ADHD and DMAE: How it Helps

DMAE is found useful in the treatment of ADHD and other disorders related to the brain and central nervous system.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition characterized by a lack of attention, hyperactivity, and reckless behavior.

There are several medications that can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, however to avoid dependence on medications, some individuals prefer other alternatives such as GABA and DMAE.

DMAE or the dimethyl-amino-ethanol is a compound that is naturally produced in the human brain. It is believed to boost the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. DMAE is also found in anchovies and sardines.

DMAE History:

DMAE has a quite an interesting history. At the outset, medicine manufacturers were interested in selling the product as a medication for treating ADHD when studies in the 1970s showed that it helps in alleviating ADHD symptoms.

However, when further tests were deemed too expensive, the compound was packaged as a nutritional ADHD supplement, as it is naturally found in fish.

As DMAE boosts the production of brain chemicals, essential for concentration, short-term memory, and learning capacity, it may aid in the treatment of ADHD and other disorders affecting the brain and CNS.

Health food outlets sell DMAE supplements in capsule form to enhance the brain power. It has been shown to have several benefits against the disruptive and impulsive behavior caused by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This natural ADHD supplement also aids in treating Alzheimer's disease and memory lapses, as well as some movement disorders.

Case Studies:

Several studies were conducted in the 1970's that looked at using DMAE as a treatment for attention disorder. In a ten-week double blind study involving 50 children (aged 6-12 yrs); DMAE was compared to a placebo.

At the end of the study the kids taking DMAE showed significant improvements in their test scores than the ones who took placebo.

Another ten-week double blind study of 74 children compared DMAE with Ritalin and a placebo. Both the Ritalin and DMAE group showed significant improvements.

There are several anecdotal evidences to suggest that DMAE is beneficial to children and adults with ADHD. The supplement has shown significant results in reducing hyperactivity and boosting mental concentration.

This can prove to be a great support for kids who often become distracted, restless, and bored. Some of the other health benefits of DMAE are:

Increases attention span
Boosts energy
Reduces anxiety
Reduces violent behavior
Shows improvement in learning ability
Might increase intelligence

Taking DMAE as prescribed by health care professional has shown to be safe for most individuals. However, there might be some side effects such as restlessness, insomnia, headache, depression, and irritability.

As DMAE is non-toxic, these side effects will go away when the supplement is stopped. If they persist, you must immediately contact a doctor.

If you are considering using DMAE as a supplement, it would be worthwhile consulting your health care expert before starting a new regime.

Although rigorous studies are lacking, some people who have tried DMAE report improved concentration, better memory, mental focus, clarity, and sleep.

There does seem to be a DMAE-ADHD connection, but larger controlled studies are required to confirm this.

You may consider using ADHD supplements such as Listol that contains DMAE, to alleviate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children.

For more information about ADHD treatments, read our articles on Iron, GABA and Phosphatidylserine for ADHD.