| content | sioc:content | One proposed theory for the cause of ADHD is that a person is experiencing a decrease in their dopamine levels. Since dopamine acts as a neurotransmitter, a chemical message, low levels cause someone to lack important active connections in the brain. The lack of dopamine means that there is a lack of strong connections in the brain, which according to this theory is causing someone to act out, or be hyperactive, or display a number of symptoms associated with ADHD.
ADHD medications work to effect the chemistry of the body by blocking dopamine receptors so there is more circulating in the body and reinforcing important neural circuits in the brain. For this reason these medications fall into the category of stimulant drugs, because they excite the brain and Central Nervous System. As a result a person may feel more awake, have an elevated mood, and a decrease in appetite.
Mainly, there are two types of molecules are used to achieve this; amphetamine, which is the stimulant component in Adderall, and methylphenidate, which is the active component in Ritalin and Concerta.
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