Dopamine plays a crucial role in ADHD by influencing focus and behavior. Individuals with ADHD often have low dopamine levels, which leads to disruptions in the brain circuits responsible for attention and decision-making — this is known as the low dopamine hypothesis of ADHD. When dopamine levels in the brain are insufficient, neurons may fire unnecessarily in networks managing attention, causing attentional issues and leading to impulsivity or hyperactivity.

Dopamine acts as a neuromodulator that helps focus attention by narrowing visual and auditory focus to only pay attention to specific stimuli in the environment, and is largely responsible for goal-directed behaviors and motivation. This ability to concentrate on specific tasks is affected in people with ADHD due to reduced dopamine signaling, often leading them to seek stimulants —– either as medication or recreationally — to increase dopamine levels and thus improve attention.

ADHD is driven by imbalances in both the quantity and regulation of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play crucial roles in attention and impulse control. Studies reveal that in individuals with attention deficit disorder, the prefrontal cortex exhibits reduced capacity to properly coordinate with other brain networks, which results in increased background "noise" and difficulty in focusing on a single task. This dysregulation leads to symptoms like difficulty completing tasks, impulsivity and symptoms of hyperactivity.

Additionally, impaired communication between the prefrontal cortex and other regions that govern emotion and motivation often results in difficulties with emotional regulation, behavior management and task persistence. 

Understanding the baseline neural activity in those with ADHD can lead to a greater understanding of the behaviors and traits associated with ADHD and provide a starting point for behavioral and environmental protocols to reduce the severity of symptoms with or without the use of prescription medications.

Nutritional and supplement protocols for managing ADHD symptoms include a variety of options that focus on supporting brain health and neurotransmitter balance. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those with a higher ratio of EPA fatty acids (1 gram or more), has shown benefits in alleviating ADHD symptoms. Acetyl L-carnitine supplementation and the elimination of processed sugars from the diet have both been shown to have positive effects in children. Evidence also suggests that addressing nutritional deficits such as low magnesium or zinc levels can be beneficial.

Many people with ADHD experience a significant improvement in their symptoms on prescription ADHD medications, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Over time, ADHD medications can support neuroplasticity by strengthening the neural pathways required for focus and attention, potentially reducing the need for medication.

Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and getting quality sleep is among the most important things you can do for your brain, though people with ADHD often struggle with sleep, part of their overall struggle to maintain a consistent schedule, avoid distractions and quiet the mind. In addition to practices like non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) and meditation, which can train the brain to relax and detach from one’s thoughts, psychotherapy and behavioral therapy can directly assist in fostering self-awareness around one’s ADHD symptoms — and implement behavioral and environmental protocols effectively. Other behavioral tools such as self-regulation techniques and focus training can improve attention and reduce impulsivity.

There have been several guests on the podcast who have shared their own stories of living with ADHD — this is not surprising, as the ability to hyperfocus and relentlessly pursue topics (given you find it interesting) is both a characteristic of ADHD and what makes a great researcher, scientist or thought leader.