The part of the brain responsible for feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation may not work the same in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This dysfunction has to do with the way certain neurotransmitters, like dopamine, are released, explained Becca Harris, a registered dietitian specializing in ADHD.
As a result of this structural difference, Harris said, you may not feel the same level of satisfaction internally. So, you might turn to outside sources of stimulation — including food.
“Dopamine levels tend to be low in individuals with ADHD,” noted Michele Goldman, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and media advisor for the Hope for Depression Research Foundation.
Goldman explained that people with lower levels of dopamine may experience greater impulsivity, which could lead them to reach for high-calorie foods that activate dopamine release and the pleasure center of the brain.