>>12892467ADHD, schizophrenia, and nicotine are all associated with dopamine.
In patients with ADHD, a change in the number of dopamine transporters is usually observed. An increase in transporters is associated with less potent dopamine effects, because they transport it out of the synapse and lessen its ability to bind to dopamine receptors and induce its stimulatory effects. In the past, ADHD was associated with low dopamine levels, but it's a little more complicated.
Schizophrenia on the other hand is commonly associated with hyperactivity of dopamine D2 receptors with regards to positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and hypoactivity of dopamine D1 receptors with negative symptoms (lack of pleasure, motivation.)
Nicotine is a compound that binds to special nicotine receptors on nerves that connect to the ventral tegmented area (VTA), where dopamine is produced. In essence, it affects VTA activity and usually has the effect of triggering dopamine release. Furthermore, it has been shown to be capable of both stimulation (at low levels) and depression (at high levels) of dopamine release.
Therefore, it is sound to say that nicotine, which increases dopamine levels in a synapse, can affect ADHD/schizophrenia outcomes, since these conditions do affect dopamine transport and potency.
However, you know what other compounds also increase dopamine release? Cocaine and methamphetamine. For the case of a physician, administering any of nicotine, coke, or meth as relief for ADHD or schizophrenia would in essence be substituting one risk for another. All chemicals that increase dopamine release have the potential to be highly addictive. Adderall, a common ADHD medication, is an amphetamine.
Overall, yes, the argument for nicotine as a relief for ADHD is there. But, it has the same mechanism of counteraction as already existing medication with the same risk factors. It is much more ethical for a physician to look for treatments without addictive potential.
