Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is ADHD?What Is Dopamine?Dopamine and ADHDTreatmentThe Strengths of ADHDCoping

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

What Is ADHD?

What Is Dopamine?

Dopamine and ADHD

Treatment

The Strengths of ADHD

Coping

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The Relationship Between Dopamine and ADHDAt the root of ADHD are differences in how dopamine is transmitted to the brain. Our brain relies on dopamine for optimal mental functioning. These differences in dopamine processing cause ADHD traits to show up.

The Relationship Between Dopamine and ADHD

At the root of ADHD are differences in how dopamine is transmitted to the brain. Our brain relies on dopamine for optimal mental functioning. These differences in dopamine processing cause ADHD traits to show up.

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

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ADHD is aneurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it is a neurotype where the growth and development of the brain are predominantly impacted.It is often identified in thechildhoodand 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 thanfemales, 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 ADHDinclude:

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Dopamineis aneurotransmitternaturally 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

Motivationis 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.

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How Is ADHD Connected to Dopamine?

ADHD is a neurotype with a solid connection todopamineproduction. 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 ourlearningand 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 inlowered dopamine levels in the brain. A decreased amount of dopamine in the brain can result in a diagnosis of ADHD.

However, it is key to remember that not all who have a high amount of dopamine transporters will have ADHD. During an assessment, mental health professionals will focus on the presenting traits rather than the neurology of ADHD.

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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 aremedication,psychotherapy, and further education about this neurotype.

Stimulants and Non-StimulantsA doctor will prescribe either astimulantor anon-stimulant. A stimulant can quickly make ADHD traits feel more manageable. A non-stimulant is a good option when someone has a bad reaction to a stimulant or when it simply doesn’t provide relief. Non-stimulants can take longer to begin working, but once they do, they’re a great choice that can help you feel better.

Stimulants and Non-Stimulants

A doctor will prescribe either astimulantor anon-stimulant. A stimulant can quickly make ADHD traits feel more manageable. A non-stimulant is a good option when someone has a bad reaction to a stimulant or when it simply doesn’t provide relief. Non-stimulants can take longer to begin working, but once they do, they’re a great choice that can help you feel better.

The recommended form of psychotherapy iscognitive-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.

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 asupport group—building community with others can serve as a helpful reminder that you’re not alone. Finally, making yourloved onesaware 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 amental health professional.

9 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Definition.ADHD, altered dopamine neurotransmission, and disrupted reinforcement processes: Implications for smoking and nicotine dependence.Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2014;52:70-78. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.02.002Moffitt TE, Houts R, Asherson P, et al.Is adult adhd a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder? Evidence from a four-decade longitudinal cohort study.AJP. 2015;172(10):967-977. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.14101266National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(Adhd)Vildalen VU, Brevik EJ, Haavik J, Lundervold AJ.Females with adhd report more severe symptoms than males on the adult adhd self-report scale.J Atten Disord. 2019;23(9):959-967. doi: 10.1177/1087054716659362Berke JD.What does dopamine mean?Nat Neurosci. 2018;21(6):787-793. Doi: 10.1038/s41593-018-0152-yFusar-Poli P, Rubia K, Rossi G, Sartori G, Balottin U.Striatal dopamine transporter alterations in adhd: pathophysiology or adaptation to psychostimulants? A meta-analysis.AJP. 2012;169(3):264-272. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.11060940Chan ESM, Groves NB, Marsh CL, Miller CE, Richmond KP, Kofler MJ.Are there resilient children with ADHD?J Atten Disord. 2021;10870547211025629. doi:10.1177/10870547211025629Sedgwick JA, Merwood A, Asherson P.The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD.ADHD Atten Def Hyp Disord. 2019;11(3):241-253. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6

9 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Definition.ADHD, altered dopamine neurotransmission, and disrupted reinforcement processes: Implications for smoking and nicotine dependence.Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2014;52:70-78. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.02.002Moffitt TE, Houts R, Asherson P, et al.Is adult adhd a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder? Evidence from a four-decade longitudinal cohort study.AJP. 2015;172(10):967-977. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.14101266National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(Adhd)Vildalen VU, Brevik EJ, Haavik J, Lundervold AJ.Females with adhd report more severe symptoms than males on the adult adhd self-report scale.J Atten Disord. 2019;23(9):959-967. doi: 10.1177/1087054716659362Berke JD.What does dopamine mean?Nat Neurosci. 2018;21(6):787-793. Doi: 10.1038/s41593-018-0152-yFusar-Poli P, Rubia K, Rossi G, Sartori G, Balottin U.Striatal dopamine transporter alterations in adhd: pathophysiology or adaptation to psychostimulants? A meta-analysis.AJP. 2012;169(3):264-272. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.11060940Chan ESM, Groves NB, Marsh CL, Miller CE, Richmond KP, Kofler MJ.Are there resilient children with ADHD?J Atten Disord. 2021;10870547211025629. doi:10.1177/10870547211025629Sedgwick JA, Merwood A, Asherson P.The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD.ADHD Atten Def Hyp Disord. 2019;11(3):241-253. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Definition.ADHD, altered dopamine neurotransmission, and disrupted reinforcement processes: Implications for smoking and nicotine dependence.Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2014;52:70-78. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.02.002Moffitt TE, Houts R, Asherson P, et al.Is adult adhd a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder? Evidence from a four-decade longitudinal cohort study.AJP. 2015;172(10):967-977. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.14101266National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(Adhd)Vildalen VU, Brevik EJ, Haavik J, Lundervold AJ.Females with adhd report more severe symptoms than males on the adult adhd self-report scale.J Atten Disord. 2019;23(9):959-967. doi: 10.1177/1087054716659362Berke JD.What does dopamine mean?Nat Neurosci. 2018;21(6):787-793. Doi: 10.1038/s41593-018-0152-yFusar-Poli P, Rubia K, Rossi G, Sartori G, Balottin U.Striatal dopamine transporter alterations in adhd: pathophysiology or adaptation to psychostimulants? A meta-analysis.AJP. 2012;169(3):264-272. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.11060940Chan ESM, Groves NB, Marsh CL, Miller CE, Richmond KP, Kofler MJ.Are there resilient children with ADHD?J Atten Disord. 2021;10870547211025629. doi:10.1177/10870547211025629Sedgwick JA, Merwood A, Asherson P.The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD.ADHD Atten Def Hyp Disord. 2019;11(3):241-253. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Definition.

ADHD, altered dopamine neurotransmission, and disrupted reinforcement processes: Implications for smoking and nicotine dependence.Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2014;52:70-78. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.02.002

Moffitt TE, Houts R, Asherson P, et al.Is adult adhd a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder? Evidence from a four-decade longitudinal cohort study.AJP. 2015;172(10):967-977. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.14101266

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(Adhd)

Vildalen VU, Brevik EJ, Haavik J, Lundervold AJ.Females with adhd report more severe symptoms than males on the adult adhd self-report scale.J Atten Disord. 2019;23(9):959-967. doi: 10.1177/1087054716659362

Berke JD.What does dopamine mean?Nat Neurosci. 2018;21(6):787-793. Doi: 10.1038/s41593-018-0152-y

Fusar-Poli P, Rubia K, Rossi G, Sartori G, Balottin U.Striatal dopamine transporter alterations in adhd: pathophysiology or adaptation to psychostimulants? A meta-analysis.AJP. 2012;169(3):264-272. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.11060940

Chan ESM, Groves NB, Marsh CL, Miller CE, Richmond KP, Kofler MJ.Are there resilient children with ADHD?J Atten Disord. 2021;10870547211025629. doi:10.1177/10870547211025629

Sedgwick JA, Merwood A, Asherson P.The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD.ADHD Atten Def Hyp Disord. 2019;11(3):241-253. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0277-6

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