Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity: a specific hypothesis of reward dysfunction.

Abstract Several hypotheses have been proposed to identify the dimensions along which children with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADDH) and normal children differ and to explain the etiological factors responsible for these differences. These hypotheses are discussed in terms of the definition of underlying constructs, testability, level of explanation, and descriptive versus explanatory value. Against this background we present a very precise hypothesis about ADDH reward system function. Support for the hypothesis of an elevated reward threshold in ADDH children is derived from behavioral and pharmacological research with both humans and animals. J. Amer. Acad. Child Adol.

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