ExclusiveWhy ADHD Brains Jump Around｜Vital Signs

Our ability to concentrate comes down largely to our supply of the “feel good hormone” dopamine in the brain, says psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen.

He uses specialized imaging to show patients how the workings of their brains—including blood flow to different areas—affect their mental health.

“When you don’t have enough dopamine, when you try to concentrate, your brain drops in activity—the harder you try, the worse it gets,” says Amen.

“And we all have only so much store of dopamine available. People who have ADHD actually have less, and so you find that they’re always doing things to try to increase their own dopamine,” he adds.

How might having too low dopamine influence the behavior of those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? How might dopamine-seeking lead to more problems?

Medication can improve ADHD in some cases, but if wrongly prescribed, it can make things worse, says Amen, citing his daughter as an example. “She had the hyperactive form and the medicine was a godsend for her, but if I increased it too much, I could just see it flatten her personality.”

Many ADHD medications, such as Adderall, increase the availability of dopamine much the same way that video games, social media, and drugs do, says Amen.

What behaviors can naturally balance dopamine levels to improve ADHD? Which supplements and in what amounts can help boost mental focus?

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Vital Signs’ host, guests, and contributors offer general information on improving health and wellness. This is not intended as diagnosis or medical advice. You should consult your medical doctor or holistic doctor before enacting any suggested strategies for health and wellness improvement, including those in relation to preventing or treating specific diseases featured on this program.