Do you have to have a dopamine deficiency to have adhd?

Submitted by Judy Hanning on Mon, 2016-06-06 06:00

A common misconception regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD for short, is that there is a shortage in dopamine levels as well. This is not the case, as there has been no evidence to suggest this theory ever published. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is released during periods of pleasure, and provides a sense of euphoria.

“Lacking dopamine does not mean you have ADHD.”

While some children diagnosed with ADHD are found to have dopamine deficiencies, the two are not directly correlated. ADHD is categorized as a behavioral disorder, while dopamine deficiency is categorized as a neurological disorder. Other neurological causes can result in the symptoms of ADHD, for example having the correct amount of dopamine, but not enough dopamine synapses to correctly transmit the feeling throughout the brain.

Key Takeaways:

1
ADHD is a diagnosis by behavioral symptoms.
2
A dopamine deficiency is not necessary for an ADHD diagnosis.
3
neurological symptoms are not a reliable source for diagnosing ADHD.
Read the full article here:
https://actuallyadhd.tumblr.com/post/143858180764/do-you-have-to-have-a-dopamine-deficiency-to-have#_=_