ADHD impacting my ability to play video games
One of the most annoying things that I have experienced with ADHD is the inability to do things that I genuinely want to do simply because the dopamine reward wouldn't hit as fast. This is especially an issue with video games. I love playing games like Overwatch and League of Legends, which are very fast-paced, visually noisy, and offer continuous satisfaction. I can feel the dopamine rush I get with every kill and rarely feel bored when playing.
This is not the case with slower-paced games that I have tried to play. For instance, anytime I try to play a cozy game like Animal Crossing or Disney Dreamlight Valley, I play it addictively for about three days and then never touch it again. Even on days when I really do want to play them, I can't get past the menu screen because I know playing something else like Overwatch is going to satisfy my brain much more. I recently bought the newest Hitman game, something I have been so excited to play for months, and yet I can't play it for more than like ten minutes before I switch to a more fast-paced FPS. My non-ADHD friends have told me that I probably just don't like games like that, but the thing is, I genuinely do. I love THINKING about playing Hitman, and I always get excited to load it up every night, but actually trying to play the game can feel like a chore because the payoff is much more delayed.
Posted Jul 9, 2026, 7:50 PM UTC