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The social media trend describing ADHD as "low dopamine" is not based in science.

Dopamine-seeking isn't an explanation for ADHD symptoms.

"Dopamine detox" isn't a real way to treat ADHD, and withholding things that bring pleasure can be damaging.

If you've spent any time on ADHD corners of social media lately, you've likely been barraged by posts about "low dopamine," "dopamine-seeking," and "dopamine detoxes" in ADHD. While these seem to be everywhere and come across as scientific and helpful, there is one big problem: They simply aren’t based in science and are not truthful.

What Is ADHD, Really?

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain develops and functions. The diagnosis is clinical—based on patterns of thinking and behavior, specifically inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, that occur with enough frequency and severity to interfere with development and day-to-day life.

ADHD affects between 8 and 12 percent of children and persists into adulthood in at least 30 percent of them—likely more. A diagnosis of ADHD doesn’t include anything about dopamine or any other brain molecules or pathways. The science isn’t there yet.

While research has found that disruptions in dopamine pathways play an important role in ADHD, the idea that ADHD is caused by "low dopamine" is simply not accurate. In fact, dopamine activity has been found to be higher, not lower, in some brain areas.

The bottom line is that the differences in ADHD brains are related to dopamine function, not just the amount or level. “Low dopamine” as a shorthand for ADHD misses the mark and can send people on wild goose chases for treatments that don’t work—or that have unintended, negative consequences.

ADHD Isn't Just Dopamine

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that move between brain cells as part of a complex communication system that drives, manages, and regulates function in the nervous........

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