What is dopamine?
Dopamine is a vital neurotransmitter that regulates pleasure, attentiveness, and information processing. Dopamine causes the brain to seek out rewards and to feel satisfied and accomplished when they are obtained. The human dopamine transporter (DAT) regulates dopamine uptake. Abnormalities in the dopamine transporter gene or its function have been associated to a variety of illnesses, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, and Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine agonists are licensed to treat a wide range of motor cortex-related diseases.This neurotransmitter is also crucial for a variety of motor activities, including balance and coordination, and is essential for good sleep. At least five different types of dopamine receptors in the brain serve various functions.
The brain’s reward system
Dopamine is responsible for the sense of accomplishment you get after completing a large assignment or the sensation you receive after biting into a chocolate bar. This neurotransmitter is released when your brain perceives a stimulus or circumstance as gratifying. For example, when you consume dessert, the sugar may play an important part in the release of dopamine. This surge reinforces the behavior, making you more inclined to repeat it in the future. From an evolutionary standpoint, these dopamine bursts were initially used to interact with the environment and to help humans seek out what was beneficial to their survival. Dopamine, also known as the “pleasure chemical,” may be more accurately described as the desire chemical. Dopamine creates a motivation to seek out what previously produced dopamine release. This function may be useful if you want to achieve a reward or goal that is important to you. Dopamine can be released in varying amounts in response to stimuli such as food or situations such as sex and physical activity.However, in modern society, some people may believe that their natural reward system has been hijacked. Neurotypical people may also face increased challenges with impulse control and distractibility as a result of technological changes and workload. However, neurodiverse people, such as those with ADHD, may be especially vulnerable because their brains are predisposed to seek out high-dopamine stimuli whenever possible.
What happens when dopamine is low?
Low levels of dopamine can contribute to a loss of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities, trouble achieving motivation, and insomnia. While the conventional treatment technique for generally healthy adults with depression is therapy plus medication, which may work by enhancing serotonin transmission, some people with ADHD respond better to drugs that can inhibit the absorption of dopamine in the synapse. High quantities of dopamine in the incorrect location can also contribute to symptoms of other mental health conditions, including psychosis and schizophrenia. However, before starting, modifying, or stopping medication or considering an ADHD diagnosis, visit a medical expert such your primary care physician or a psychiatrist.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dopamine
Brain imaging performed on children and adults with ADHD has shown differences in the dopamine transport system. For example, dopamine transporter imaging is a diagnostic tool that uses radioligands to visualize and quantify dopamine transporter density in the brain. This imaging tool is helpful for investigating the role of the dopamine transporter gene in various neurological disorders. The area most affected is the prefrontal cortex, responsible for controlling behavior, directing attention, and inhibiting impulses. Research, which includes brain imaging, has shown that the brains of children and adults with symptoms of ADHD seem to function differently than neurotypical brains. ADHD brains can be thought to have an ineffective filter for incoming stimuli and difficulty processing information. It’s believed that there are naturally fewer dopamine receptors in the prefrontal cortex and less overall dopamine produced. The ADHD neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are found to be deficient in these individuals, and norepinephrine is made from dopamine. People with ADHD may compulsively seek high-dopamine activities and stimuli to achieve a dopamine rush, so people with ADHD may be more likely to engage in impulsive and risky behaviors. An individual may seek any situation that incites a strong burst of dopamine in the brain. People with ADHD may describe themselves as adrenaline lovers, never satisfied, and always seeking what is out of reach. Individuals with ADHD may also describe difficulty separating themselves from interesting stimuli, such as TV shows, multiple tabs in a browser, or a passion project. Young children living with ADHD may even have outsized emotional responses when denied their desired stimuli. Dopamine is the chemical that tells ADHD brains to pay attention to what’s going on. Without a sufficient level, attention, memory, and motivation may slip. A person with ADHD may be chronically unsatisfied, bored, or unhappy if the condition is not managed correctly. For this reason, living with a low level of dopamine is a risk factor for ADHD.
Can people with ADHD increase dopamine levels?
Treating ADHD often involves creating strategies for increasing dopamine in the brain healthily. Stimulant medications are sometimes prescribed to increase dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, thereby alleviating symptoms of ADHD. However, these medications often cause side effects. Nonstimulant drugs such as Atomoxetine may also be prescribed as an ADHD medication. While stimulant medication can be invaluable for some people, it must be monitored by a doctor. Dietary changes may also benefit those with ADHD, as studies have found that people with ADHD are more likely to develop type two diabetes and heart disease later in life. Whether you have hyperactive, inattentive, or combined ADHD, movement is often an essential part of ADHD treatment. Exercise has been shown to increase both dopamine and serotonin production in the brain, as well as increase dopamine receptor density. Even if you don’t have the time or inclination to hit the gym, going outside for a walk several times a week may make a difference. Once considered an alternative treatment, mindfulness meditation is now also recognized for its effect on the ADHD brain. Mindfulness practices involve focusing on the present moment using breathing and deliberate focus techniques. These activities may increase your awareness of your thoughts and emotions and can cause dopamine release for some people.
Managing ADHD symptoms with therapy
There can be many components to a successfully managing ADHD, including behavior therapy, effective medications, and coping strategies to control symptoms like impulses and mood swings. Therapy can be a valuable part of the process. A therapist can work with you to help you set treatment goals, monitor your progress, and create behavioral strategies to work with your unique brain instead of fighting against limitations. However, some people with ADHD may experience barriers to receiving support from an in-person therapist due to transportation limitations, a lack of financial resources, or distance. Working with an online mental health specialist through a platform like BetterHelp may be more convenient, as you can meet with your provider from home in any location with an internet connection. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions, giving you control over how you receive support.