Life with ADHD: Dopamine’s role in cravings, pleasure, and reward
An abbreviated introduction to the neuroscience of ADHD
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor or a therapist. I was a certified pharmacy technician for years, and I’m an individual with ADHD. Always discuss medications, symptoms, and any other related concerns with a qualified healthcare provider such as a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist.
As a data practitioner, I’ve analyzed my Medium data and found that the third-most read and saved of my posts is My ADHD Productivity Stack, so I’ve decided to write a bit more about Life with ADHD.
If you follow any ADHD-related content on social media, especially TikTok, you’ve certainly encountered people bemoaning their lack of dopamine and need for a “dopamine hit” from food, caffeine, shopping, or whatever activities or substances that cause their particular brain chemistry react in a way that feels good to them.
A growing body of evidence shows that individuals with ADHD have less of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter made from dopamine, available to be used by their brains than other individuals. However, it’s not precisely a lack of dopamine that causes the desire for pleasure-inducing experiences.
