Is emotional eating in ADHD more about dopamine-seeking or about actual stress relief?

It's often described as both, intertwined. Food can provide a quick dopamine boost that's especially appealing given the dopamine regulation differences involved in ADHD, while also functioning as an accessible, immediate coping tool for stress or overwhelm when other coping strategies feel harder to access in the moment. It's not usually one clean motivation; people often describe it as reaching for something that does both at once. References: https://obesitycanada.ca/healthcare-professionals/adult-clinical-practice-guideline/