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. An impulsive nature may put them in actual physical danger. Because children with ADHD have difficulty controlling this behavior, they may be labeled "bad kids" or "space cadets. Effective treatment is available. As a parent, you have a very important role in this treatment.
Children with ADHD may have one or more of the symptom groups listed in the table above. The symptoms are usually classified by the following types of ADHD:. Because they do not disrupt the classroom or other activities, their symptoms may not be noticed. Among girls with ADHD, this form is more common. They are the least common group and are frequently younger.
It is the type that most people think of when they think of ADHD. Realize, it is normal for all children to show some ADHD symptoms from time to time. Your child may be reacting to stress at school or home, bored, or just going through a difficult stage of life. It does not mean he or she has ADHD. Other times, questions from the pediatrician raised the issue. At routine visits, pediatricians often ask questions such as:. Your answers to these questions may lead to further evaluation for ADHD.
Learn more here. ADHD, obviously, gets in the way of learning. Think of what the school setting requires children to do: Sit still. Listen quietly. Pay attention. Follow instructions. There are many things both parents and teachers can do to help children with ADHD thrive in the classroom. Authors: Melinda Smith, M. Neurodevelopmental Disorders. American Psychiatric Association.
Danielson, M. Children and Adolescents, Wolraich, M. Pediatrics, 4. Felt, B. American Family Physician, 90 7 , — Rytter, M. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 69 1 , 1— National Institute of Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the U. Canada: Find a support group in your area. India: Call the Vandrevala Foundation Helpline at or This holiday season alone, millions of people will turn to HelpGuide for free mental health guidance and support. So many people rely on us in their most difficult moments.
Can we rely on you? All gifts made before December 31 will be doubled. The good news is that it is treatable, and children can grow up to lead happy and healthy lives. Like all of us, children with ADHD need support, encouragement and love. And when ADHD is properly addressed, children can thrive. Get support from Linden Oaks Behavioral Health. Read More. If you have reached this screen, your current device or browser is unable to access the full Edward-Elmhurst Health Web site.
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