Dopamine’s Cartography

Artist: Kelly Gao

🎨Artwork description:

This work, inspired by ADHD, imagines the mind as a cluster of colorful islands — vivid, creative, but sometimes tangled in its own energy. Streams of color swirl like thought currents: lively, inventive, and restless.

Disease Introduction: ADHD (Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder)

Type: Neurodevelopmental disorder

Affected System: CNS — prefrontal cortex and dopaminergic/noradrenergic circuits

🧾Symptoms:

Inattention: distractibility, forgetfulness, poor organization. Hyperactivity: excessive talking, restlessness, inappropriate running/climbing. Impulsivity: blurting out answers, interrupting others

Emotional dysregulation and frustration intolerance. Sleep delay, inconsistent focus, task avoidance.

🧬Cause:

Genetic susceptibility affecting dopamine and norepinephrine signaling; prenatal exposure (tobacco, alcohol), low birth weight, or environmental stressors can contribute.

💊Treatment:

Stimulant medications (methylphenidate, amphetamines).

Non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine).

Behavioral and cognitive therapy to improve self-control and organization.

Parent training and school accommodations.

Lifestyle support: structured routines, regular exercise, proper sleep and nutrition.