ADHD Patients May Lack Reward System Protein

Washington, DC (AHN) – Federal researchers say that the brains of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may have below-normal levels of a certain protein that controls reward and motivation.

The scientists, with the Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, said in a statement that the lack of the protein may help explain some ADHD symptoms, like inattention and reduced motivation. They also said ADHD patients’ propensity toward destructive behaviors like drug abuse and overeating may be due to low levels of the protein.

The researchers said the discovery could influence future treatment for the disorder.

The protein was measure using brain imaging.

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