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The ADHD Brain

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106 views7 pages

The ADHD Brain

Uploaded by

Debbie Klipp
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ADHD

ADHD and the Brain


By Julie Rawe

Researchers are learning more and more about brain


development and ADHD. Differences in the brain make it
harder for people with ADHD to work on a task unless
they’re really interested in it. It’s not a matter of being lazy
or not being smart.

Learn more about the ADHD brain.

Brain structures take more time to develop.


Research shows that some parts of the brain tend to be a
little smaller and/or take longer to mature in kids with
ADHD. This doesn’t mean kids with ADHD aren’t smart. It
means parts of their brain take longer to develop.
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These lags happen in parts of the brain’s self-management


system. This includes structures that play key roles in
emotional control and a skill called working memory.

By young adulthood, these brain structures tend to be


similar in size to those in adults without ADHD. This doesn’t
mean ADHD goes away after the teen years, though. The
symptoms of ADHD may change as kids get older, but
ADHD is lifelong.

Brain networks have trouble shifting gears.


Brain structures need to work together to do things like
shift focus or read or write. Different parts of the brain are
connected by networks of neurons (brain cells).
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Some neural networks take longer to develop or may be


less efficient in kids with ADHD. One example is the
“default mode network.” It plays a key role in resting the
brain. In kids with ADHD, the brain takes longer to “switch
off” activity in the default mode network when they need
to focus on something.

ADHD affects other pathways too, like the fronto-parietal


network. It plays a key role in making decisions and
learning new tasks. (That’s why it’s often called the
“executive control circuit.”) Differences in this and other
neural networks may help explain ADHD symptoms like
mind-wandering and trouble with impulse control.

Brain chemicals may struggle to get the


message across.
Brain networks are made up of brain cells that pass
information along from neuron to neuron. To do this, the
tail end of one neuron releases tiny amounts of chemicals
called neurotransmitters. These chemicals have to cross a
small gap—called a synapse—to get to the tip of the next
neuron.

ADHD can affect this process in a few ways:

The sending neuron may not release enough


neurotransmitters.
The receiving neuron may have trouble “catching” the
neurotransmitters.
The neurotransmitters may get sucked back up by the
sending neuron too fast, before a good connection is
made with the receiving neuron.
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For many people with ADHD, treatment can improve these


connections. Tapping into people’s interests can help too.

Brain researchers are learning more and more about ADHD.


But keep in mind we haven’t yet reached the point where
brain scans can be used to diagnose people with ADHD.
Learn how kids are evaluated for ADHD, and how it’s
diagnosed in adults.

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About the Author

Julie Rawe is a senior editor at Understood.

Reviewed by
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Nelson Dorta, PhD is a pediatric neuropsychologist and an


assistant professor of medical psychology in child psychiatry at
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University.

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