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Written by Marcel Gemme C.C.D.C

What is Dopamine?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is important in the normal ability for the central nervous system to function. If the Dopamine is altered in any way it can lead to a variety of problems, most commonly Parkinson's disease and Attention Deficit Disorder.

This also can be a problem in the world of drug addiction, something some people know about very well.For example, this person who shall remain anonymous:

"When my son was in kindergarten, I received a call from his principal stating he was sure my son needed to be put on medication for ADD. I never saw that coming and took him to his pediatrician who notated the principal's “concerns”. We were military and it soon became apparent to the pharmacy that children on ADD medications were needing faster refills. An investigation led them to eventually arrest the principal. You see, if a person does not need ADD medication, it acts as a stimulant and gives a person a “high”. The principal was taking the children's medications and encouraging others to be treated so he would have access to more."

"I have never forgotten the lessons learned during that situation and began doing research which helped me learn about the role drugs play when it comes to dopamine. ADD can also be used as an excuse for others. It is important to know for sure exactly what is going on within your own body (or that of your child) in regards to the dopamine."

When the dopamine is altered, this can lead to depression and psychotic behavior, especially if the altercation took place with the use of drugs. Parkinson's Disease and Attention Deficit Disorder are the two least likely to involve drug use as they are more inclined to occur due to medical reasons.

"The lesson I took away from that situation years ago was that I was grateful I knew my son's personality and was distinctly against drugs of any kind if there was no medical need for it. I was not willing to damage my child's dopamine just on the say so of a principal. If you are told your child needs medication for ADD, check thoroughly with your doctor first. That same child is now a sophomore in college and has always received high grades, enjoyed a wonderful well-rounded school experience involving sports and academics and no other teacher or administrative leader has ever suggested a need for drugs or to have his dopamine checked."