Adhd how does it work

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes differences in the brain related to attention, behavior, and activity levels, including impulsivity and hyperactivity. These differences are key to understanding and treating some of the common ADHD symptoms and behavior patterns. Read on to learn more about the differences between the brain of a person with ADHD and the brain of a neurotypical person, as well as how to diagnose ADHD.

There are several differences between the brains of people with ADHD and people without the condition. ADHD causes differences in:. These differences relate to brain size , neurotransmitters, and brain networks. People with ADHD may have areas of the brain that mature more slowly or have different activity levels than a neurotypical brain.

Some brain differences may change as a child matures and grows older. According to older research , the process includes:. ADHD affects brain functioning in several ways. The condition has links to abnormal cognitive, behavioral, and motivational functioning.

ADHD can affect the regulation of moods, emotions, and brain cell connections. It can also affect communication between different areas of the brain.

Brain networks are groups of nerve cells, called neurons, which send information throughout the brain. The brain networks of people with ADHD may take more time to develop and be less effective at relaying certain messages, behaviors, or information.

These brain networks may function differently in areas such as focus, movement, and reward. Imaging tools such as those based on MRIs and X-rays can measure subtle abnormalities in the structure and the function of the brains of people with neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD. In imaging studies of people with ADHD, there is an imbalance in the way that some brain networks are structured, which is called structural connectivity. There is also an imbalance in the way that some brain networks function, which is called functional connectivity.

In studies designed to induce a specific brain function, such as a challenging thought-related task, or an emotion-inducing situation, researchers and scientists can look at the pattern of activity across different brain regions in people with ADHD and compare them with neurotypical individuals in order to find out how their brains differ. For example, a person with ADHD may be unable to suppress brain activity in the default attention network, especially as a task becomes more difficult.

This may link to more distractibility. Researchers linked increases in functional connectivity in certain brain regions to clinical symptoms of hyperactivity and restlessness, suggesting that inefficiencies in brain network processing could explain some symptoms of ADHD.

ADHD can affect executive functioning skills related to the following:. There are several differences between the brain structures of people with and without ADHD. Limbic System This region is located deeper in the brain. It regulates our emotions and attention. Jump to Comments. Yes and No. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus. This is really helpful to me. Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Many ADHD symptoms, such as high activity levels, difficulty remaining still for long periods of time and limited attention spans, are common to young children in general.

A diagnosis is based on the symptoms that have occurred over the past six months. Inattentive type — six or five for people over 17 years of the following symptoms occur frequently:. There is no lab test to diagnose ADHD. Diagnosis involves gathering information from parents, teachers and others, filling out checklists and having a medical evaluation including vision and hearing screening to rule out other medical problems. The symptoms are not the result of person being defiant or hostile or unable to understand a task or instructions.

Scientists have not yet identified the specific causes of ADHD. There is evidence that genetics contribute to ADHD. For example, three out of four children with ADHD have a relative with the disorder. Other factors that may contribute to the development of ADHD include being born prematurely, brain injury and the mother smoking, using alcohol or having extreme stress during pregnancy. Behavioral therapy and medication can improve the symptoms of ADHD.

Studies have found that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication works best for most people, particularly those with moderate to severe ADHD. Behavioral therapy focuses on managing the symptoms of ADHD. For children, treatment usually consists of teaching parents and teachers how to provide positive feedback for desired behaviors and consequences for negative ones.

Although behavioral therapy requires careful coordination, it can help children learn how to control their behavior and make good choices.

Adults with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy and from behavioral strategies that improve structure and organization. Stimulant medications are highly effective treatments that have been safely used for decades. They include methylphenidate and amphetamines. As with all medicines, children taking these drugs must be carefully monitored by their parents and doctors. Two non-stimulant medications, atomoxetine and guanfacine, have also been shown to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.

These medications are alternatives for those who do not respond well to stimulants or if a non-stimulant is preferred. Some children experience dramatic relief of symptoms with medication and this relief continues with ongoing treatment.