Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Recent Research

 by Isobella P

% of people in USA diagnosed with ADHD (2011)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that shapes brain functioning in several ways. The differences relate to neurotransmitters and networks. The condition has links to atypical cognitive, behavioural and motivational functioning. Therefore it can affect the regulation of moods, emotions and brain cell connections. The brain networks (which are groups of neurons that send information throughout the brain) of people with ADHD can take more time to develop and can be different in relaying certain information, messages or behaviour. The brain functions may function differently in areas such as focus, movement and reward. This is why some common symptoms of ADHD include: starting new tasks before finishing old ones, multi-focus, differing memory retention, and challenges in focusing on some aspects of detail.

In studies to find out what causes ADHD it has been suggested that there is a disparity in the way that some brain networks are structured which is called structural connectivity. There is also a disparity in the way that some of the brain networks function. This is called functional connectivity. 

Studies have been conducted to assess the pattern of activity across different brain regions in people with ADHD. Many have shown that some brain regions become ‘hyperactive’ whereas others become ‘hypoactive’.

Other studies have been conducted to find structural differences between an ADHD brain and a neurotypical brain. These studies have suggested volume differentials in certain brain regions such as the amygdala and hippocampus, relating to motivation, memory and emotion regulation, and the front of the cortex, relating to cognitivity, attention and planning control. In contrast, the motor cortex is a region that seems to mature more quickly among children with ADHD, signalling to direct the movement of the body, which can result in a sense of restlessness.

Although ADHD is normally diagnosed in children, it can be diagnosed in adolescents or adults if they have displayed symptoms before the age of 12. A medical professional who specialises in ADHD will evaluate the person using a variety of methods which include behaviour and symptom checklists or tests. In order to receive an ADHD diagnosis a person must be displaying long term symptoms relating to attention, hyperactivity or impulsivity. A diagnosis can be useful as it can lead to better academic, financial and psychosocial outcomes for people. By receiving a diagnosis people with ADHD can be treated accordingly. One example is Methylphenidate, which helps with hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour, therefore enhancing concentration.

In concluding, it is important to note that there is no correlation between ADHD and intelligence levels. Just to give one example, ADHD has been shown to affect people in the same way across high, average and low IQ score ranges.