Introduction
Reward deficiency syndrome (RDS) is increasingly recognized as a key factor in understanding the behaviors and challenges faced by NDs, particularly ADHDers and autistics. By exploring the nuances of dopamine dysregulation and its effects, we can gain valuable insights into how RDS influences behavior and develop more effective coping strategies for the challenges it presents.
What is Reward Deficiency Syndrome?
RDS is a condition characterized by an inclination toward addictive, impulsive, and compulsive behaviors because of the brain’s underproduction of dopamine. Dopamine is crucial in the brain’s reward system, influencing pleasure, satisfaction, and overall well-being. Researchers believe ADHD may be a subset of RDS.
Individuals with RDS often engage in novelty-seeking behaviors, pursuing activities that offer stimulation or reward. This can sometimes lead to substance or process addictions, such as gaming, excessive social media use, or even dangerous sports. Carrie Fisher’s humorous quip, “Instant gratification takes too long,” captures the essence of the intense need for immediate satisfaction often experienced by those with RDS.
Coping Mechanisms and “Self-Medication”
Individuals with RDS often resort to various activities to manage their dopamine dysregulation. Some common “self-medication” behaviors include:
- Exercise: Beneficial in moderation but can lead to issues like rhabdomyolysis if overdone.
- Social Media Usage: Offers quick dopamine hits but can become addictive.
- Gaming: Provides a sense of accomplishment but can dominate time and resources.
- Impulse Buying: Offers temporary satisfaction but can lead to financial problems.
- Compulsive Collecting: Can be a harmless hobby, though the cumulative expenses involved can become significant.
- Binge Eating: Provides comfort but leads to health issues.
- Workaholism: Offers a sense of purpose but can result in burnout.
Dopamine Dysregulation and Its Effects
ADHD, Autism, and RDS
In ADHDers, dopamine dysregulation is thought to contribute significantly to impulsive, hyperactive, and inattentive behavior. The chronic underproduction of dopamine, it is argued, leads to a constant search for activities that can provide the needed stimulation, sometimes resulting in substance use disorders. For instance, around 20% of ADHDers struggle with alcohol use disorder, and approximately 34-46% of adults seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder are ADHDers. Autistics also exhibit dopaminergic dysfunction, which may contribute to co-occurring anxiety.
Executive Dysfunction and Social Difficulties
Dopamine dysregulation impacts cognition and attention, contributing to executive dysfunction (ED) in ADHDers and social difficulties among autistics. Some researchers believe that similar dopaminergic issues in autistics may lead to ED.
Hyper-Fixation
ND hyper-fixations may be attempts to resolve dopamine imbalances. What begins as a comforting but obsessive routine for some autistics can come to dominate their lives, depending on their stress levels. Similarly, stimulation-seeking ADHDers may adopt strategies like the “many mountains approach” (constantly seeking new challenges) or the “many irons approach” (juggling multiple tasks) to regulate dopamine levels.
Workaholism
Workaholism is one popular form of hyper-fixation, and is more likely if a job offerscontinuous stimulation. This condition, characterized by self-imposed demands and an all-consuming focus on work, often results in excessively long working hours and a disregard for personal life.
For NDs, workaholism can also become a coping mechanism, compensating for perceived deficiencies and leading to an identity tied solely to productivity and achievements. This overemphasis on work prevents addressing other life aspects, turning individuals into “human doings” rather than “human beings.”
The Dopamine Crash
Hyper-fixations, such as workaholism, maintain a state of intense stimulation, but stepping away from these fixations often leads to a dopamine “crash.” This aftermath can mirror withdrawal symptoms, causing anxiety, emptiness, and depression. The cycle of extreme activity followed by periods of near-catatonic depression is common among workaholics, leading to mental burnout and physical breakdown.
The Weekend Woes
A milder version of the dopamine crash often manifests as the “post-work plunge” or “weekend woes.” Any NDs, having depleted their executive functioning resources and dopamine levels throughout the workweek, struggle to manage necessary life tasks during their downtime. This accumulation of pending responsibilities often leads to feelings of being overwhelmed, triggering guilt and a downward spiral into helplessness.
Concluding Thoughts
Understanding RDS and its impact on autistics and ADHDers is crucial for developing effective coping strategies. By recognizing the signs of RDS and implementing balanced approaches to manage dopamine levels, individuals can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.