Scientists have shown that there are differences in the brains of children with ADHD and that some of these differences change as a child ages and matures. Research has shown that some structures in the brain in children with ADHD can be smaller than those areas of the brain in children without ADHD.
Do ADHD brains look different?
The largest imaging study of its kind finds that people diagnosed with ADHD have altered brains. It identifies size differences in several brain regions and the brain overall, with the greatest differences seen in children rather than adults.
What is lacking in ADHD brains?
ADHD was the first disorder found to be the result of a deficiency of a specific neurotransmitter — in this case, norepinephrine — and the first disorder found to respond to medications to correct this underlying deficiency. Like all neurotransmitters, norepinephrine is synthesized within the brain.
What is a ADHD brain like?
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.
Is the ADHD brain wired differently?
When in a relaxed state, the brains of children and adolescents with ADHD tend to fire differently to those without the disorder, although there don’t seem to be changes in the physical connections or ‘wiring’ of their brains.
Does ADHD affect intelligence?
Does ADHD affect IQ? A popular misconception is that all children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are naturally smarter and have a higher IQ than children without ADHD. However, there is no correlation between this condition and intelligence.
Does ADHD impact memory?
ADHD and long-term memory
What’s less understood is ADHD’s effect on long-term memory and memory loss. A 2013 research review looked at medical literature that studied adults with ADHD. The authors concluded that ADHD tends to limit long-term memory abilities more often.
Why ADHD is a gift?
“Children’s sense of identity is not yet formed at the time of ADHD diagnosis. Reframing the disorder as a gift helps them define themselves by what is working, not by what isn’t working.” Kids with ADHD often have trouble in school. They can’t sit still, and they have trouble focusing their attention on a single task.
Is ADHD a lack of dopamine?
As you know, one trademark of ADHD is low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine — a chemical released by nerve cells into the brain. Due to this lack of dopamine, people with ADHD are “chemically wired” to seek more, says John Ratey, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
Does caffeine help ADHD?
Some studies have found that caffeine can boost concentration for people with ADHD. Since it’s a stimulant drug, it mimics some of the effects of stronger stimulants used to treat ADHD, such as amphetamine medications. However, caffeine alone is less effective than prescription medications.
Are ADHD brains faster?
Shankman: Simply put, ADHD is the brain’s inability to produce as much dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline as “regular” people’s brains produce. Because of that, our brains have become “faster.” When managed right, that becomes a superpower.
Do ADHD brains develop slower?
Parts of the ADHD brain mature at a slower pace (approximately one to three years) and never reach the maturity of a person who does not have ADHD.
What does severe ADHD look like?
People with strong hyperactive symptoms can talk and talk, or jump in when other people are speaking — unaware that they’ve cut someone else off or unable to help themselves. They might fidget, unable to control the urge to move their bodies.
What is the mental age of someone with ADHD?
The brain’s frontal lobes, which are involved in ADHD, continue to mature until we reach age 35. In practical terms, this means that people with ADHD can expect some lessening of their symptoms over time. Many will not match the emotional maturity of a 21-year-old until their late 30’s.
Can you rewire your ADHD brain?
Based on the science of neuroplasticity, it’s thought that practicing certain tasks and skills can rewire the brain to improve memory or attention. Those with ADHD may be able to improve ADHD characteristics through brain training, but it’s still best to support with other treatments.
What should you not say to someone with ADHD?
- “Having ADHD isn’t an excuse.”
- “Everyone gets distracted sometimes.”
- “ADHD will make you more creative.”
- “If you can focus on fun things, you can focus on work.”
- “You’ll outgrow ADHD.”
- “Nobody needs to know you have ADHD.”
References:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315884
- https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-neuroscience-101/
- https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-the-brain
- https://www.acamh.org/research-digest/brain-firing-not-wiring-different-children-adhd/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325715
- https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-memory
- https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/features/is-there-gift-in-adhd
- https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/adhd-obesity-link/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/caffeine
- https://www.bu.edu/articles/2018/peter-shankman-adhd-lecture/
- https://www.verywellmind.com/the-adhd-brain-4129396
- https://www.businessinsider.com/what-it-is-like-to-live-with-severe-adhd-2017-3
- https://www.additudemag.com/grow-up-already-why-it-takes-so-long-to-mature/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-brain-training
- https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-what-not-to-say-to-child