Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and reward deficiency syndrome

Summary & key facts

This paper reviews genetic studies that link several genes to higher risk for ADHD. It says problems in the brain's reward system—especially low dopamine activity—may make people seek things that raise dopamine. The authors propose that these gene variants form a “reward deficiency syndrome” (RDS) that may include ADHD, and they suggest early genetic testing plus tailored, DNA-based nutraceuticals and drugs that boost dopamine or serotonin as possible ways to reduce symptoms or treat related addictions. These ideas are presented as hypotheses and proposals, not proven treatments.

Key facts:

• Molecular genetic studies have identified several genes that may increase susceptibility to ADHD.
• The authors report a consensus view that dysfunction in the brain reward cascade, especially low (hypo-) dopamine activity, can create a trait where the brain seeks dopamine to avoid unpleasant feelings.
• A form of the DRD2 gene called the A1 allele is described as preventing normal expression of dopamine receptors in brain reward areas.
• The paper links these genetic traits to higher risk for addictive, impulsive, and compulsive behaviors.
• The authors propose that variants in dopaminergic and other "reward genes" could be common causes of a proposed condition called reward deficiency syndrome (RDS), and they hypothesize ADHD may be a behavioral subtype of RDS.
• The authors hypothesize that early diagnosis using genetic polymorphism testing plus DNA-based customized nutraceuticals for young children may lessen behavioral symptoms associated with ADHD.
• The paper concludes that dopamine and serotonin releasers might be useful as therapeutic adjuncts for treating other RDS behavioral subtypes, including addictions, but presents this as a suggestion rather than established proof.

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