ADHD: New and Exciting Brain Research - Part II
Margaret V. Austin, Ph.D., edited by C. E. Zupanick, Psy.D.image by U.S. Army (lic)More recently, ADHD researchers have directed their attention to the cerebellum. Studies indicate the cerebellums of children with ADHD are notably smaller than their non-ADHD peers. The cerebellum is a brain region that plays a significant role in sensory perception and motor function. As such, a smaller cerebellum might account for ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, and the tendency to act without thinking.
A smaller brain may impair executive functioning. This is a term psychologists use to refer to higher-order thinking skills, such as the ability to organize information; to sustain attention; and to choose an appropriate course of action. Many professionals suspect that impaired executive functioning can account for many ADHD symptoms.
Other research suggests there may be a subset of children with ADHD who have larger frontal lobes than average. These children seem to have predominately hyperactive behavior. Research also suggests that ADHD may affect the basal ganglia connection to the frontal lobe. The basal ganglia are brain structures that help to coordinate motor control, cognition, emotions, and learning. These preliminary findings seem to indicate that not only are there brain differences between people with ADHD and those without the disorder; but, there may also be brain differences among the three ADHD subtypes. LINK More research is needed to determine whether there are truly biological differences in structure and function between different ADHD subtypes.
It is important to note we do not know if these brain differences are the cause of ADHD symptoms. These differences could be a cause, a consequence, or of no consequence. At this point, we can merely observe differences and speculate plausible explanations based on what we do know.
Continuing with brain differences, some researchers have found that children with lesser amounts of gray matter have a harder time paying attention. Gray matter is a connective tissue in the brain. It facilitates communication within the brain. Several studies indicate that ADHD individuals have less gray matter. This suggests a possible link between brain structure and ADHD behaviors.
In addition to differences in brain structures, differences in brain activity can also be found. Brain activity can be measured by imaging technology such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). During tasks that require careful attention and impulse control, individuals with ADHD show decreased activity in the striatum and the prefrontal cortex. These parts of the brain modulate movement, decision-making, and response to rewarding or unpleasant situations. These findings might account for the non-traditional learning styles in people with ADHD.
Although brain imaging techniques are useful for research, they are not currently used to diagnose ADHD. These types of studies provide helpful clues about the causes of this disorder. Someday research may determine the precise cause of ADHD. Until then, we can merely observe these differences and theorize causal relationships to ADHD symptoms. It is also important to note that these brain differences do not affect intelligence or other types of abilities. People with ADHD can be very smart, creative, athletic, and social. They can also be hopeful and optimistic; or, they can be depressed and discouraged. Thus, ADHD does not define a person. The unique brain differences described here reflect a genetic process that affects a specific set of tendencies and behaviors. It does not affect the entire range of a person's skills and abilities.
Resources
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Articles
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Childhood ADHD Overview
- Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Signs & Symptoms of ADHD
- ADHD Signs and Symptoms: Attention Difficulties
- ADHD Signs and Symptoms: Hyperactivity
- ADHD Signs and Symptoms: Impulsivity
- Are There Different Types of ADHD?
- The Social, Educational, Financial & Occupational Impact of ADHD
- What are the Legal Rights of Caregivers and Their Children with ADHD (USA)?
- A Positive Spin: Is There Anything Good about ADHD?
- Signs of ADHD in Children at Home
- Signs of ADHD in Children at School
- Signs of ADHD in Children in Peer Relationships
- How Do I know if My Child Needs an ADHD Evaluation?
- What Should I Do If I Think My Child Might Have ADHD?
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ADHD Discoveries and Controversies
- ADHD: New and Exciting Brain Research
- ADHD: New and Exciting Brain Research - Part II
- Neurotransmitter Changes with ADHD
- Executive Functions
- Neurodiversity: Is ADHD a True Mental Disorder?
- ADHD Statistics
- Cultural and Gender Differences in Prevalence Rates
- Should Children with ADHD Be Medicated?
- New and Promising Areas of Research
- Causes of ADHD in Children
- ADHD or Another Condition?
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Diagnosis of ADHD in Children
- Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
- How Does ADHD Multi-Source Assessment Work?
- Assessment Instruments: Behavioral Checklists
- Assessment Instruments: Intelligence Tests
- Assessment Instruments: Achievement Tests (or Academic Tests)
- Assessment Instruments: Tests of Attention
- Assessment Instruments: Memory and Other Common Tests
- Step 2: Clinical Interviews
- Step 3: Physical Exam and Medical History
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ADHD Treatment in Children
- Multimodal ADHD Treatment Approach
- ADHD Medications
- Treating ADHD with Stimulant Drugs
- Commonly Prescribed ADHD Stimulant Medications
- Treating ADHD with Non-Stimulant Drugs
- Risks of ADHD Medication
- Risks of ADHD Medications - Part II
- Benefits of ADHD Medication
- Side Effects of ADHD Medications
- Medication Decisions and Medication Management
- How Long Should ADHD Medication Treatment Last
- Psycho-Education about ADHD and Its Management
- Family Therapy
- Individual and Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy for the Child with ADHD
- Skills Training
- Social Skills Training and Coaching
- Supports
- Alternative ADHD treatment: What Does NOT Work?
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Family and Personal Supports
- Effective Disciplinary Techniques
- Learn about Resources and Be Proactive
- Manage Stress, Self-Regulation & Provide Order
- Develop Routines, Organization and Expectations
- Communicate and Collaborate with Schools
- Express Confidence in Your Child's Abilities
- Help Children Improve Social Skills and Peer Relationships
- Avoid Homework Battles and Monitor Medication
- I Think I have ADHD. What should I do?
- I Think I Have ADHD - Part II
- Famous People with ADHD
- Adult ADHD Overview
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Diagnosis of Adult ADHD
- How is Adult ADHD Diagnosed?
- Diagnostic Challenge 1: Looking into the Past
- Diagnostic Challenge 2: ADHD versus Similar Disorders
- Diagnostic Challenge 2 - Part II
- Diagnostic Challenge 3: ADHD Symptoms
- Diagnostic Challenge 3 - Part II
- Diagnostic Challenge 4: A Concealed Disorder
- Specialized Tests and Tools
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Adult ADHD Treatment
- ADHD Medication Treatment
- Stimulant and Non-Stimulant Drugs for Adult ADHD
- Medication Timing, Dosage, Monitoring, and Duration of Treatment
- Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Adult ADHD Medications
- Psychotherapy for ADHD
- Coaching/Supported Employment for Adult ADHD
- Social Skills Training for Adult ADHD
- Psycho-Education and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- ADHD Resources and References
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Childhood ADHD Overview
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Questions and Answers
- Does This Sound Like Bipolar?
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- Why do I See Words and Numbers in my Mind...
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- odd (ADHD)
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- What Should I do? Noah
- 16 year old girl with Attention Deficit Disorder
- Thoughts
- Diagnosed ADHD at 13, now being told I have bipolar disorder
- ADHD in Twins
- Inherited ADHD
- How to get off Focalin
- new diagnosis
- am i off my head i feel i have no feelings and want to harm ppl
- 17 yr old refuses help with bi-polar disorder
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- IS ADHD CAUSING HIM TO FAIL?
- heightened sexual behavior in my 8 yr. old with adhd
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- my 7 year old nephew
- my daughter
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- Fantasy land for attention
- 13 Yearl Old
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- Can ADHD Turn Into Bipolar?
- How Long To Diagnose ADHD?
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Tests
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Book & Media Reviews
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- Making ADD Work
- Medicating Children
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- New Look at ADHD: Inhibition, Time, and Self-Control
- Non-Drug Treatments for ADHD
- Overcoming ADHD
- Parenting Children With ADHD
- Reclaiming Our Children
- Rethinking ADHD
- Ritalin is Not the Answer Action Guide
- Ritalin Nation
- Running on Ritalin
- Should I Medicate My Child?
- Taking Charge of ADHD, Revised Edition
- The Explosive Child
- The Gift of Adult ADD
- The Little Monster
- The Science of ADHD
- Thumbsucker
- Treating ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
- What Would Joey Do?
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- Nutrition in Support of ADHD Treatment
- Behavioral Therapy: What it is and finding a therapist
- Project-Based Learning and ADHD
- Conditions May Mimic ADHD
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- Department of Education Guidance Broadens Understanding of 504 Rights for Kids with ADHD Part I
- Treating ADHD in the African American Community
- How to Build Self-Motivation in Teens with ADHD
- Goal Setting and Keeping for the ADHD Brain
- Neurofeedback Treatment for ADHD
- ADHD in Preschoolers: What to Look For and How to Help
- FYI on ADHD Evaluations
- Teaching Grit, Perseverance and Frustration Tolerance to Students with ADHD
- Does my Child Have ADHD?
- How to Start Eating Well When You Have ADHD
- 5 Solutions for Common ADHD Social Struggles
- Is My High School Student Ready for College? (And Is My College Student Ready to Go Back?)
- Understanding and Applying the Science of Time Management
- ADHD Medication and College Students: Prevent Misuse, Abuse, and Diversion
- Improve Homework Time with Strategies That Work For ADHD
- Student Voices: What Really Matters to Young Adults With Learning and Attention Issues
- 5 Ways Nutrition can Impact ADHD Symptoms
- 3 Tips for Adjusting to a New Diagnosis of ADHD
- Creating the Best Learning Environment for Students with ADHD
- ADHD & Executive Functioning
- Department of Education Guidance Broadens Understanding of 504 Rights for Kids with ADHD Part II
- Ask The Expert: Neurofeedback Treatment for ADHD
- ADHD and Suicide Risk Factors
- The Choice is in the Details: Medication Options for ADHD
- Understanding and Supporting Young Adults with ADHD
- Helping Your Young Adult Become Independent
- Creating Structure and Routines for Children with ADHD
- When You and Your Child Have ADHD - Communication Skills to Resolve Conflict
- Guidance for Uncertain Times: Navigating Relationship Challenges
- Guidance for Uncertain Times: Mindful Parenting
- Couples with ADHD: Creating Caring Connection amid the Chaos
- Disclosure and Workplace Accommodations for Individuals With ADHD
- A Summer At Camp
- Self-Advocacy Tips For Teens With ADHD
- ADHD and Curbing Impulsive Spending to Help Your Relationship
- ADHD: Signs, Symptoms, Research
- ADHD & Risk of Adult Drug Use
- Health and Life Expectancy in ADHD
- Focus on ADHD
- Pediatrics: ADHD and Food Allergies
- ADHD: It's a Family Affair
- Does Your Child Have ADHD?
- ADHD in Children
- Living with ADHD
- Rise in ADHD Cases in Children
- Why is Dating Difficult When You Have ADHD
- Video Games, Screens, and ADHD A Potent Mix
- Ask the Expert Helping Children with ADHD LD Conquer Chronic Stress
- Ask the Expert: Mindfulness, Stress, & Emotion
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Ask the Expert Educator Edition: ADHD & Executive Functioning
- Ask the Expert - Academic Evaluations - What Parents Need to Know
- ADHD and Sibling Relationships
- Medication Treatment for ADHD
- Using Time Out
- Treating Childhood ADHD
- ADHD-friendly Summer Family FUNdamentals
- Preparing Older Teens for the Road Ahead
- Tips for Teachers: Tailoring homework to make a difference
- Your Active Preschooler: Could it be ADHD?
- Tips for Teachers: Creating a positive dialogue with parents of students with ADHD
- Helping Parents & Kids Understand the Social & Emotional Aspects of ADHD
- Social and Emotional Concerns of Children with ADHD: Strategies to Help
- Holiday Gifts for Children with ADHD
- Behavior Management and Combined Treatment for Children with ADHD
- Setting Realistic School Expectations for Students with ADHD
- On Their Own: Helping College Students with ADHD
- Children's Communication Challenges: Is it Attention, Language or Both?
- Out-of-School: Parenting During the Summer
- ADHD in the Workplace: Finding Success
- Emotions and Motivation in ADHD
- The Role of Medication in Managing Children's ADHD Symptoms
- Top Tips for Combating Stigma and Addressing Myths about ADHD
- Facts and Myths about ADHD
- What To Do If Your Child Has ADHD?
- How Common is ADHD?
- Children, Meds, and Heart Safety: A Tale of ADHD and Public Health
- ADHD & Your Child’s Transition to College
- Your Teen with ADHD: Challenges and Strategies for Success
- Ask the Expert - No more homework battles
- A Frontline to ADHD
- Understanding Girls with ADHD
- What is ADHD?
- What To Do When Your Child With ADHD is Bullied
- Stop the Chaos! Tips for Creating a Peaceful Household When Mom has ADHD
- Is It ADHD?
- Ask the Expert - What else can I do? Complementary approaches to ADHD treatment
- All in a row: Getting your kids with ADHD organized
- Your Student With ADHD Was Admitted to College, Now what?
- Evidence-based treatment for ADHD in young children
- Home life when Mom or Dad has ADHD: Succeeding with your family
- How does technology affect ADHD?
- Diagnosing ADHD
- Helping Your Child Successfully Handle Change
- Recognizing challenging behaviors in young children: Could it be ADHD?
- Classroom Managment Supports for ADHD Behaviors in Preschool Settings
- Getting through to your teenager with ADHD
- What Everyone Should Know about ADHD
- Make Learning Exciting: Apps for Executive Functioning
- Teenagers, ADHD, and Substance Abuse
- Past Procrastination -- Get Your Kids Organized, Focused and Motivated
- Ask the Expert: Late, Lost, and Unprepared: How to Help Your Child with Executive Functioning
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