ADHD and the Brain
ADHD is a brain-based neurodevelopmental disorder of the lifespan. There are differences between the brains of individuals who are neurotypical and individuals with ADHD. Some areas are smaller in the brains of children with ADHD. Some areas of the brain have less activity than what is expected. Some areas appear less developed overall. Levels of neuortransmitters differ. The more abnormal these differences are, the more severe the symptoms of ADHD appear to be. The information and links on this page will highlight resources that more fully describe these differences. By clicking on any of the pictures (all of which are links), you will be sent to a web-based resource to learn more.
Need to learn more about brain structure and function generally? This page describes the various areas of the brain. You will have to create a log-in to view this page. It is worth the time.
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Russell Barkley is a leader in the field of ADHD. His explanations of what is going on in the brain are very helpful in learning about the brain differences in ADHD.
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Many people appear to outgrow the symptoms of ADHD in adulthood. Learn more about the work being done at MIT.
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Genetics
play a role in ADHD. At the Human
Genome Research Institute, work on genetic components is being studied.
A new study indicates a striking difference in the brain's motivational machinery in people with ADHD symptoms. Each picture links to a different article about the same study.