ADHD Brain: The Neurology of Inattention, Impulsivity, and Hyperactivity

What is Happening in the Brain of a Person with ADHD ?

The most recent models describing what is happening neurologically in the brains of people with Attention Deficit Disorder suggest that several areas of the brain may be affected by the disorder.

They include:

• Frontal Lobes
• Inhibitory Mechanisms of the Cortex
• Limbic System
• Reticular Activating System

Each of these areas of the brain is associated with various functions of the brain.

Above is a sample Q-EEGs of two Attention Deficit Disorder children compared to two non- ADD ADHD children. Read more of the article...

Causes of ADHD

There may be several different "causes of ADHD" as there are different types of ADHD. The most recent research models describing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder suggest that several areas of the brain may be affected by ADHD. These include the

• frontal lobes
• inhibitory mechanisms of the cortex
• limbic system
• reticular activating system

Each of these areas of the brain is associated with various functions, or qualities, or abilities. Read more of the article...

What Causes ADHD

How Many People Have ADHD ?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - "ADD" or "ADHD" - affects about five percent (8%) of the children in the United States, and about three percent (5%) of all adults in the USA. In 2006, the National Health Care Survey estimated that 4.5 million children (5-17 years old) had been diagnosed with ADHD.

This number has grown over the past twenty years as (1) the tools for diagnosing ADHD have improved and (2) more girls with ADHD : Inattentive Type are being identified and helped rather than just ignored as in the past. Read more of the article...

Is ADHD Real?

Yes, ADHD is a REAL mental health problem - it really is an attention deficit disorder.

There are lots of objections to ADHD made below, and they are in BOLD. And my answers follow. Read more of the article...

Myths About ADHD

View the ADHD MYTHS Video from Medical News Today

There's been a lot of talk in recent years about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. And with all the talk has come a lot of misinformation. Is this a real disease? If so, what are the causes? And how is it diagnosed? Join our panel as they help us separate fact from fiction. Read more of the article...

Our Favorite ADHD Myths

ADD ADHD Information

"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder", also called "ADHD", is one of the most common childhood behavior disorders. Of all children referred to mental health professionals, more are referred for ADHD than for any other condition. Those with ADHD have problems in most of the areas of their life, including home, school, work, and in relationships.

What is ADHD?

"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" is a neurological disorder that impacts individuals in four main categories:

• Attention - causing people to have problems paying attention, focusing on a task, or finishing tasks, especially if they are not very interesting tasks.
• Impulsivity - causing a lack of self-control. Impulsive behaviors, or choices, can cause havoc in relationships, work, school, or life.
• Hyperactivity - Many (though not all) with ADHD are "bouncy" and hyperactive, always "on the go" and restless.
• Easily Bored - Unless the task is very stimulating, like a video game or TV program or outside playing, those with attention disorders are often easily bored by a task - especially bored by homework, math tests, balancing checkbooks, or doing taxes, and many of these tasks just never get done.

Children, teens, and adults can all suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

"Attention Deficit" impacts about 8% of children and teenagers, and about 4% of adults. Less than half of the children with ADD ever "out-grow" it in adolescence or adulthood. If untreated, the disorder can have long-term adverse effects into adolescence and adulthood.

The disorder has different "looks" or "types." This is discussed in great detail under the section the different types of ADHD.

For some it severely impacts behavior, and for others it greatly impacts learning. For the group in the middle, it just impacts their attention, focus, concentration, and getting the job done.

Read more of the article...