Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in ADHD?

The neurotransmitter primarily involved in ADHD is dopamine. This is due to its critical role in the brain's reward system, motivation, and attention processes. Research has shown that individuals with ADHD often have dysregulation in dopamine pathways, which can lead to difficulties in focusing, sustaining attention, and regulating impulses. The connection between dopamine levels and behaviors characteristic of ADHD has made it a key target for both research and treatment strategies, including medications that aim to increase dopamine activity in the brain.

While norepinephrine and serotonin also play roles in attention and mood regulation, their primary associations are not as directly linked to ADHD symptoms as dopamine. Acetylcholine, although important for various cognitive functions, does not have the same level of direct correlation with ADHD as dopamine does. Understanding the dominance of dopamine helps clarify treatments such as stimulants, which primarily work by enhancing dopamine's effectiveness in neural communication.