This article describes research on how a stimulant medication, methylphenidate, impacts certain areas of human brain, providing ADHD reward. “… in those with ADHD, neurons in the brain release less dopamine – a ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter involved in reward-motivated behavior – when a reward is expected, with dopamine neurons firing more when a reward is given.” This means that people with ADHD have a more difficult time completing the work when there are no rewards provided for this completion. External stimuli can seem much more interesting and exciting.
“Scientists believe that methylphenidate helps people with ADHD maintain focus by influencing dopamine availability in the brain.”
“Furukawa also hopes that understanding how methylphenidate impacts the brain could help with behavioral interventions. For example, by keeping in mind the difference in brain responses when children with ADHD anticipate and receive rewards, parents and teachers could instead help children with ADHD stay focused by praising them frequently and reducing the amount of distracting stimuli in the environment.”
https://neurosciencenews.com/adhd-reward-system-15506/
I offer ADHD counseling and ADHD assessments to adults. My approach integrates Brainspotting therapy to treat emotional distress and traumas that people with ADHD tend to have accumulated over a life time of struggling at home, at work, and in relationships, with elements of Cognitive Behavioral therapy to design and implement specific strategies which address gaps in executive functioning.