Can Dopamine/Norepinephrine Imaging Predict ADHD Treatment Response?

PostedSeptember 29, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Dopamine and norepinephrine imaging have emerged as potential tools for predicting ADHD treatment response. By using neuroimaging techniques like PET scans or fMRI, researchers can observe how these neurotransmitters function in the brain, particularly in areas responsible for attention, emotion, and self-regulation. Understanding dopamine and norepinephrine activity could lead to more personalised treatment plans, allowing clinicians to match the right medication or therapy to an individual’s unique neurochemistry.

Dopamine and Norepinephrine Imaging in ADHD

Dopamine and norepinephrine are central to ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. Neuroimaging can provide valuable insight into how well these neurotransmitters function in regions like the prefrontal cortex and striatum, which are involved in executive function and reward processing. Abnormalities in dopamine and norepinephrine systems have been associated with ADHD, and imaging can help identify these patterns in the brain, potentially predicting how an individual will respond to different treatments.

Therapy Prediction and Medication Matching

One of the most exciting aspects of dopamine and norepinephrine imaging is its potential to help predict which treatments will be most effective. For instance, individuals with dopamine deficiencies may respond better to stimulant medications, which increase dopamine activity. On the other hand, individuals with more pronounced norepinephrine dysregulation might benefit more from non-stimulant treatments like atomoxetine, which targets norepinephrine specifically. By identifying these imbalances early, imaging could help clinicians make more informed decisions about medication matching and therapy prediction.

Conclusion

While dopamine and norepinephrine imaging are still primarily used in research, their potential to guide ADHD treatment is significant. In the future, they could be key tools in personalised care for ADHD, improving outcomes by matching the right treatment to the right individual.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to explore how neuroimaging can help predict ADHD treatment response and medication matching.

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.