Monday, March 08, 2010
Revealing the Source of Ritalin's Brain Boosting Benefits
The ADHD drug improves attention by enhancing neural plasticity.
New research in animals sheds light on how Ritalin, the
stimulant drug prescribed to millions of children each year in the United
States for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sheds light on how
the drug works. The molecule appears to boost both attention and enhance the
speed of learning by increasing the activity of the chemical messenger
dopamine, according to new research in Nature
Neuroscience.
Rats given Ritalin were able to more quickly learn that a
combination of signals--a flash of light and sound--meant they could get a sugar
water reward. But if the rats were also given a drug to block one type of
dopamine receptor, the effect was lost. Treated animals also focused more
intently on the task at hand, engaging in less unrelated behavior. Another drug,
designed to block a second type of dopamine receptor, blocked Ritalin's ability
to increase focus.
Researchers also found that drug-treated animals had enhanced neural plasticity, or changes in strength of the connections between nerve cells. The
ability of our neural circuits to change strength in response to new
information underlies our ability to learn.
"Since we now know that Ritalin improves behavior through two specific
types of neurotransmitter receptors, the finding could help in the development
of better targeted drugs, with fewer side effects, to increase focus and
learning," said Antonello Bonci, MD, principal investigator at the Ernest
Gallo Clinic and Research Center and professor of neurology at UCSF, in a
statement from the university. The Gallo Center is affiliated with the UCSF
Department of Neurology.
While Ritalin is mostly prescribed for children with ADHD, it
also boosts cognitive function in healthy people. A number of studies suggest
that a growing
number of healthy adults and teens are taking Ritalin and similar drugs to
aid in studying or work performance.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Comments
When their job depends on government money they will find the "evidence" to keep it going.
A drug pusher by any other name is still a drug pusher.
Despite the mountain of true reports condemning this drug (and similars)they still insist on pushing it.
One tiny example:
http://ritalinsideeffects.net/
Google for hundreds more
Archie
03/09/2010
Posts:17
Matthew Pu...
03/09/2010
Posts:35
Importantly, we are basic science researchers: We neither condemn nor condone the use of methylphenidate (Ritalin). However, it is undeniable that this drug is widely-used. Thus, we felt that it was important to identify the pharmacological targets and the neural mechanisms by which Ritalin alters behavior so that individuals can make informed decisions for themselves and their children.
I am a post doctoral fellow, and I can assure you that I do not do research for the money! Rather, I do it because I think it is an important contribution to society and it is a profession I conduct with honor. I am also fascinated by the various properties that govern neural plasticity, and think that gathering information about how the brain works is a service to society: One that should be appreciated rather than unfairly criticized by misinformed (or uninformed) commenters.
I would recommend that you read the actual article rather than the media descriptions (which we did not write) before forming and publishing opinions.
kaytye
03/09/2010
Posts:1
sleeprun
03/09/2010
Posts:10
kmwerts
03/09/2010
Posts:1
Could ritaline help stroke victims regain quality of life by increasing brain plasticity? Making them regain abilities that they lost through parts of their brain having dies.
aymeric
03/09/2010
Posts:26
,,,and don't worry about those conservative critics. They need this research more than most, though it is likely they will be the last to embrace it.
Gary 7
gary7
03/09/2010
Posts:29
digger
03/09/2010
Posts:2
I am saddened that you feel compelled to make clear you are not associated with the evil Capitalists. It isn't your fault. The fault lies with the lying left.
Where would the western world be without Western Electric, DuPont, Bell Labs or IBM?
Shootist
04/04/2010
Posts:31
opiatesrul...
03/09/2010
Posts:1
digger
03/09/2010
Posts:2
If you're going to condemn people as just trying to sell something, check your sources. Here's where the link leads. (http://healthyalternatives.com/attentiondeficitdisorder.html)
AthiestWar
03/15/2010
Posts:1
terrylwalk...
03/09/2010
Posts:1
I think it will work like caffeine, sure it helps you keep awake, but as the body adapts to it, suddenly it's effect wear off, and worse it makes it more difficult to stay awake without it.
I would not be surprised that ritalin will have the same effect.
As far as children go, how about letting them play more! Let them go outside! Don't drug them.
Brian
http://www.tooele-homes.com
sls1j
03/09/2010
Posts:12
sleeprun
03/09/2010
Posts:10
ADHD literature indicates -- and as an adult recently diagnosed with ADD (that I've always had), I can attest that -- while Ritalin apparently normally works as a stimulant -- in those (like me) with ADD or ADHD, it is calming instead, while providing for easier concentration vs. scattered thought processes.
While it may be difficult to find rats with ADHD, experiments of some sort designed to shed light on what causes Ritalin's effects to differ so much depending on the presence or absence of ADHD may be quite enlightening.
rgrem
03/10/2010
Posts:1
rkomatsu
03/11/2010
Posts:38
I can vouch for the the power and potential of Ritalin or others. I have tried taking them and now i take Dexedrine (similar). I went from doing 1-2hrs max of work at my desk in a senior management role with a blue chip firm (that had errors/poor quality) - to now producing 7-8hrs non stop high quality work with praise by my colleagues on how all of a sudden my work is really insightful, creative and intelligent. They want to try the drug as i only have limited side effects, reduced ADHD symptoms and far happier working career.
I suggest watching BBC TV's "Horizon" show - episode called "Pill Poppers". Its all about this area of research 6mins into the show.
I have done much personal research in this area and have lots of experience in use of these meds due to my ADHD. I am different from most suffers in that i had a tested IQ of 121 with impaired executive function scores casuing my ADHD. I hold an honours degree in business + economics and hold a good managerial role at a well known organisation.
As the TV Show found on BBC TV website (iplayer - contact me for link) explains, i fear that if many people who were not ADHD sufferers took these drugs - the competitive jobs market/employee pool would become pressuring for all people to take these cognitive enhancers as we would all have to/feel need to keep up with someone taking them and thus more productive and intelligent. But is it right to deny people of such an option if its known to work and work well???
Contact me for more info and experiences/advice
mnavarra
03/16/2010
Posts:2
Tazmanian ...
03/16/2010
Posts:1
A great website which i contribute to and helped promote in its early days is as follows www dot aadd dot org dot uk. For adults with ADHD and has a great forum and community of people with all types of background and experiences with Adult ADHD.
Let me know how you find it?
mnavarra
03/17/2010
Posts:2
My question is:
Do the affects of increased learning last? Or are they a temporary effect of the Ritalin therapy?
In most research and in my own experience of taking Ritalin for several years I found that the effects do not last.
I write about my experience with Ritalin here:
http://www.adhdaction.com/ritalin.html.
I have been trying to share my success will ADHD. I am in a similar boat as some of you. I have my own business have tested with a high IQ and with ADHD.
All the Best
Nathaniel
nathaniel8...
04/27/2010
Posts:1