Tourette's Syndrome, Dopamine and Serotonin

Photo Caption Dopamine and serotonin imbalances are linked to Tourette's syndrome. Photo Credit Kernspintomographie image by Marem from Fotolia.com

Tourette's syndrome is a condition that causes involuntary behavior movements or vocal expressions known as tics. It is related to an imbalance of the brain chemicals called serotonin and dopamine. Certain drugs may interact with these brain chemicals and worsen the condition. Consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure Tourette's syndrome.

Dopamine Release

There is evidence showing that a release of dopamine worsens symptoms in patients with Tourette's syndrome. A study published in 2009 in the "Journal of Nuclear Medicine" found that adults with Tourette's syndrome had an increased release of dopamine in the brain when given amphetamines. This led to an increase of psychiatric symptoms, specifically, the patients had attention deficit problems.

Frontal Cortex

The frontal cortex of the brain is responsible for regulating higher-order functions such as decision-making and the suppression of socially unacceptable behaviors. Dopamine-related abnormalities have been identified in this portion of the brain, according to a study published in April 2007 in the "Journal of the Neurological Sciences." Specifically, postmortem brain tissue from frontal and occipital regions from all three TS patients examined in the study had increased dopamine release and a greater density of dopamine receptors within the frontal lobes.

Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Interaction

Serotonin is another neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, that is involved in the pathogenesis of Tourette's syndrome. Serotonin is responsible for producing feelings of well-being. Interactions between dopamine and serotonin have been found in neuroimaging studies to produce abnormalities in the brain, according to an article published in 2008 in "Progress in Brain Research."

Dietary Considerations

Certain foods may affect the brain neurochemicals with regards to Tourette's syndrome. For example, caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee may worsen symptoms in patients with the disorder. A study published in April 2008 in "Acta Paediatrica" found that coffee and soda led to an increase in tics in patients with Tourette's syndrome. Therefore, caffeine likely worsens the overstimulation of the dopaminergic system, according to the researchers.

Source