ADHD, Empathy, & Dopamine: A Book Excerpt, Study, and Definition

11/17/22 • 21 min

What can a published study — and an excerpt from my first book — explain about ADHD, empathy, and the neurotransmitter dopamine? That’s what this post is all about.

I started noticing a remarkable phenomenon 20 years ago. That is, stimulant medication, which targets dopamine, enhances empathy (or at least the ability to act on empathy) for many adults with ADHD. How is this possible?
You can read this popular blogpost (and the comments!) here: ADHD, Empathy, & Dopamine: A Book Excerpt, Study, and Definition

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

Send us a text

What can a published study — and an excerpt from my first book — explain about ADHD, empathy, and the neurotransmitter dopamine? That’s what this post is all about.

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

Previous Episode

"Self-Medicating with Argument"—Meaning and Connection to ADHD

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For many obvious reasons, ADHD-challenged relationships tend to teem with arguments and conflicts. Especially when neither partner knows ADHD is in the mix!
Apart from that, why do some people with ADHD self-medicate with argument? What does that phrase even mean? I wrote about this in my first book, in 2008. Since then, we hear about it more online—but seldom in a useful context.
Simply, self-medicating with argument refers to the stimulation some folks get by provoking a conflict—consciously or not. It can spell disaster for your life and relationships.
Why does this happen? Case by case, we can only speculate. For one thing, getting angry and arguing can release adrenaline—and thus calming focus.
But we don’t have to know why it happens to know that it happens. Even when you do recognize the phenomenon, it’s no way to live. Rather, understanding paves the path to solutions.
In this podcast sharing one of my most popular blog posts, I delve into the complexities: Why Some Adults with ADHD with ADHD Self-Medicate with Argument

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

Next Episode

What's Up with Concerta and General Stimulant Shortage?

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This episode is the audio version of an important blog post, where I break down urgent issues affecting many ADHD medication users:

What’s going on with the Concerta authorized-generic (the brand-name product sold as a generic by Patriot, a Janssen subsidiary)?
What’s the status of the ADHD stimulant shortage that began in late 2022?
Most importantly: What can you do now to protect your treatment and advocate for yourself or your loved one?

Read the full post here:
Janssen Quietly Ends Concerta Authorized-Generic
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-medications/janssen-quietly-ends-concerta-authorized-generic/

The post includes important clarifications, links, and reader comments.

Quick clarification mentioned in the podcast:
Many readers have asked: Will Janssen continue manufacturing Concerta?
Janssen is still producing Concerta at its Puerto Rico facility—but questions remain about its continued use of the OROS technology (Alza’s patented delivery system). Janssen began phasing out its California production site in 2019, but details are scarce. Consumers are often the last to know. Janssen does not return my phone calls or answer emails.

Is Medication Working for You or Your Loved One?
If you suspect your prescriber is missing key factors—especially around medication options beyond Concerta, Adderall, or Vyvanse—you’re likely right.

Tips, tricks, and therapy are often not enough. Sometimes, real progress starts with understanding how physical health affects ADHD symptoms and medication response.

🎓 Take a deep dive into ADHD as a physical condition in Course 2 of my online training program:
Solve Your Adult ADHD Puzzle – Course 2: Physical Strategies
Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/course-2-physical-strategies

This course focuses on: