occurs at a specific concentration.
• Norepinephrine and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Symptoms of the hyperactive-impulsive and combined types of ADHD, such as irritability, over-reactivity to stimuli, and hyperactivity (motor and cognitive), are primarily linked to norepinephrine concentration.
• Medication Mechanisms: Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, increases norepinephrine concentration. Guanfacine, a selective alpha 2A adrenoceptor agonist, decreases norepinephrine concentration.
• Paradoxical Treatment: Both Atomoxetine and Guanfacine are recommended for treating the hyperactive-impulsive or combined types of ADHD, despite working through opposite mechanisms on norepinephrine levels. This suggests that both an excess and a deficiency of norepinephrine can contribute to these ADHD symptoms.