The article discusses the complex relationship between dopamine and ADHD, emphasizing that while ADHD brains do not necessarily have a dopamine deficiency, they do have issues with dopamine neurotransmission and processing, which contributes to the symptoms and challenges associated with ADHD.
Abstract
The article "Dopamine and The ADHD Brain" delves into the misconception that ADHD is simply a result of low dopamine levels. It clarifies that individuals with ADHD may produce normal amounts of dopamine, but their brains have difficulty transmitting and processing it efficiently. This inefficiency leads to altered reinforcement sensitivity, motivation challenges, and characteristic ADHD behaviors such as impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. The article also explores how ADHD affects various brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the reticular activating system (RAS), the limbic system, and the basal ganglia, detailing the impact on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. It underscores that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with widespread effects on daily life and cautions against dismissive attitudes that trivialize the condition.
Opinions
The author suggests that while it's common to attribute ADHD symptoms to a dopamine deficiency, a more accurate description involves the brain's handling of dopamine.
There is an emphasis on the importance of scientific accuracy when discussing ADHD and neurochemical imbalances.
The article implies that societal misunderstandings of ADHD, such as viewing it as non-existent or as an excuse, are harmful and invalidating to those with the disorder.
The author advocates for a broader view of ADHD, recognizing its impact on mood, executive functioning, and everyday activities.
By providing references and related articles, the author encourages further reading and education on ADHD, suggesting a commitment to raising awareness and understanding of the condition.
The author's mention of support options for their work indicates a desire for community engagement and financial support for continued research and advocacy.
Dopamine and The ADHD Brain
Exploring the connection between dopamine & ADHD, and how ADHD impacts our brains
Do ADHD brains really have a dopamine deficiency?
It’s a common statement, especially on social media, when referring to impulsive behaviours, or difficulties with motivation. We’re dopamine deficient. We lack adequate dopamine. “Follow the dopamine”.
Dopamine certainly plays a role in ADHD symptoms, but are we really dopamine deficient?
In short-hand, we could say we have inadequate dopamine, however if we’re being scientifically accurate (and my Autistic brain craves specificity), we aren’t actually deficient in this particular neurochemical.
Our brains may produce the same amount of dopamine as everyone else, however we experience it as a deficiency because of issues transporting and processing it in our brains.
People with ADHD tend to have altered dopamine signalling, which leads to altered reinforcement sensitivity — or “dopamine-seeking” behaviours — as well as challenges with motivation.
How ADHD affects the brain
How ADHD impacts the PFC
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the “executive” of the brain, hence the term “executive functioning”. Other parts of the brain send information to the PFC, and the PFC analyzes the data and then sends instructions for how to respond.
In ADHD, maturation of the PFC is delayed, resulting in ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and emotional regulation difficulties.
How ADHD affects the RAS
The reticular activating system (RAS) is a major relay system between various brain regions. The RAS plays an important role in wakefulness and sleep cycles, as well as the regulation of attention and filtering out distractions.
Problems in the RAS lead to ADHD symptoms such as sleep issues and distractibility.
How ADHD affects the limbic system
The limbic system regulates our emotions. The limbic system requires dopamine to operate at peak efficiency and ADHD brains process dopamine less efficiently.
This can result in ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, inattention, and emotional dysregulation.
How ADHD Impacts the Basal Ganglia
The basal ganglia play a role in motor function, emotion, and how our senses are processed. In ADHD, the basal ganglia are implicated in impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and sensory processing differences.
The moral of the story
The moral of the story is that ADHD is significantly more than simply difficulty paying attention and sitting still. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning ADHD impacts how the brain develops and functions.
ADHD impacts executive functioning, mood, and for many people it can interfere with everyday life.
If you’ve ever said (or thought) anything along the lines of “ADHD isn’t real” or “ADHD is just an excuse”, hopefully this provided a little insight into why these types of statements minimize the actual challenges we regularly face.
Please don’t add to our difficulties with ableist, invalidating hyperbole.