Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter which helps our brain to work effectively. However, we need the right level of dopamine. Research has determined that people with ADHD have a dopamine deficiency, this means their brain simply does not release the correct amount. This hinders their ability to perform tasks which are easy for people who don’t have ADHD.
Dopamine plays an important role in movement, memory, motivation, behaviour, cognition, attention, sleep, arousal, mood, and learning. Indeed, it is extremely important. Therefore, It should come as no surprise that if our dopamine levels are inadequate, it will have a significant impact on our ability to function effectively.
Dopamine also plays a role in the “fight or flight” response. It is released when we perceive a threat in our environment. For students with ADHD, these ‘threats to survival’ can be:
- Overstimulation: Individuals with ADHD may become overwhelmed by external stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights.
- Emotional stress: conflict with a friend or family member or fear of failure.
- Frustration: Difficulty with tasks that require sustained attention and focus.
- Boredom: Lack of stimulation or engagement in tasks.
Human brains are hardwired to seek out pleasure and ‘survive’. This means that we are motivated to keep doing things that help us, and feel good. Dopamine plays a huge role in this; it is part of the body’s reward system. When we are doing something that is pleasurable, our brain releases dopamine and this motivates us to keep doing that thing as we crave feeling good. This is the reason dopamine is often called the “feel-good” hormone.
Interestingly, the consumption of sugar and junk food also triggers the release of huge amounts of dopamine. This is why it is so addictive!
Unfortunately, students with ADHD who are craving dopamine, develop the habit of obtaining their dopamine by demonstrating attention seeking behaviours or using inappropriate ways to connect with others. This is largely due to the fact that, especially in school, it is challenging for them to obtain it by being ‘good’ so they resort to getting it by acting out. The very best thing parents and teachers can do to ‘flick the switch’ on this is to ensure we are paying them attention when they are doing the right thing and trying not to give them attention when they are behaving inappropriately; catch them being good 😊
Simple ways that teachers can help their ADHD students is to :
- Say hello to them when you see them in the yard.
- Ask them about their interests, especially if they love football!
- Provide generous amounts of praise.
- Smile at them.
- Give them a high five or a thumbs up when you notice them doing good.
- Allow them to use headphones to listen to music while they work.
- Provide calm reminders for them to stay on task or refocus.
- Allow brain breaks.
- Provide opportunities for them to do jobs for the class.
- Understand that they might need to stretch their legs and allow them to go for a short walk.
- Use green pen instead of red when marking their work.
- Avoid yelling at them.
- Try not to embarrass them for something that they find challenging (such as talking too much, wandering around the room, calling out etc.)
Stimulant medications, which are commonly used to treat ADHD, work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. By increasing dopamine activity, these medications can improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and increase motivation in individuals with ADHD.
