How ADHD Affects Our Brains

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition known to affect one’s  ability to control their attention span so as to effectively complete one activity or cognitive process before proceeding to another. This can lead to impulsive decision-making, actions, and oftentimes a hyperkinetic mode of life. 

ADHD is often associated with abnormally low levels of the neurotransmitters, transmitting between the prefrontal cortical area and the basal ganglia (dopamine and noradrenaline). Dopamine is closely associated with reward centers in the brain, and also interacts with other potent neurotransmitters to regulate mood. 

Dysfunction of our prefrontal cortex can result in a lack of alertness, shortened attention span, and decreased efficiency of working or short-term memory, difficulty in initiating and sustaining activities, and being unable to distinguish and avoid unnecessary or distracting activities. This is why ADHD individuals have diminished focus. Again, there is a significant difficulty in organizing the brain for performance of any activity which requires planning of more than one step, because of behavior which is strongly guided by impulsivity and the experienced difficulty in being still or in one place.

While this varies from person to person, it’s important to understand how the brain is affected by ADHD so that you can then plan to manage symptoms better. 

If you believe you or your child are struggling with ADHD, we can help.

For more information, contact us or call 210.384.1254.

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