Adhd Quote by Melissa Orlov
““Dr. John Ratey, a leading expert in both ADHD and the brain, suggests that ADHD can be thought of as a reward-deficiency syndrome created from a deficit of specific pleasure neurotransmitters (most importantly dopamine, but also serotonin and endorphins) that are used to indicate reward in the attention centers of the brain. He notes that without these chemical indicators of reward, people with ADHD have trouble completing tasks that reward only after a long period, such as doing well in college to obtain a better job.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “ADHD and the Brain” summary, 2015
ADHD is described as a reward-deficiency syndrome where low dopamine and related neurotransmitters make delayed rewards feel unrewarding, hindering task completion.
In simple terms: ADHD involves low brain reward signals, making long‑term goals feel unrewarding.
Key Takeaway
Find ways to create immediate, frequent rewards for tasks.
Themes
neuropsychology
motivation
behavioral economics
mental health
Mood
analytical
practical
empathetic
Type
educational
motivational
When to use this quote
- education
- career planning
- habit formation
- therapy
- coaching
Key Concepts
dopamine deficiency
reward circuitry
executive function
delay discounting
Questions to Reflect On
- What immediate rewards can you attach to long‑term goals?
- How can environments be structured to provide frequent feedback?
A Different Perspective
Not all individuals with ADHD respond the same to reward strategies.
