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ADHD · ADHD & Neurodiversity

Dopamine Menu Builder

Pre-built lists of activities that lift the ADHD brain's reward signal

TherapistAssist
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A dopamine menu is a list of activities that lift your brain's reward signal — pre-made, so a low-dopamine moment doesn't end in doomscrolling. Build yours by category.

Appetizers (2–5 minutes, anywhere)
Appetizer 1
Appetizer 2
Appetizer 3
Appetizer 4

e.g. stretch, splash cold water on face, one favorite song, step outside for sun.

Mains (15–45 minutes, plan-ahead)
Main 1
Main 2
Main 3
Main 4

e.g. workout, cook a real meal, project I love, walk-and-call a friend.

Sides (pair with a boring task to make it tolerable)
Side 1
Side 2
Side 3
Side 4

e.g. podcast while folding laundry, music for dishes, audiobook for the commute.

Desserts (cheap dopamine — limit, don't ban)
Dessert 1
Dessert 2
Dessert 3
Dessert 4

e.g. social media, video games, junk food, online shopping. Pick on purpose, not by default.

Specials (rare, big — schedule once a month)
Special 1
Special 2

Choose, don't reach

The point of the menu is to make dopamine a choice, not a reflex. When you notice the low-stim itch, pull up the menu before your hand reaches for the phone.

References & further reading

Conceptual background and further reading, not validation of this handout. Named instruments and methods belong to their original authors; custom prompts and trackers are not validated versions of those instruments.

  • McCabe, J. (2024). How to ADHD: An Insider’s Guide to Working with Your Brain (Not Against It). Rodale Books.
© 2026 TherapistAssist · For clinical use · Not a substitute for assessment
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