Final answer:
Stimulants for ADHD treatment work by raising dopamine levels within the brain, particularly in areas tied to impulse control and attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stimulants used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may work by increasing levels of dopamine in the synapses of the brain.
These medications, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, function by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, stimulating its release, and increasing neural activity, which can enhance impulse control and attention in individuals with ADHD.
While it may appear counterintuitive, the therapeutic effect of stimulants comes from the increase in neurotransmitter activity within specific brain areas associated with impulse control, such as the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia.
This increase in dopamine helps balance the brain's reward and motivation systems, which in turn helps improve the symptoms associated with ADHD.