In addition to our mood, dopamine also affects movement, memory, and focus👍

I had my dad's answer that "ADD isn't a real thing!" locked in my head for about the last 30 years. I found your channel at the very end of August. I've watched so many of your videos and a few other channel's and this is the first time in my life that I've felt like someone knows what it's like to be me. Thank you.

I'm 55 years old, and this is the first time anyone has ever used the phrase "trouble sustaining effort toward long term goals" without pairing it with the descriptor "lazy." I've been diagnosed with ADHD since I was 40, but there is still so much I don't understand about why I struggle with things other people seem to find easy.

"Hello brains!" -*Dopamine intensifies* -

"Brain smoothy" is actually an amazing way to describe what's going on up there. Same ingredients for everyone, but the proportions are different.

I like the part where you said “if you don’t make your own, store bought is fine”. Makes me feel a little better about actually having to take mine. Thanks!

One unexpected positive side effect of ADHD meds was I no longer had frequent sugar cravings. I still enjoy sugar--who doesn't?--but I stopped needing it like air to breathe. I assume this was due to increased dopamine (or increased access to dopamine).

SoI’m a neuroscientist with adhd that studies the effects of dopamine with motivation and reward processing and I just wanted to say that you did a really good job explaining it! Accurate but easily explained :)

I had a session with my therapist and told her that I suspect that I have ADHD. I was so nervous, because I constantly switch between "you're just lazy and search for an excuse to your behaviour" and "no, your thoughts are valid and this is real". But she told me that I could have ADHD with my problems and although she can't diagnose me she encouraged me to look further into it. And your videos help so much! Thank you

It's funny because I knew the gist of this video before, but I love hearing it again (and in more detail). It helps me understand myself, especially because at times I've felt like I might not actually have adhd and I'm just lazy and take stimulants to overcome that. But that's ridiculous. Also - screw commenting for the algorithm. I comment for your dopamine now.

I struggle with self-motivation more than any other ADHD trait. I can be very disciplined when it comes to my jobs and other schedules I'm obligated to follow, but I can't motivate myself using sheer will power.

I'm still looking into being diagnosed for myself, but whether or not I actually *do* have ADHD, your videos still help me understand myself (and others) better. THANK YOU for this well-thought-out, informative, and also entertaining educational material!

The dopamine issues explain so much about my life. When my mom would get on me about about my procrastination she'd always say stuff like "but it feels good to get things done" and yeah. It does. It does not feel good to do it, though, and so what she said never really meant anything to me. This also explains why I struggle so much to not go for immediate rewards. One of the ways to trick yourself into doing things is to offer yourself a reward at the end of the task. But if there's nothing stopping me from having it now, why would I not just have it now? And suddenly I understand why it might work for other people I really need that ADHD testing place to contact me back

I was diagnosed as a kid (very young) and they tried Ritalin once with one dosage and then called it quits. I spent my entire life struggling hard bouncing between diagnoses always convinced that something far worse was wrong with me. I failed out of college, struggled to keep jobs, couldn't maintain a relationship, and just fell apart. It hasn't been until the past six years that I have finally felt like life is coming together. I heavily advocated to be rediagnosed a couple of years ago (that is another mess) and am now on meds. I stumbled upon your channel this year and it's the first time in my life that I don't feel broken, damaged, or a mistake. Thank you for the content that you put out and for shining a light for those of us who have spent so much time in the dark.

This is such a great explanation!! I was trying to find the words to explain to my fiancé what happened last week. He proposed the weekend before and i was over the moon! I experienced consistent rushes of dopamine throughout the amazing weekend he planned for us. As soon as the trip was over and i had to return to my normal routine, i felt so unmotivated. I couldn’t get myself to do anything extra, could only handle the essential tasks. All of that being said, this video was right on time! 🙌🏾🧠

Procrastinating on college applications due in 45 days as I watch this. And I have the lack of dopamine to blame. Such a timely video, I love it!

I was just trying to explain this to my BF last night. He always comments about how I have so much time, why don't I just finish my homework during my free time. It's because after my medicine wears off, my coping skills don't work as well, which means that if I use my "productive time" to study for an exam but then try to do homework after that productive time has passed, it's miserable. Unless I know that the homework is due that night, it's really emotionally taxing and time consuming to try and do homework outside of my productivity window. It sucks that it's limited to 8 hours combined time a day because if 4 hours are spent in class, that's only 4 hours to study/do homework effectively. "Effectively" means that I remember what I'm studying and I understand what the problems want me to do. Otherwise, it's like I'm not wearing my glasses. My memory shuts off, I get frustrated easily, and trying to understand textbooks, especially complex math, is hard. I envy people who can just study all day into the night and then remember things for their exams.

I've been having a hard time getting things done lately, although watching your videos always gives me some dopamine, and some motivation, because I think I'm not unable to reach my goals, if you can, I think I can too. Thank you so much for being there for us

“Dope-a-memes” 😂

This is why I am in so many Dnd games, I live for that dopamine hit I get when I play a fun fantasy character

I looked at the journal and got really emotional. The sentence ‘I want a better story about my …' just hit home so hard. I’ve really struggled with motivation. This looks amazing and like it might help a lot - Thank you for the recommendation, I have a red dnd style one on the way 🙏

I knew about the difficulties with dopamine in my ADHD brain, but I had completely forgotten about dopamine reuptake. Explains part of the reason why, during the times when I feel like I've got a better "handle" on my life and life-in-general, it's when I'm keeping myself "calm" 'in the flow" or very "zen-like" and keeping in mind "haste makes waste." Mindfulness, meditation, better breathing, etc, helps keep my dopamine levels..level, and may not "overflood" my motivation on long projects I don't like which kills my spark after an hour. Also helps me keep my attention on the stuff I love doing, too.

I was a really smart kid in school and I had potential until ADHD caught up with me and messed up my life. For so many years I wondered what was wrong with me and then I saw a video on what was ADHD so I watched it and I got diagnosed at twelve and it started to make sense as to why this happened.

The recent world events I feel like just a constant hole of motivation, its weird. I'm employed, have been the whole time, which is good, but also burned tf out! Love this video! I'm off today so I get to work on the book I"m writing and read/finish the latest Sarah Kuhn novel so that's good!

I literally cried when I found your channel yesterday. I finally understand what has been wrong with me for so long. Thank you so much!

I'm sending this to some of my teachers so show them how I struggle with motivation and getting started with tasks, thank you Jessica!!

I get it... Brain smoothie. Makes perfect sense.

I was only recently diagnosed and started stimulant medication. One HUGE amazing thing that I was not expecting is the massive effect it has has on my pain levels. But it totally makes sense if dopamine has an effect on pain perception.

brain smoothie is a great metaphor

Your videos were a massive part of me figuring out what was up with my brain. I got diagnosed last year at age 20 and just got my results back for my final university assignments 🙌 through finding new methods to study and navigate my rewards systems, I went up to an A+ average in my chosen major and nothing below a B through my other papers. I just want to say thank you, because even when my family didn't believe me, having your videos meant I had someone in my corner and made me believe myself. I probably wouldn't have graduated my bachelors without them ❤🎓

I've been noticing lately that when I let myself get dopamine hits during workouts that I have a harder time working out without music or electronics

''its like even if we have the intellect to say that we need to do something so something good instead of bad happens, our brain does not light up and give us motivation'' I feel so understood I might cry T-T

Thank you for consistently communicating complex subjects in a way that is accessible for everyone. It's always great to learn more about the science behind ADHD. And brain smoothie is going into my vocabulary now. :)

These videos are so helpful in understanding ADHD, teaching how my child's brain works to him and our family learning this together as a journey. Thank you!

I’m just now learning about ADHD, but a while back (before the pandemic), I encouraged people who struggled with getting a positive start in their day to do the following: - spontaneously jump out of bed - take a deep breath - pound on your chest - and let out a aaarrrrggghhhh scream In theory it supercharges your body with energy and positivity. Kind of akin to you emotionally hulk-smashing that wall of aweful. Only you do it at the start of the day without any wall yet being there.

I just wanna say that I've struggled with ADHD my whole life and was put on every medication you could think of as a kid until 8th grade. I've been scared to take medication because I remember being a zombie and not feeling myself but you have really made a difference. I do my best to absorb as much info you put in videos as I can even though alot slips out right after. You put so much effort into this down the line I am going to start my own ADHD help channel. I've just had my first psychiatrist appointment in years and will be working towards finding that balance you mentioned because sustaining long term goals feel impossible right now and trust me I have the drive, motivation, and determination but that really tall wall stands sturdy and I'm trying to climb it. Hopefully medication will be a latter for me. I would've never in a million years thought about trying medication again of it wasn't for you breaking down the processes of the brain and telling me it's okay.

I haven’t even watched this video, but “ALL THE DOPAMINE!” had me cracking up. You need to make a t-shirt with that graphic. *Edited to add: I watched the video. Amazing as always! Thank you!! You definitely make the world a better place.

I've been experiencing a lot of issues and have been called lazy, forgetful, unreliable, selfish, and told that I don't care or I'm not trying hard enough. Having trouble getting an actual diagnosis because I have trouble explaining what I'm going through and when I get anxious my forgetfulness gets worse -_- . I'm feeling super defeated. I keep coming back to your videos to remind myself that there are people who understand ... So ... thank you ... I'm thankful I came across your channel.

this was really helpful to understand why there’s such a frustrating lack of motivation compared to nt people, it makes me feel so incapable when i compare myself to others

I always thought that I was just lazy and had no motivation but now I know it’s my ADHD. This channel has helped me learn so much about ADHD and how to help myself control it.

I have been following you for around a year at this point, and In my 'abnormal' psychology class the professor showed your first TedTalk! I never actually knew your story that well and I felt like crying after because of how much I could relate to it thinking about my own childhood and adhd. Amazing videos' as usual!

Man, I never really thought about it before, but yeah! Being on medication isn't so much a quick fix as a longer term aid to retraining the brain to react like, _properly_ to stuff? Especially after a long time of being unmedicated and ignorant of that fact. Dang, that's some helpful insight right there -- thanks Jessica and co!

When i watch this channel my dopamine hits really hard ☺️

I totally get it! Looking at the number of drawings and fanfiction I have incomplete rn, and the ideas I have but don't develop on cuz of the lack of motivation breaks my heart cuz I really want to finish it but I can't bring myself to. Doesn't help the double guilt when I start something and leave it unfinished when my fixation is gone 😭

Ah, I wanted to share that I was pleased as punch when I was finally given a diagnosis last week for ADHD by my psychiatrist and the first online resource she listed for great information was your channel!! I have already been subbed for awhile and have learnt so much. Thank you for being amazing and doing what you do.

Hah my roommate just tried to suggest to me long term goals being the main motivation for assignments and short term tasks..... maybe pitch that idea to my dopamine levels ma'am

I had a mentor in college that for my program would offer long-term rewards for the end of the semester. It worked for other students, but not for me. Frustrating that I only know why in retrospect, back then I was just "not a good student."

I love this! I refer your channel to every person I can! I don't know what a stranger is! Ha ha. Talking about long term goals, a previous video of your "not sure what long term goals are.." I told my boss that and he laughed but said as long as you're doing your best and happy that's what matters! This video helped me alot! I work from home and it's difficult tons of distractions😒. Thanks for all your help! Wisdom and being the amazing person we all love!!

thank you for this 🙏❤️I am an absolute wreck without store-bought dopamine. I face so much stigma from friends/family for taking it, but watching your videos reminds me there's NO shame in taking a medication if it improves your quality of life - no matter what friends and family think!! 🔥❤️

ooof dopamine affects pain processing? Perhaps that has something to do with how much "mild" chronic pain gets in the way of things

I'm working with my therapist to reframe my "laziness" to my "cleverness" 🤔

Thank you for your videos. Your humanity, compassion and experiences are inspiring. I am in the process of being diagnosed. I shared your videos with my wife who was taken aback by how accurately the characteristics described me. The relationship videos also highlighted that we had figured out many coping strategies instinctively. We were lucky. I am 57 and have had a successful legal military career despite the many challenges. I learned strategies and coping mechanisms to induce hyper focus so that stuff got done but i still struggled with most long term organizational task management, procrastination, endless distractions, and a pervasive state of messiness, amongst other challenges. Not all coping mechanisms were healthy unfortunately. For example, I smoked for many years. Dopamine levels were increased and the smoking fidget helped me to focus. Sadly, It took me many years to quit and it damaged my health. Not recommended. The past two years of retirement have been a struggle because I was outside the structure and organization of the military, where there was a tyranny of the urgent over the important. Dealing with the immediate was always easier. Now I have to organize myself and it is extremely difficult and upsetting. I realized that these experiences have been with me since childhood. Thank you for helping me understand and feel less alone in terms of how I am.

I wish more people would pay attention to the science behind ADHD instead of dismissing it was lack of focus and motivation. The way I go about tasks is to do the unpleasant or difficult ones first and the ones I really like last so I have something to look forward to. It's much harder to ADHD today with all the social media that is specifically designed for quick dopamine hits. I can waste endless hours browsing YT for video about things I like and only something like a more attractive task or a necessity like hunger will snap me out of it. Gonna look into that Journal, looks like fun. I installed a quest game task app on my phone to give myself something to look forward to each day as well. You should really look into making a Brain Smoothie T Shirt, I sure would like to see it. 😁 Only thing I can say about motivation is that even for normal people it can be hard, doubly so for ADHDers. I follow the suggestion Mel Robbins gave of counting back from 5 so once you hit 0 you will get up and start doing whatever it is you need to do. Only problem is that sometimes I will avoid counting back because I have already developed the habit of getting up and starting a task when I hit 0. Damn I need to learn to write shorter comments.

when you said brain smoothy i totally got where you were going with it , it makes sense!

I think I’ve liked nearly every comment on this video, because every one of them sounds like something I would say. I want to hug everyone on here and tell them it’s not their fault that they are the way they are. ADHD robbed me of who I was “supposed” to and wanted to be, and t he life I could have had. At 50, I still don’t have it “under control”.

Oh My Goodness those bloopers were everything!!!

Learning about dopamine =moar dopamine! Literally chirped, "ooh thank you" out loud. Brb, going down the google scholar rabbithole!

Hi, I am dropping this comment here to thank you. This channel made me question myself on whether or not I might have ADHD and I got out and got diagnosed at 31. I will be on a non-medication treatment and for the first time in a long time feel hopeful and seen!!! Thank you for making ADHD interesting and comprehensive enough, so I could understand it and confirm ^^

That explains a lot in my life rn... too many stressors and not enough dopamine to complete my tasks, unless it's petting my dog

Jess you are amazing, this is exactly the information/inspiration I needed today! Have a wonderful week!

Hi, I've been recently diagnosed (actually, in the process of being diagnosed) and got to this channel recently by suggestion of a friend. I watched the playlist "What's ADHD anyway?" and I'm really learning a LOT! It's SO good and it's bringing a whole lot of emotions. This channel is like, a really warm and cosy hug that also gives me a lot of knowledge! A KNOWLEDGE HUG! THANK YOU!!!

I am so grateful for this channel. I finally did the adult thing and went to a doc. His exact quote? "I don't know how you got through school." My response? "Because I actually LIKED school." This exchange still makes me laugh thinking on it. He prescribed stimulants, and the difference it made! I'm not constantly fighting my brain so much anymore; it's a relief. I can finally take that deep breath and just DO my work.

Wow, that was incredible! I had to pause, rewind and re-listen...a lot but I got a good chunk written down and therefore stamped on my brain pan. My "Brain smoothie" was working overtime, there is a huge sense of relief and ability to be more forgiving to myself after digesting what you shared in this video. Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this work. I hope you know how much your delivery of information has impacted me these last few days since "discovering" your channel.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!!! THIS WORK OF YOURS HAS CHANGED MY LIFE!!! YOU HAVE WHAT I HAVE AND I AM NOT WHAT I THOUGHT I WAS.

I’m so glad you touched on the neural pathways involved in ADHD - thank you!! You’re great at simplifying complex ideas and language so that it can be understood by (and appeal to) a broad audience :D

I love you channel! I have ADHD and Autism and your channel was a life changer for me. I found it when I felt at my lowest and most misunderstood, it’s been so frustrating feeling like I couldn’t communicate because I couldn’t express what I didn’t understand - your channel has made me feel so understood while also teaching me about my brain in a way that I can understand and relay to others 🙏🏼✨ thank you for this you’re really helping so many

Hey, big thanks for posting links to research! I have trouble with getting a lot of things done, but reading has always been a refuge for me. Whether I needed it or not!

Girl, I love you! You are so fun and honest about what it's like to be an ADHD brain. You've helped me a lot by talking about the the things that help you do better and I just love watching you! Keep it up!

Great video. So clear and concise. Perfect for my ADHD brain and those of my students. Thanks again. Worth my Patreon donations just have you all keep doing these videos. 💪🧠

i love how she makes the videos short and quick and bright- it rerally helps keep my attention

THANK YOU! Finally some nuance teaching on dopamine that adds some complexity and emphasises the complexity of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Thank you so much and great job 😊

I am grateful for your channel! I started to question whether I had ADHD about a month ago, and am really fortunate that my doctor and counsellor were receptive and supportive. I started stimulant medication yesterday, and I finally have the motivation to write my master's thesis and hopefully graduate in a few months 🥳 I think you mentioned in one of your older videos how when you first took meds your brain was clear - I can fully relate to that! It's amazing having the chatter stop for once.

I always get excited for your videos! Thanks for being so helpful.

"if you don't make your own, store bought is fine" - I loved it. Thank you, it's very informative, and the ending is really cool

Thank you for making all the good videos and I love your fish Song i’m really glad that you were able to continue making videos and also I am glad to be a part of helping you make videos as a Patreon supporter

Ooh great explanation! I feel like what I did know of dopamine already was nicely elaborated on, so I appreciate that!

Informative and entertaining as always! Anytime I feel alone in ADHDLand, I can tune into your channel! Thank you for all your hard work.

I'm in the process of trying to get diagnosed but I'm fairly sure I have ADHD so I'm taking your advice in many areas of my life. And oh my goodness it has helped so much! Just having gloves to do washing up, slippers because I don't like feeling of cold floor. Learning above motivation bridge and so many other things that I have completely forgotten right now. My whole life is better because of this channel so thank you.

I’m so glad you’re one of us. You’re an inspiration 🙏🏼❤️

Very wise for making this content very easy to watch ( someone with ADHD) great editing, didn’t get distracted. Thanks

Motivation... The eternal struggle. Thanks for making this understandable for all of us! I adore your channel! Here's to 1 million! ❤️ Also, the bloopers were 👌🏻.

I can really understand this so much better with the "brain smoothie " concept. " Who spiked the punch" and then they take it back. The visual that section of conversation inspired in my brain was fun and informative. I must get dopamine added to my brain smoothie when I watch your videos because they give me very much pleasure. THANK YOU! Keep up the great work. You help me so very much.

I just ordered the red and mystic blue Hero Journal's. I absolutely cannot wait for them to get too me. THANK YOU for showing them off!

Amazing that someday they could have specific medications for specific symptoms... if they are learning the pathways this seems possible anyway. Better targeting means maybe less side effects for people, too...? Love the "sciencey" stuff Jessica, keep it coming please! 😃

Brain smoothie is a great phrase!😂

Man I needed this video so badly! I'm finishing my first semester of dental hygiene school and I blew my 4 days off putting off my housework, schoolwork, and work work. It was like a weight on me knowing I needed to do all these things but I couldn't force myself to do it. I knew it was a motivation issue but since I'm on medication I couldn't get why I wasn't feeling that spark to get things done.

I recently found your channel and I must say thank you, for the 1st time in my 25 yrs of life I finally feel I'm starting to understand my brain and how adhd has had an severe impact on my life. It makes me feel more normal in a way. So thank you very much

This video gives me the dopamine to get through my day of work! Will also check out the hero’s journey journal looks so fun and I can really see how it’s ADHD friendly! Super excited to check it out

My store bought dopamine helped me retain more information from this video about dopamine!

I was just having this convo with my sons dad yesterday. We took our son to the doctor yesterday and the doctor said he dose have adhd we are now on the waiting list to get him some help (my son is 4) sadly the doctor said it is very rare to actualy get help so we are trying to do as much reserch we can so we can help him at home. Your videos are so helpful. They are so easy to understand and have been fantastic for me to better understand my son. Thank you for posting and I look forward to more of your videos.

Best video I have seen on the subject. Simple, concise, and informative. Thank you.

at 0:05 that man is a treasure 🤣 one might say you could call them "MOST DOPE-a-memes" .... Any Larry Fisherman fans here??

I was watching your glitter video earlier this morning. It actually calmed me down so I could focus on my work! 🙂

Thank you so much for continually producing such great content. It makes me feel understood, fantastic advice and tips and then the ones like this that help me with the words and descriptions so I can explain to others what is going on in my brain... Really helpful in my current workplace - I never knew and could never explain why I was able to achieve so much high level complex work for several years, then it all comes undone when I am completely unable to do the most 'basic' but necessary tasks. Your videos are helping me explain my struggles and develop accommodations at work, despite having a manager who does not understand ADHD. The label has preconceived bias, but when I can explain my difficulties, we come up with strategies that enable me to get stuff done so everyone's happy.

I love your content, it is very concise, informative, and engaging. Could you also consider doing video(s) on the roles of norepinephrine and serotonin in ADHD?

Thank you for the videos! I've learned so much from you. Looking forward to seeing what comes next, (still watching this one 😂)

Wow!!! I was just thinking I wanted to do some more looking into dopamine and ADHD and this video showed up!!! Thank you!! Love all your content so much.

Thank you so much for making this video! I've rehearsed so many conversations in my head for when ever I have to explain how dopamine works and this would be helpful to send to friends who have questions

Is there any science behind the feeling of ‘ugh’, (the actual feeling in your stomach) when you think about doing something not interesting, or, you know, not new?

Not me about to buy that journal knowing I have 3 unused ones at home because buying journals gives me dopamine but not enough to actually use them 😂