The Relationship Between Dopamine and ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurotype, with 8.7% of adolescents and 4.4% of adults in the United States experiencing ADHD. This neurotype is categorized by a pattern of inattention and hyperactivity, resulting in interpersonal struggles and challenges in school and the workplace.

A big part of understanding this neurotype is becoming well-versed in what ADHD is and its impact on the brain. Read on to learn more about the relationship between dopamine and ADHD.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it is a neurotype where the growth and development of the brain are predominantly impacted. It is often identified in the childhood and teenage years, though it is possible to receive have this neurotype identified as an adult. In fact, ADHD traits can be more pronounced and cause more distress in adulthood when they go undiagnosed.

Males are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females, however, that doesn’t mean that females don’t experience ADHD. Instead, ADHD traits in girls are more likely to go unnoticed during childhood.

Traits of ADHD include:

• Inattention to detail when completing school or work activities
• Losing essential items like keys, wallets, and cell phones often
• Becoming easily distracted by thoughts unrelated to the task at hand
• Struggling to finish and organize tasks
• Excessive talking
• Interrupting others during conversations or activities
• Consistent feelings of restlessness
• The ability to think creatively and outside the box
• The ability to focus intensely on things of interest
• Honesty and direct communication
• Higher energy levels

What Is Dopamine?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter naturally created in our bodies that regulates learning and motivation. This neurotransmitter is necessary for a variety of reasons.

Dopamine's Impact on Learning and Motivation

First, learning and motivation are integral parts of our lives as humans. From the time we are born, we are constantly learning, beginning with focusing on learning how to walk or eat by ourselves.

Motivation is intrinsically linked to learning, especially in our adult years. It is challenging to continue learning if we lack motivation. However, we must continue learning throughout our life thanks to our constantly evolving world.

Dopamine can also help regulate our emotional responses and increase our feelings of reward and satisfaction.

How Is ADHD Connected to Dopamine?

ADHD is a neurotype with a solid connection to dopamine production. Researchers speculate that an underlying cause of ADHD is dysfunctional dopamine transmission. This means that the brain can’t receive dopamine correctly, leading to emotional responses that differ from those who are neurotypical.

Let's think about the traits present in ADHD. It is easy to understand how impacts on the chemicals that regulate our learning and motivation could result in inattention and hyperactivity. 

Dopamine Transporter Density

To best understand the connection between dopamine and ADHD, it is important to know about dopamine transporter density (DTD). Researchers reason why some people have ADHD is that they have an increased amount of dopamine transporters. Having a higher density of dopamine transporters in the brain results in lowered dopamine levels in the brain. A decreased amount of dopamine in the brain can result in a diagnosis of ADHD.

ADHD Support

While ADHD is considered a disability, it isn't a weakness or something to be cured, it just needs to be accommodated adequately. In fact, it is considered a disability due to our society that currently centers on the neurotypical experience and stigmatizes those who are neurodivergent. This being said, there is support that can help make traits of ADHD more manageable, resulting in much relief and improved quality of life.

The type of support needed will vary depending on the age of the person experiencing ADHD. However, major recommendations for all are medication, psychotherapy, and further education about this neurotype.

The recommended form of psychotherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This therapy focuses on how our thoughts dictate our actions and explores ways to adjust our thinking to have greater control over our actions.

Individual psychotherapy isn’t very effective in managing traits of ADHD when it comes to child and teen support. Instead, experts recommend parental involvement and accommodations made in the classroom. It is critical that parents educate themselves on the neurodivergent experience and work to ensure the home isn't solely centering those who are neurotypical. That said, if your child or teen begins presenting symptoms of anxiety or depression in addition to ADHD, individual psychotherapy can be beneficial.

The Strengths of ADHD

There is a strong stigma around ADHD due to the lack of mainstream knowledge about the various neurotypes we all have. Our culture tends to prioritize productivity, structure, and systems that were designed for those who are neurotypical. Yet, it is important to remember that there are many strengths within the ADHD brain. Those living with ADHD tend to have increased resilience, meaning folks with this neurotype are known for overcoming hardship . Another key strength of ADHD is the vitality and energy those with this neurotype have, with a recent study finding many living with ADHD like their level of energy .

Coping With ADHD

ADHD can feel challenging, isolating, and frustrating. Knowledge is power, and the more you understand ADHD, the better. Keeping an open line of communication with your mental health care provider is a significant first step to learning more about this neurotype.

Consider joining a support group—building community with others can serve as a helpful reminder that you’re not alone. Finally, making your loved ones aware of your needs is a great way to bolster support. Allow those around you to lift you up, and don’t lose hope.

A Word From Verywell

Learning about our mental health can prove to be a scary and daunting task. You are never alone and should you lose hope, we're here to remind you that things can and will get better. If you find that you're having a hard time dealing with your diagnosis, please reach out to a mental health professional.