ADHD and Exercise

Dr. John Ratey, MD, has written several books including his newest, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, in which he explores the benefits of exercise for people with ADHD.

"There are many reasons for exercise in ADHD. Exercise almost immediately elevates dopamine and norepinephrine and keeps them up for a period of time so that it acts like a little bit of Ritalin or Adderall. It also helps to still the impulsivity and still the cravings for immediate gratification..."

Studies have also shown that exercise has a direct effect on learning by improving the brain's potential to process new information. Dopamine and serotonin also increase as a result of exercise, causing improvements in overall mood. Read more at ADD.About.com.