Dopamine Deficiency and ADHD/ADD: What's the Relationship?
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Leesduur: 7 min
You've probably heard that dopamine plays a key role in neurodivergence, such as ADHD and ADD. But it's not as simple as a dopamine deficiency.
The link between dopamine and ADHD (and related forms) is much more complex than is often thought.
Dopamine works closely with norepinephrine, another messenger substance in your brain. A growing body of research shows how these two together influence our behavior, especially in people with ADHD.
In this article, I'll take you through what dopamine and norepinephrine actually do, how they relate to ADHD, and what this could mean for you.
ADHD/ADD is not caused by a simple dopamine deficiency, but by a disturbed timing and regulation of dopamine.
Dopamine and norepinephrine work closely together. An imbalance between them causes difficulty concentrating, impulsiveness, and a constant need for stimulation.
ADHD medication inhibits the reuptake of these neurotransmitters. A dopamine detox can provide temporary relief, but it's not a replacement for full treatment.
Table of contents
What is the difference between ADHD and ADD What does dopamine do in your brain? Dopamine deficiency in ADHD/ADD Not a deficiency but an imbalance Dopamine and norepinephrine Norepinephrine and ADHD What effect does ADHD medication have on dopamine? Medication for Parkinson's and ADHD: The same substance, different effects Dopamine detox for ADHD: Should you try a dopamine detox? Here's how
What is the difference between ADHD and ADD
People with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating, controlling impulses, and regulating energy and emotions. This can impact learning, working, and social interactions.
ADHD can manifest itself in two ways:
- ADHD with hyperactivity (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, combined type) - This involves a lack of attention as well as hyperactive and impulsive behavior
- ADHD without hyperactivity (formerly called ADD , now ADHD predominantly inattentive type) - Here the focus is mainly on the lack of attention, without visible pushy behavior
What does dopamine do in your brain?
Normally, dopamine in your brain helps you get motivated . It gives you a push to do something, like achieve a goal or find something enjoyable.
Dopamine also helps you make decisions more easily and control impulses . It acts as a messenger, transmitting signals to parts of your brain related to motivation, attention, and reward.
It doesn't make you happy immediately, but it teaches you which things are worth continuing . Dopamine helps you persevere, learn new things, and enjoy yourself.
Dopamine deficiency in ADHD/ADD
See the connection? Dopamine plays a major role in concentration, planning, and impulse control. But with ADHD, the dopamine system functions less effectively, making it harder to maintain attention and stay calm. (1)
This disruption makes normal behavior feel less rewarding . As a result, you're more likely to seek out additional stimuli and excitement, which can manifest as impulsiveness, quick distraction, and risky behavior.
Not a shortage but an imbalance
This link with dopamine has long been seen as a simple "deficiency." But that's actually too simplistic. New research insights show that the dopamine system is much more complex. (2)
It's basically a matter of the dopamine balance being off. Sometimes there's not enough dopamine in the parts of your brain where it's needed, or it's not being used at the right time. (3)
This can cause you to have difficulty concentrating, react impulsively or lose motivation, the well-known symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD and ADD aren't the same in everyone. The dopamine system works differently for each person. That's why medication works very well for some, but less so for others.
In short : Dopamine is certainly a piece of the puzzle in ADHD and ADD, but the story is much more complex than just "too little dopamine." It's about how everything works together and is in balance.
Dopamine and noradrenaline
What's becoming increasingly clear in research on dopamine in ADHD is that it doesn't work alone. It also interacts extensively with other brain chemicals, such as norepinephrine.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are both neurotransmitters , or messenger chemicals in your brain. They enable your brain cells to communicate with each other and play a major role in how you think, feel, and react.
- Dopamine helps you stay motivated, achieve goals, and control impulses. It's important for attention, learning, and the reward system.
- Noradrenaline primarily provides alertness and the ability to react quickly, and also regulates your stress level.
These two messenger substances work closely together: Dopamine motivates you to start something, while norepinephrine helps you stay alert and responsive during that activity. Together, they ensure you stay focused and cope effectively with stimuli.
Norepinephrine and ADHD
In ADHD and ADD, this interaction between dopamine and norepinephrine often works less well. Increasingly, research shows that norepinephrine is just as important as dopamine in ADHD and ADD. (4)
So noradrenaline normally works to help you concentrate and process stimuli, but with ADHD it works a little differently:
- In calm situations, norepinephrine is usually less active . For example, you might find it difficult to sit still during boring classes or to focus on a tedious task without distraction.
- Under stress or pressure, norepinephrine actually becomes temporarily more active , making you more alert. That's why many people with ADHD perform better when they have a deadline or are working under supervision. It provides a kind of wake-up call for your brain, sharpening your focus and making it easier to complete tasks.
In short : Dopamine and norepinephrine together determine how well your brain functions. When this balance is disrupted, as in ADHD and ADD, challenges arise with concentration, impulse control, and staying calm.
What does ADHD medication do to dopamine?
Medications commonly prescribed for ADHD, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines, work by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They block the reuptake of these substances, allowing them to remain active longer in the space between brain cells.
In addition, some medications can also cause the release of extra dopamine or noradrenaline , which strengthens the signal between brain cells.
These drugs improve communication in the brain, which helps with concentration, impulse control and motivation.
Medication for Parkinson's and ADHD: Same substance, different effect
It's sometimes thought that Parkinson's medication can also help with ADHD, because both involve dopamine. That seems logical, but it doesn't work that way.
Parkinson's medications replenish a marked dopamine deficiency in brain areas responsible for movement , while ADHD medications regulate dopamine and norepinephrine in brain areas that influence attention and impulse control .
In fact, Parkinson's medications can even interfere with concentration in ADHD patients. So, not a good idea.
Dopamine detox for ADHD: yes or no?
Do you find yourself constantly scrolling through your phone, but you're struggling to focus? The popular trend of dopamine detox (or dopamine fasting) is found to be effective by many people.
Although this has not yet been scientifically proven , many people feel calmer and can focus more easily. (5)
A dopamine detox can be as simple as taking a walk without your phone, reading for half an hour without interruptions, or just being offline for a while. This gives your brain a chance to relax and function better.
Taking a break from all that stimulation sounds like the perfect dopamine reset . But with ADHD, the brain works a little differently.
As I explained, ADHD isn't just about too little dopamine, but more importantly about how dopamine and norepinephrine work together.
A short dopamine detox won't easily change that complex balance. In fact, completely eliminating stimuli can be frustrating and have little effect.
In short : Yes, a dopamine detox can help you find temporary calm and improve your focus, but it's not a substitute for a comprehensive ADHD treatment. Use it as part of a broader plan that includes medication, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle adjustments that are right for you.
Trying a Dopamine Detox? Here's How
Curious if dopamine fasting is right for you? Here's how to safely test if it works for you:
- Start small - Choose a short detox period of a few hours to one day, so that it remains feasible
- Recognize your triggers - Pay attention to which activities give you quick dopamine hits, like scrolling or snacking, and limit them temporarily
- Replace stimuli - Choose calming activities such as walking, reading or writing to give your brain a rest
- Track your progress - Write down how you feel before, during and after your detox to discover what works for you
Note : Extreme forms of dopamine detox, such as complete isolation, can actually be detrimental to your (mental) health. The concept isn't yet fully scientifically substantiated, but many people (with or without ADHD) do experience benefits. It's important to implement it in a feasible and safe way that suits you.
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
Sources used
- Li, D., Sham, P. C., Owen, M. J., & He, L. (2006). Meta-analysis shows significant association between dopamine system genes and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Human Molecular Genetics, 15(14), 2276–2284. https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/ddl152
- MacDonald, H.J., Kleppe, R., Szigetvari, P.D., & Haavik, J. (2024). The dopamine hypothesis for ADHD: An evaluation of evidence accumulated from human studies and animal models. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1492126
- Wu, J., Xiao, H., Sun, H., Zou, L., & Zhu, L. (2012). Role of Dopamine Receptors in ADHD: A Systematic Meta-analysis. Molecular Neurobiology, 45(3), 605–620. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-012-8278-5
- Del Campo, N., Chamberlain, S. R., Sahakian, B. J., & Robbins, T. W. (2011). The Roles of Dopamine and Norepinephrine in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 69(12), e145–e157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.02.036
- Desai, D., Patel, J., Saiyed, F., Upadhyay, H., Kariya, P., & Patel, J. (2024b). A Literature Review on Holistic Well-Being and Dopamine Fasting: An Integrated Approach. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.61643
