How Does Puberty Affect Dopamine and Norepinephrine in ADHD Brains?

PostedSeptember 29, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Puberty is a critical period of development, marked by hormonal shifts that significantly impact the brain. For individuals with ADHD, these changes can intensify existing symptoms related to dopamine and norepinephrine dysfunction, two key neurotransmitters involved in attention, mood regulation, and executive function. The effects of puberty on these neurotransmitters can further complicate ADHD symptoms during adolescence.

Dopamine and Reward Sensitivity in Adolescence

During puberty, there is a surge in dopamine activity, which is linked to increased reward sensitivity and motivation. This heightened dopamine response can lead to impulsivity and risk-taking behaviours, which are common in adolescents with ADHD. For these individuals, the natural increase in dopamine activity may exacerbate existing dopamine dysfunction, making it even harder to regulate attention and behaviour. The result is often a stronger drive for immediate rewards, contributing to difficulties with long-term goal setting and focus.

Norepinephrine and Emotional Regulation

Norepinephrine, which plays a key role in arousal, attention, and emotional regulation, is also affected during puberty. As hormonal shifts occur, norepinephrine levels fluctuate, impacting the brain’s ability to stay alert and control emotional responses. Adolescents with ADHD, already struggling with norepinephrine dysregulation, may experience heightened emotional volatility, irritability, and difficulties in regulating their responses to stress.

Neural Plasticity and ADHD in Adolescence

Puberty also brings changes in neural plasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise and adapt. For individuals with ADHD, this period of development offers both challenges and opportunities. While puberty may worsen symptoms due to neurotransmitter imbalances, it can also present a critical window for interventions that leverage neural plasticity to improve cognitive and emotional regulation.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to understand how puberty affects dopamine and norepinephrine in ADHD and how this influences symptom management during adolescence.

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.