Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. ADHD is characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD struggle with tasks that require sustained focus, act impulsively without thinking through consequences, and have trouble sitting still or staying quiet.

ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, but it can persist into adulthood in some cases. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 9.4% of children and 4.4% of adults in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD is also more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls, although this may be due in part to differences in symptom presentation and diagnostic criteria.

The exact causes of ADHD are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has suggested that abnormalities in the brain’s dopamine and norepinephrine systems may play a role in ADHD, as these neurotransmitters are involved in regulating attention, motivation, and reward processing.

One study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that adults with ADHD were more likely to have experienced childhood trauma, including physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that individuals with CPTSD were more likely to have symptoms of ADHD, including inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

It’s also worth noting that many of the symptoms of CPTSD (Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) and ADHD overlap, including difficulty with attention, emotional regulation, and impulse control.

Symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the individual, but usually include:

1. Inattention: difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or activities, often becoming easily distracted or forgetful.
2. Hyperactivity: hyperactive behavior, such as fidgeting, restlessness, or difficulty staying seated.
3. Impulsivity: interrupting others, blurting out inappropriate comments, or acting without considering the consequences, etc.
4. Poor organization: struggle with planning and organizing tasks, often leading to a sense of overwhelm and difficulty completing projects or assignments.
5. Forgetfulness: short-term memory problems, difficulties remembering appointments, deadlines, or even simple tasks.
6. Poor time management: trouble estimating how long a task will take, leading to procrastination, frustration, and difficulty completing assignments on time.
7. Lack of motivation: ADHD affects motivation and drive, leading to difficulty starting or completing tasks.

Diagnosis of ADHD typically involves a comprehensive evaluation that takes into account the individual’s medical history, behavior, and symptoms. Treatment options may include medication, behavioral therapy, or a combination of the two. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, which can help to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain and improve attention and focus.

Behavioral therapy may involve teaching individuals with ADHD strategies for improving organization and time management, as well as social skills training to help with communication and interpersonal relationships. In some cases, accommodations such as extra time on tests or modified work environments may also be helpful.

Although ADHD can be challenging to live with, there are many successful individuals with ADHD who have learned to manage their symptoms and thrive in their personal and professional lives. With the right support and treatment, individuals with ADHD can learn to harness their unique strengths and achieve their full potential.

ADHD, Social Networks and Dopamine Levels

Is there a connection between ADHD and fast scrolling?

In recent years, the rise of social media has transformed the way we consume information, interact with others, and spend our time. With the advent of fast-scrolling and short-form videos, social media has become an increasingly engaging and addictive space.

But what impact does this have on our brain chemistry, specifically our dopamine levels? Is there a connection between scrolling, dopamine levels, and ADHD?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in our brain’s reward system, regulating pleasure, motivation, and learning. It’s often referred to as the “feel-good” chemical, as it’s released when we experience something pleasurable, such as eating delicious food, achieving a goal, or receiving positive social feedback. Social media, with its endless stream of likes, comments, and notifications, can trigger a dopamine release in the brain.

Research has shown that

“fast-scrolling, short-form videos, and social networks can have a significant impact on our dopamine levels.”

In a study conducted by the University of California, Irvine, researchers found that participants who received notifications and text messages experienced a surge in dopamine levels. This suggests that the anticipation of a reward, such as a message or notification, can trigger dopamine release, even before the reward is received.

Another study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that social media use activates the same brain regions as addictive drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. The study showed that social media use can be just as rewarding and addictive as drug use, with similar impacts on dopamine release.

So what about the connection between scrolling, dopamine levels, and ADHD? While research is still in its early stages, some studies suggest that there may be a link. ADHD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.

Research has shown that individuals with ADHD may have lower levels of dopamine in the brain compared to those without ADHD. This suggests that dopamine may play a role in the development of ADHD. It’s possible that the highly stimulating and rewarding nature of social media may exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, leading to further dopamine dysregulation.

Famous psychologist Adam Gazzaley, who is the director of the Neuroscape Center at the University of California, San Francisco, has spoken extensively on the impact of social media on the brain.

He says,

“Social media platforms are highly designed to capture and maintain our attention, and they’re not designed with our brain health in mind.”

He warns that excessive social media use can lead to cognitive and emotional difficulties, including ADHD-like symptoms.

Short Videos and Dopamine

Short-form videos have become increasingly popular on social media platforms for several reasons.

Firstly, short-form videos are easily consumable, and can be quickly and easily shared on social media platforms. This makes them ideal for capturing attention and sharing content quickly, without requiring the viewer to invest a lot of time or effort.

Secondly, the popularity of short-form videos is due in part to the rise of mobile devices and the way people consume media on these devices. With the prevalence of smartphones and other mobile devices, users are more likely to consume content on-the-go, in short bursts of time, rather than sitting down to watch longer-form content.

Finally, short-form videos lend themselves well to social media platforms that are designed for quick and easy sharing. By keeping the length of videos short, it makes it easier for users to upload and share videos on these platforms, and for other users to engage with the content.

There is an inner feeling in us that time is not enough to consume all the information there is (FOMO – Fear of Missing Out).

There is some research on how watching short videos on a daily basis can impact the brain. Some studies suggest that watching short videos, such as those on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, can provide a quick dopamine hit that can feel rewarding, but may also contribute to increased distractibility and decreased attention span over time.

On the other hand, there is evidence to suggest that watching educational or informative short videos, such as those on YouTube, can be beneficial for the brain by increasing knowledge and stimulating curiosity. In fact, some research has shown that watching educational videos can be more effective for learning than traditional classroom instruction.

Overall, the effects of watching short videos on the brain likely depend on a variety of factors, including the content of the videos, the individual’s existing cognitive abilities, and their level of engagement with the material. As with most things, moderation is key, and it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of excessive screen time and take steps to mitigate them.

ADHD and Social Networks: Studies & Findings

This table highlights the various studies and statistics that demonstrate the impact of social media and dopamine dysregulation on mental health and wellbeing, including the potential exacerbation of ADHD symptoms.

Study	Findings
Brain (Volkow et al., 2007)	Individuals with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine transporters in the brain, contributing to dopamine dysregulation
UCLA (Meshi et al., 2015)	Participants who received “likes” on social media posts showed increased activity in the reward center of the brain, including the release of dopamine
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (Lin et al., 2016)	Individuals who spent more time on social media reported higher levels of ADHD symptoms, including inattention and impulsivity
Common Sense Media (Rideout et al., 2018)	72% of American teens feel the need to immediately respond to text messages, notifications, and social media messages
Royal Society for Public Health (2017)	Instagram is the most detrimental social media platform for mental health and wellbeing, with a negative impact on body image, sleep, and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)

Recommended Books on ADHD and Dopamine

If you’re interested in learning more about ADHD and the role of dopamine in the brain, there are many books that offer valuable insights and strategies for managing symptoms.

In this section, we’ve compiled a list of recommended books that have gained a following and offer unique perspectives on ADHD and dopamine. Whether you’re living with ADHD yourself or supporting someone who is, these books can provide valuable information and tools for managing symptoms and improving overall mental health.

1. “Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder” by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey (sponsored link). This book is a classic in the field of ADHD and provides a comprehensive overview of the disorder, including the role of dopamine in ADHD symptoms.
2. “The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps” by Melissa Orlov (sponsored link). This book is geared towards couples where one partner has ADHD and offers practical strategies for managing symptoms and improving communication.
3. “Scattered: How Attention Deficit Disorder Originates and What You Can Do About It” by Gabor Maté (sponsored link). This book explores the root causes of ADHD, including the impact of dopamine dysregulation, and offers holistic strategies for managing symptoms.
4. “The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity – and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race” by Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long (sponsored link). This book delves into the role of dopamine in the brain and how it impacts behavior, including ADHD symptoms.
5. “The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World” by Adam Gazzaley and Larry D. Rosen (sponsored link). This book explores the impact of technology on attention and cognitive function, including the potential exacerbation of ADHD symptoms, and offers strategies for managing distractions in a modern world.

These books offer a range of perspectives and strategies for managing ADHD symptoms and understanding the role of dopamine in the brain. They have also gained a following and may be considered viral in some circles.

Fast-scrolling, short videos, and social networks can have a significant impact on our brain’s reward system and dopamine levels.

More research is needed to fully understand the connection between scrolling, dopamine levels, and ADHD, but still there are indications that social media use may exacerbate symptoms of ADHD and further dysregulate dopamine levels. Be mindful of your social media use.