MBD has long been considered a childhood disorders. Recent research
suggests that in some it persists into adult life and that at least one
form is a consequence of reduced activity of dopaminergic systems in the
brain. To test this hypothesis, three adults with "presumptive" MBD were
given L-dopa plus carbidopa. Although overall this combination was less
effective than stimulant medication, all the patients showed an initial
response, and in one patient L-dopa seemed to potentiate the effect of
methylphenidate. The authors point out that various dopamine agonists have
different effects and that the possible potentiation effect is consistent
with a dopaminergic hypothesis.Abstract Teaser