How Can Exercise Boost Dopamine and Norepinephrine in ADHD?

PostedSeptember 29, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Exercise is a powerful tool for managing ADHD. Regular physical activity not only improves overall health but can also boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, two neurotransmitters that play a critical role in attention, focus, and impulse control. These brain chemicals are often dysregulated in individuals with ADHD, and exercise can help counteract some of the symptoms by enhancing their function.

How Exercise Affects Dopamine and Norepinephrine

Exercise boosts dopamine and norepinephrine levels, enhancing mood, focus, and cognitive performance while reducing ADHD-related inattention and impulsivity.

Dopamine Boost

Exercise, particularly aerobic activities like running, swimming, or cycling, stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain. This increase in dopamine helps enhance motivation, focus, and reward processing, which are often impaired in individuals with ADHD. As dopamine levels rise, people with ADHD may experience improved concentration and a reduced need for external stimulation to stay engaged with tasks.

Norepinephrine and Attention

Norepinephrine, which regulates alertness and attention, is also positively affected by exercise. When we engage in physical activity, especially moderate to intense exercise, the brain increases norepinephrine release, leading to enhanced cognitive performance and better emotional regulation. This boost in norepinephrine can help individuals with ADHD manage distractions and improve their ability to stay on task.

Exercise and ADHD Symptom Management

Incorporating regular exercise into a daily routine can significantly reduce ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Whether through team sports, strength training, or simply going for a walk, exercise offers an accessible, low-cost way to manage ADHD.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to learn how exercise can help boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels, improving ADHD symptoms.

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.