What does science say about ADHD?

Some of the most prestigious scientific-based organizations in the world conclude that ADHD is a real disorder with potentially devastating consequences when not properly identified, diagnosed and treated. Research has demonstrated that ADHD has a very strong neurobiological basis.

Is there biological evidence for ADHD?

There's no disputing that ADHD is a complex disorder and likely has many different causes and factors — all currently under investigation. Still, while environmental and cultural factors can alter behavior and child development, research confirms that ADHD is primarily a biologically-based disorder.

What does research say about ADHD?

Although the exact causes of ADHD are not known, research shows that genes play a role, but other factors may contribute or make symptoms worse. There are many unanswered questions about ADHD, and there is more we need to learn about how ADHD affects people throughout their life.

Is ADHD a chemical imbalance?

Impairments of ADHD are not due to a global excess or lack of a specific chemical within or around the brain. The primary problem is related to chemicals manufactured, released, and reloaded at the level of synapses, the junctions between certain networks of neurons that manage the brain's management system.

What are 3 facts about ADHD?

5 fast facts

The average age of ADHD diagnosis is 7 years old. Symptoms of ADHD typically first appear between the ages of 3 and 6 . ADHD isn't just a childhood disorder. About 4 percent of American adults over the age of 18 deal with ADHD on a daily basis.

Inside the adult ADHD brain

Is ADHD a superpower?

Are ADHD Superpowers Real? There's been a lot of focus on the harmful symptoms of ADHD. Although there's less research on ADHD superpowers, people with ADHD report that they are more energetic, creative, courageous, and resilient than people without the condition.

Are people with ADHD interesting?

There Isn't One Brand Of ADHD

Everyone's traits, struggles and ability to cope are different. Some people with ADHD are hugely popular, the funniest, most interesting people in every room – even as they struggle to pay their bills or hold down a job.

What is lacking in an ADHD brain?

ADHD was the first disorder found to be the result of a deficiency of a specific neurotransmitter — in this case, norepinephrine — and the first disorder found to respond to medications to correct this underlying deficiency. Like all neurotransmitters, norepinephrine is synthesized within the brain.

Is ADHD a lack of dopamine?

As you know, one trademark of ADHD is low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine — a chemical released by nerve cells into the brain. Due to this lack of dopamine, people with ADHD are "chemically wired" to seek more, says John Ratey, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Can ADHD be caused by head trauma?

In the present study, the researchers hypothesized that ADHD was more common in patients with head trauma following an accident compared to a group without trauma. The results showed that the overall frequency of adult ADHD was 5.9%, which was 6.1% in the trauma group and 5.9% in the non-trauma group.

Are ADHD brains wired differently?

When in a relaxed state, the brains of children and adolescents with ADHD tend to fire differently to those without the disorder, although there don't seem to be changes in the physical connections or 'wiring' of their brains.

How ADHD brains are different?

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.

Do ADHD brains look different?

The largest imaging study of its kind finds that people diagnosed with ADHD have altered brains. It identifies size differences in several brain regions and the brain overall, with the greatest differences seen in children rather than adults.

Is ADHD inherited from father?

The disorder begins in childhood, but somewhere between 30 to 70 percent of sons will also be fathers with ADHD. A number of published studies show a clear link to genetics, but it is not 100 percent conclusive. There may be other factors involved or genetics may not be behind each incident.

Is ADHD in your DNA?

Genetics. ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.

Is ADHD on the autism spectrum?

Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are related in several ways. ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other. Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related.

Do people with ADHD have anger issues?

The bottom line. Getting angry is part of the human experience. ADHD can make anger more intense, and it can impair your ability to respond to angry feelings in healthy ways. Medication and psychotherapy can help you manage anger more effectively.

Does ADHD medication damage the brain?

Released: August 13, 2019. A common ADHD drug appears to affect the development of the brain's white matter in children. Treatment with MPH showed changes in the brain's white matter in boys but not adults or the placebo group. Approximately 5.2 percent of American children take medication for ADHD.

Do video games help with ADHD?

The study focused on video-game therapy suggests that it can help lessen ADHD symptoms in children with minimal side effects. Researchers developed a video game designed to improve attention in children by creating multitasking challenges adapted to their individual skillsets.

Are ADHD brains faster?

Shankman: Simply put, ADHD is the brain's inability to produce as much dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline as “regular” people's brains produce. Because of that, our brains have become “faster.” When managed right, that becomes a superpower.

Do ADHD brains develop slower?

Parts of the ADHD brain mature at a slower pace (approximately one to three years) and never reach the maturity of a person who does not have ADHD.

What is the mental age of someone with ADHD?

The brain's frontal lobes, which are involved in ADHD, continue to mature until we reach age 35. In practical terms, this means that people with ADHD can expect some lessening of their symptoms over time. Many will not match the emotional maturity of a 21-year-old until their late 30's.

Can ADHD be a gift?

Emory University psychologist Ann Abramowitz, PhD, doesn't see ADHD as a gift. She says the very diagnosis means a child is having problems. "If a child has ADHD symptoms but is not impaired, we don't diagnose ADHD.”

What are cool things about ADHD?

Imagination & Creativity

Individuals with ADHD don't just think outside the box; we create our own fortresses with our unbounded imagination and creativity. "My son can take you on an adventure and make your imagination light up while just standing in our living room." — Wendy E. "I'm amazed at ADHDers' creativity.

What are people with ADHD good at?