See also: Neurotransmitters and Nutrition | Jane Leu Rekas, LCSW
CMHIMP Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional Nutrition
Neurochemical Priorities by Condition
(Primary = most dysregulated; Secondary = supportive but not central)
ADHD
Primary: 🧠 Dopamine
Secondary: Serotonin, Norepinephrine
Why:
ADHD is fundamentally about dopamine signaling, timing, and regulation
Not a lack of pleasure — a lack of motivation, initiation, and sustained effort
Most helpful supports:
Tiny task completion (dopamine comes from finishing)
Novelty, interest, urgency
Visual progress tracking
Movement before or during focus
Adequate protein & regular meals
Stimulant or non-stimulant meds (often essential)
⚠️ Caution:
Chasing dopamine via scrolling, sugar, or chaos worsens burnout and dysregulation.
Depression
Primary: 🌱 Serotonin
Secondary: Dopamine, Endorphins
Why:
Depression involves mood regulation, circadian rhythm, and emotional tone
Dopamine drops secondarily due to low energy and hopelessness
Most helpful supports:
Light exposure (especially morning)
Routine and predictability
Gentle movement (not “push harder”)
Regular sleep/wake times
Behavioral activation at low threshold
SSRIs/SNRIs when indicated
⚠️ Caution:
Forcing motivation before mood stabilizes can increase shame.
Trauma / PTSD / Dissociation
Primary: 🛡 Oxytocin + Endorphins
Secondary: Serotonin
Why:
Trauma disrupts safety, trust, and pain modulation
The nervous system is organized around threat, not reward
Most helpful supports:
Safe, attuned connection (human or animal)
Co-regulation before self-regulation
Deep pressure, rhythmic movement
Laughter after safety is established
Trauma-informed therapy (EMDR, IFS, SE, etc.)
⚠️ Caution:
Dopamine-seeking can feel destabilizing when safety isn’t present.
Chronic Illness / Chronic Pain
Primary: 🔥 Endorphins
Secondary: Serotonin, Oxytocin
Why:
Chronic pain and illness tax the body’s pain-buffering systems
Fatigue and inflammation affect mood and motivation secondarily
Most helpful supports:
Pacing (not boom-bust cycles)
Gentle, consistent movement
Pain-safe pleasure (music, warmth, humor)
Social connection that doesn’t demand energy
Multidisciplinary medical care
⚠️ Caution:
“Just exercise” advice often increases flares and guilt.
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