Is Adult ADHD Really ADHD? Dopamine, Modern Life, and What’s Really Going On
- Dr. Teresa True
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
These days, it feels like everyone wonders if they have ADHD. Trouble focusing, constantly distracted, glued to phones, bouncing between emails and notifications. But is this truly ADHD or is it our brains adapting to a world running at a non-stop 100 miles per hour? Let’s explore the difference between true genetic ADHD and lifestyle-driven dopamine imbalance, and how you can support your brain naturally.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is ADHD in adulthood?
Why is ADHD on the rise?
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
What are the potential causes of ADHD-like symptoms today?
Getting a comprehensive evaluation
Common prescription treatments for ADHD
Naturopathic approaches to focus and brain health
Schedule today
What is ADHD in adulthood?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with strong genetic roots. Research shows clear differences in dopamine pathways and brain networks that affect attention, focus, and motivation. But here’s the complication: not everyone who feels distracted and overwhelmed actually has ADHD. In today’s high-speed, high-stimulation world, many adults experience ADHD-like symptoms without ever meeting full diagnostic criteria.
This isn’t “classic ADHD” but rather a trained dopamine imbalance.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Common symptoms include:
Difficulty sustaining attention
Procrastination or trouble finishing tasks-
Forgetfulness and disorganization
Feeling restless or “always on the go”
Frequently losing track of time
Other considerations / complications:
Anxiety and sleep problems often overlap.
Mood swings and irritability can develop.
Chronic stress, burnout, and fatigue may worsen symptoms.
Why is ADHD on the rise?
In part, more people are being properly diagnosed, especially adults who went undiagnosed in childhood. But another piece of the puzzle is our modern environment.
Think about it:
Constant pings and notifications
Social media feeds designed to hook dopamine
News cycles running 24/7
Work demands that never shut off
Our brains are wired for deep focus and periods of rest, not nonstop stimulation. When dopamine gets pushed too hard, too often, the brain adapts by lowering sensitivity, making it harder to focus on normal, everyday tasks.
This isn’t “classic ADHD” but rather a trained dopamine imbalance.
What are the potential causes of ADHD-like symptoms today?
Chronic stress and adrenal dysregulation
Sleep disruption and circadian rhythm imbalance
Excess screen time and dopamine over-stimulation
Dietary factors: processed foods, sugar, food dyes, additives
Nutrient deficiencies: iron, zinc, magnesium, B6, omega-3s
Environmental toxins that interfere with dopamine signaling
Gut dysbiosis: the gut-brain axis plays a major role in neurotransmitter balance
Getting a Comprehensive Evaluation of ADHD-Like Symptoms
Before reaching for a prescription, it’s worth checking for underlying contributors:
Iron studies (low ferritin is linked to poor dopamine function)
Essential Fatty Acid levels (OmegaCheck)
Vitamin and mineral status (especially B-vitamins, zinc, magnesium)
Thyroid testing (low thyroid can mimic ADHD symptoms)
Adrenal function (saliva or urine cortisol panels)
Gut health testing (stool or food intolerance evaluations)
What looks like ADHD may be our brains struggling to adapt to modern life.
Common Prescription Treatments for ADHD
The most commonly prescribed medications for adult ADHD are stimulants and, less frequently, non-stimulants.
Stimulant Medications
- Amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin)
How they work:
They increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which improves focus, alertness, and task completion.
Risks and side effects:
Anxiety, jitteriness, and increased heart rate
Insomnia or disrupted sleep
Appetite suppression, weight loss, and nutrient depletion
Elevated blood pressure or heart palpitations
Potential for dependency or misuse
Rebound irritability or mood swings when the medication wears off
Non-Stimulant Medications
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv), Clonidine (Kapvay)
How they work:
These target norepinephrine signaling or calm the nervous system through alpha-2 adrenergic pathways.
Risks and side effects:
Fatigue and drowsiness
Low blood pressure or dizziness
Sexual side effects (especially with atomoxetine)
Less effective for immediate focus, often slower onset of benefits
Do these address the root cause?
While medications can provide short-term relief and allow for improved productivity, they do not resolve underlying issues such as nutrient deficiencies, adrenal dysfunction, chronic stress, or lifestyle-driven dopamine imbalance.
Naturopathic Treatments for Adult ADHD Symptoms
The good news: there are natural ways to support focus, calm, and dopamine balance without relying solely on prescriptions.
Dietary Recommendations
Prioritize protein at every meal (amino acids feed dopamine production)
Eat foods rich in iron, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins
Include omega-3 fatty acids (wild fish, flax, chia, walnuts)
Avoid artificial dyes, additives, and excessive sugar
Working with a functional nutritionist can help ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs and taking necessary steps to support your brain, mood and hormones.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Practical Tips for Everyday Life
We live in a world that runs fast. Phones, screens, work, news. It never stops. That doesn’t mean you can’t take back control. Here are a few things you can start today:
Screen and phone habits:
Turn off notifications that are not urgent. Family and safety can stay on. Everything else can wait.
Pick set times to check email or social media instead of grazing all day.
No phone at meals.
No screen in the first hour after waking or the last hour before bed.
Try grayscale mode in the evening. Your phone looks less exciting, and your brain winds down.
Work and boundaries:
Use time blocks. Work in 25–50 minute focus sessions with short breaks.
One task at a time. No checking email while in meetings. No phone scrolling while watching TV.
Protect downtime. Put rest and recovery on your calendar the same way you do work.
Respect your off-hours. Work can wait until you’re scheduled. Protect your energy so you can show up fully when it’s actually time to work.
Nature and movement:
Get outside in the morning. Daylight helps your sleep and dopamine balance.
Even 10 minutes under trees or a quick walk in a park lowers stress and helps focus.
When you catch yourself scrolling, move instead. Stretch, breathe, or take a short walk.
Exercise boosts dopamine naturally and stabilizes focus.
Sleep and recovery:
Stop screens 1–2 hours before bed. This lets your brain make melatonin naturally. Read a paper book instead to help relax and sleep.
Keep a regular schedule. Same bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
Write tomorrow’s to-do list before bed. Your brain rests better when it knows what’s coming and doesn't have to hold onto to-dos.
Keep the bedroom cool and dark for the best sleep.
Digital hygiene:
Turn off notifications, schedule social media breaks.
Mindfulness & meditation: retrains the brain to tolerate boredom.
Your brain is doing its best to keep up with a world it wasn’t designed for. Real healing means retraining your dopamine system.
Herbal & Nutrient Support
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) for brain signaling
B-complex vitamins (especially B6) for neurotransmitter balance
Magnesium glycinate to calm the nervous system
Adaptogens like Rhodiola or Ashwagandha to reduce stress
(*Always check with your provider before starting new supplements.*)
The Big Picture
ADHD is real, and for those with strong genetic wiring, medications can be life-changing. But for many adults, what looks like ADHD may be our brains struggling to adapt to modern life.
The takeaway: your brain is doing its best to keep up with a world it wasn’t designed for. Stimulants can help in the short term, but real healing means retraining your dopamine system with nutrition, lifestyle, and mindful habits.
At Pacific Clinic of Natural Medicine, we work with patients to uncover the why behind their focus struggles, not just to manage symptoms. From nutrient testing to adrenal support, we look for root causes and practical, sustainable solutions.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to see if we can help.
Helpful Reading:
Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell, MD & John J. Ratey, MD (classic on ADHD in adulthood)
Stolen Focus by Johann Hari (on attention, modern life, and dopamine)
References:
National Institute of Mental Health – ADHD Basics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – ADHD in Adults
Harvard Health Publishing – Foods linked to better brainpower
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