Are There Next-Gen PET Tracers for Dopamine and Norepinephrine in ADHD?

PostedSeptember 30, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful neuroimaging technique used to observe brain function by detecting the activity of specific neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. In ADHD, where dopamine and norepinephrine dysregulation play a crucial role in symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation, PET imaging has the potential to provide invaluable insights. Next-gen PET tracers are being developed to enhance our understanding of these neurotransmitter systems and improve biomarker research in ADHD.

Advancements in PET Imaging for ADHD

Traditional PET tracers have been used to study dopamine and norepinephrine activity in various brain regions associated with ADHD, such as the prefrontal cortex and striatum. However, current tracers have limitations in terms of specificity and resolution. The development of next-gen PET tracers focuses on improving these aspects, enabling more precise imaging of dopamine and norepinephrine systems in the ADHD brain. These tracers are designed to bind more selectively to dopamine receptors or norepinephrine transporters, offering more detailed information on neurotransmitter availability and receptor function.

The Potential of Next-Gen PET Tracers

Next-gen PET tracers hold promise for better understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of ADHD by offering more specific and reliable insights into dopamine and norepinephrine dysregulation. This could lead to more targeted treatments based on a deeper understanding of individual brain chemistry. Moreover, these tracers could help identify early biomarkers for ADHD, allowing for earlier diagnosis and more personalised treatment options.

Conclusion

The development of next-gen PET tracers for dopamine and norepinephrine is an exciting area of neuroimaging and biomarker research for ADHD. These advanced imaging techniques could revolutionise how we understand and treat ADHD by offering greater precision in assessing neurotransmitter function.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to explore the future of PET imaging in ADHD and neurotransmitter research.

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.