Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and reward deficiency syndrome

Summary & key facts

Researchers review genetic findings linking brain reward system problems to ADHD. They describe a theory called reward deficiency syndrome (RDS) in which low dopamine function makes people seek dopamine-releasing activities or drugs. The paper names a gene variant (DRD2 A1) that may reduce dopamine receptors and raises the idea that ADHD could be a behavioral subtype of RDS. The authors propose, as hypotheses, early genetic testing and DNA-based nutraceuticals for children and suggest dopamine or serotonin releasers might help some RDS-related behaviors, but these ideas are not presented as proven treatments.

Key facts:

• Several genes have been identified by molecular genetic studies as possibly affecting risk for ADHD.
• The authors describe a 'brain reward cascade' problem that they say can lead to a low or hypo-dopaminergic trait (lower dopamine function).
• The DRD2 A1 allele is named as a gene variant the authors say can reduce the normal expression of dopamine receptors in brain reward areas.
• The paper proposes the label 'reward deficiency syndrome' (RDS) and hypothesizes that ADHD may be a behavioral subtype of RDS.
• The authors propose early identification of genetic polymorphisms plus DNA-based customized nutraceuticals for young children as a possible way to lessen ADHD-related behaviors; this is presented as a hypothesis, not as established treatmen
• The authors conclude that dopamine and serotonin releasers might be useful as therapeutic adjuncts for other RDS behavioral subtypes, including addictions; this is presented as a tentative suggestion rather than a proven therapy.

Abstract

Molecular genetic studies have identified several genes that may mediate susceptibility to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A consensus of the literature suggests that when there is a dysfunction in the "brain reward cascade," especially in the dopamine system, causing a low or hypo-dopaminergic trait, the brain may require dopamine for individuals to avoid unpleasant feelings. This high-risk genetic trait leads to multiple drug-seeking behaviors, because the drugs activate release of dopamine, which can diminish abnormal cravings. Moreover, this genetic trait is due in part to a form of a gene (DRD(2) A1 allele) that prevents the expression of the normal laying down of dopamine receptors in brain reward sites. This gene, and others involved in neurophysiological processing of specific neurotransmitters, have been associated with deficient functions and predispose individuals to have a high risk for addictive, impulsive, and compulsive behavioral propensities. It has been proposed that genetic variants of dopaminergic genes and other "reward genes" are important common determinants of reward deficiency syndrome (RDS), which we hypothesize includes ADHD as a behavioral subtype. We further hypothesize that early diagnosis through genetic polymorphic identification in combination with DNA-based customized nutraceutical administration to young children may attenuate behavioral symptoms associated with ADHD. Moreover, it is concluded that dopamine and serotonin releasers might be useful therapeutic adjuncts for the treatment of other RDS behavioral subtypes, including addictions.

Topics

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Bipolar Disorder and Treatment Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Psychiatry and Mental health

Tags

Addiction Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dopamine Dopaminergic Dopaminergic pathways Medicine Neuroscience Psychiatry Psychology Reward system

Conditions & symptoms

Addiction Addiction or harmful habbits