The neurotransmitter in your brain that is responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells is called dopamine. Dopamine has been linked to decision-making activities in the brain as well as influencing the motivation and rewards drive in the brain. Dopamine has also been linked to muscle movement. If you have lower levels of dopamine, you may suffer from inattention and lack of motivation. Lower levels of dopamine are present in children who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD/ADD.
What Dopamine Does for Brain Function and Behavior
Dopamine is very important in proper brain functionality. It makes sure signals are sent between nerve cells and influences your ability to make decisions and become motivated to do a task.
The Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine has discovered that dopamine also influences your behavior.
Medical Conditions Caused by Dopamine Levels Imbalance
Dopamine may play a part in many medical conditions and even in the treatment of these conditions. ADHD/ADD, for example, displays brain activity with lower levels of dopamine. The lower level of dopamine may be responsible for the symptoms of ADHD/ADD. Common symptoms of ADHD/ADD are inattention and reduced motivation. ADHD/ADD sufferers also have a greater possibility of suffering from drug abuse and obesity, reports Gene-Jack Wang, chair of the medical department at Upton, N.Y’s Brookhaven National Laboratory.
In patients with Parkinson’s disease, dopamine has been found in very low levels. It is suggested by the Feinberg School of Medicine that these lower dopamine levels may result in the person's inability to stop certain actions (such as movements, as seen in Parkinson’s patients).
How to Test Dopamine Levels in Children
There are four methods that can test dopamine levels in children, according to Dr. Marty Hinz, president of Clinical Research at the Cape Coral Florida, USA. Only one method is both feasible and accurate.
- The central spinal tap is not an advisable method to test dopamine levels.
- A blood test is not very reliable unless central line is administered and then blood drawn 30 minutes later.
- A saliva test is not reliable.
- A urine test is the preferred method of testing dopamine levels in children.
Increase Dopamine Levels in Children Medically and Naturally
To increase dopamine levels in children, you can use pharmaceutical medications. These medications can either be short-acting or long-lasting. The short-acting form will raise your dopamine levels over a four-hour period, while the long-lasting form will keep dopamine levels consistent for a long period of time.
Dopamine levels that are too high are being linked to compulsive and addictive behaviors, according to the Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dopamine can also be increased naturally by consuming some of the following foods:
- avocados
- bananas
- almonds
- dairy products
- lima beans
- sesame seeds
- pumpkin seeds
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
The Globe and Mail. "ADHD study ties brain proteins to symptoms"(accessed October 18, 2010)
"Dopamine Role in ADHD May Explain Drug’s Efficacy" (accessed October 18, 2010)
NorthWestern University. "New Insight into What Freezes Parkinson’s Patients and Drives Drug Addicts(accessed October 18, 2010)
Neuro Research. "Dopamine Test " (accessed October 18, 2010)
Integrative Psychiatry: Dopamine. "Naturals ways to Increase Dopamine Levels" (accessed October 18, 2010)
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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