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Brain Chemistry and ADD Medication

Brain Chemistry and ADD Medication

Tim stated that the brain has 1 trillion cells, 10% of which are neurons. Signals move about through a system of chemicals, particularly those that cross the synapse between adjacent nerve cells. Failure of the proper chemical action at this point results in ADD. Tim described ADD as a dysfunction in the neurotransmitter system. Each of the 5 neurotransmitter chemicals has a function as well as a "normal" range. Tim presented information on the three which have most relevance to ADD.

DOPAMINE controls pleasure centers, provides a sense of well-being, and reinforces reward seeking behavior. A deficit results in loss of pleasure, joyless, empty, anhedonia, Parkinson's disease and Type 2 Alcoholic. Overproduction yields exhilaration, superior confidence, power/control, joyous excitement and schizophrenia. It is found in high protein meals.

NOREPINEPHRINE controls the fight or flight response, and affects learning, memory, awareness, alertness, focusing, orienting, and assertiveness. A deficit results in loss of self-esteem, thought confusion, acute depression, chronic fatigue, lethargy, loss of sexual drive, hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder. Overproduction yields extreme anxiety, panic state, aggression, violence, loss of appetite, cardiac arrhythmias. It is found in protein rich foods, soy products, cottage cheese, dry skim milk, almonds, peanuts, lima beans, pumpkin and sesame seeds.

SEROTONIN controls behavioral inhibitors, regulates rhythms, sleep, mood states, pain perception, reduces feeding, aggression, play and sexual activity. A deficit results in hyperactivity, jitteriness, aggression, paranoia, insomnia, depression, impulsivity and suicide risk. Overproduction promotes hypoactivity and increased sleep time. It is found in cottage cheese, milk, meat, fish, turkey (white meat only), bananas, dried dates, peanuts, and all protein rich foods. Sucrose directly accelerates serotonin synthesis. When serotonin increases, craving decreases. A high fat diet increases the availability of tryptophan which is used to make serotonin.

In closing, Tim outlined the effect of a number of medications used in the treatment of ADD.

Of the STIMULANTS, Dexedrine and Ritalin increased all three while Cylert increased only Dopamine.

Of the ANTI-DEPRESSANTS, Desipramine dramatically increased Norepinephrine while the others could go up or down depending on dosage. Imipramine increased Norepinephrine and Serotonin while Dopamine could go up or down depending on dosage. Wellbutrin increases Dopamine, does not affect Serotonin levels and Norepinephrine could go up or down depending on dosage.

Of the ANTI-HYPERTENSIVES, Clonidine reduced Norepinephrine but had no effect on the other two neurotransmitters.

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