Do Dopamine and Norepinephrine Dysregulation Cause Working Memory Issues in ADHD? 

Yes, growing evidence suggests that dopamine and norepinephrine dysregulation significantly contribute to working memory issues in individuals with ADHD. Working memory, the brain’s ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information, is a key component of executive function, and it is frequently impaired in ADHD. These deficits can affect everything from following multi-step instructions to completing tasks that require focus and mental flexibility. 

Dopamine and Cognitive Control 

Dopamine is essential for supporting the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for short-term memory and goal-directed behaviour. In ADHD, low dopamine activity disrupts the neural circuits that manage mental information, making it difficult to prioritise, organise, or retain details in the moment. This leads to classic cognitive deficits, such as forgetting instructions, losing track of tasks, or struggling with transitions between activities. 

Norepinephrine and Attention Stability 

Norepinephrine plays a complementary role by regulating arousal, attention stability, and the ability to filter distractions. When norepinephrine is dysregulated, the brain may struggle to maintain focus long enough to hold information in mind, further weakening working memory. This is particularly noticeable in tasks that require sustained mental effort or resisting irrelevant stimuli. 

Together, dopamine and norepinephrine dysregulation compromise the brain’s ability to store and manage temporary information, leading to the working memory challenges seen in ADHD. Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to understand how targeting dopamine and norepinephrine function may help improve working memory in ADHD.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Dopamine and norepinephrine systems.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.