How Do These Neurotransmitters Affect ADHD and Bipolar Disorder?

PostedSeptember 30, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

ADHD and bipolar disorder are distinct yet often comorbid conditions, both involving dopamine and norepinephrine dysregulation. These neurotransmitters play essential roles in attention, mood regulation, and emotional stability, making them central to the symptoms of both ADHD and bipolar disorder. Understanding how dopamine and norepinephrine impact these conditions can help explain the overlap in symptoms such as impulsivity, mood swings, and emotional dysregulation.

Dopamine and Its Role in ADHD and Bipolar Disorder

Dopamine is involved in motivation, reward processing, and attention. In ADHD, dopamine dysfunction leads to difficulties with focus, impulse control, and motivation. Low dopamine activity in areas like the prefrontal cortex can cause symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity. In bipolar disorder, dopamine imbalances contribute to the extreme mood swings that characterize the condition. During manic episodes, high dopamine activity can fuel elevated mood, risk-taking behaviour, and impulsivity, while depressive episodes are linked to reduced dopamine, leading to anhedonia and low motivation.

Norepinephrine and Its Role in ADHD and Bipolar Disorder

Norepinephrine regulates alertness, focus, and emotional responses. In ADHD, norepinephrine dysfunction contributes to symptoms like poor attention, hyperactivity, and emotional instability. In bipolar disorder, norepinephrine is also implicated in mood regulation, particularly during manic and depressive episodes. High norepinephrine levels during manic phases can lead to agitation, anxiety, and rapid speech, while low levels during depressive episodes may contribute to feelings of lethargy and lack of interest.

Conclusion

The neurotransmitter imbalances in dopamine and norepinephrine play a significant role in both ADHD and bipolar disorder, contributing to symptoms like impulsivity, mood swings, and emotional dysregulation. Understanding these imbalances is crucial for comorbidity management and tailoring effective treatment plans.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to explore how dopamine and norepinephrine affect both ADHD and bipolar disorder.

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.