ADHD Brain vs Normal Brain: Know the Key Differences
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects how a person thinks, acts, and focuses. Usually, when ADHD is discussed, it is in terms of behaviour and symptoms, but ADHD has a biological component that impacts brain structure and function. In this blog, we will explore the differences between the brain of an individual with ADHD and the brain of someone who does not have ADHD.
We will consider how these differences influence mental processes and daily lives. We will also examine what these differences mean for obtaining higher-quality treatment and coping methods for both individuals and families.
Key Differences Between ADHD Brain vs Normal Brain
The differences between the ADHD brain vs normal brain without ADHD primarily have to do with how the brain processes information, manages impulses, and regulates focus. These differences arise in both the structure of the brain and the function of the brain, which contributes to the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity associated with ADHD.
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1. Function: How the ADHD Brain and Normal Brain Work Differently
The ADHD brain has an impact on certain areas of the brain that are responsible for attention, behaviour regulation and decision-making. Research shows that the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which produces functions such as planning, attention and self-control, works differently and less efficiently in those with ADHD, resulting in the challenge of focusing, organising and impulse control.
- Attention and Focus: Individuals with ADHD often struggle with attention on tasks for extended periods. In a normal brain, the prefrontal cortex of the brain helps filter out distractions and focuses on tasks actively. In the ADHD brain, this system is not as effective and quality that it can lead to the inability to complete or stay on task.
- Impulsivity: Impulse control is another trait in which the ADHD brain and normal brain are different, having no challenges in impulse control. In typical brains, the prefrontal cortex would be able to regulate the action, activity, and behaviour. It helps an individual to consider thinking before acting. In ADHD brains, there is impaired impulse control to regulate activities, and action with often impulsive decisions and difficulty considering consequences.
- Memory and Learning: ADHD brains are, in particular, challenged with working memory. This function enables the individual to hold and manipulate information in real-time; it can hinder following multi-step instructions, easily forgetting tasks, and processing new information.
2. Structure: How the ADHD Brain Looks Different
Brain imaging studies have shown that there are structural differences between ADHD and those without it. The structural differences that exist are in size and activity of different brain regions.
- Smaller Prefrontal Cortex: The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making, judgement, problem-solving, and regulating behaviour. The size of the prefrontal cortex is often smaller in people with ADHD. A smaller prefrontal cortex explains difficulties with attention, memory and impulse control.
- Differences in Brain Connectivity: People with ADHD also have differences in how different parts of the brain communicate with each other. The parts of the brain responsible for executive functions, attention, and focus do not connect and communicate efficiently with each other in people with ADHD. Inefficient communication is linked to the different symptoms observed in those with ADHD, such as distractibility and difficulty staying on task.
- Differences in Dopamine Regulation: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and focus. In people with ADHD, regulation of dopamine is often difficult; thus, it can be more difficult to stay motivated to complete a task and focus on that task. Low motivation and focus with tasks is linked to impulsivity traits observed in ADHD.
3. Diagnosing ADHD: The Role of Brain Function and Structure
Diagnosing ADHD requires observing behaviours, gathering the history of the person, and assessments of behaviour, attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Brain functions and structure are important considerations when diagnosing; however, ADHD is not diagnosed based on brain imaging alone. The diagnosis of ADHD will typically be based upon:
- Behavioural Assessments: Behavioural assessments are rating scales or questionnaires used to measure attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Behavioural assessments provide healthcare professionals with information on the severity of symptoms as well as what duration the symptoms occur.
- Medical History: Understanding the history of the individual being assessed is critical. A person's childhood behaviours and family history of ADHD will all be important information to collect during the assessment.
- Neuroimaging and Neuropsychological Tests: Brain scans alone are not used to diagnose ADHD. Neuroimaging will provide information about the structure and function of the brain; for example, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans permit researchers to see how information is processed differently in people with ADHD brain vs normal brain.
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Why Choose Jagruti Rehab for ADHD Support
It is important to understand the differences between an ADHD brain vs normal brain, to know the problems for individuals with ADHD. At Jagruti Rehab, we help individuals with ADHD in an individualised manner, as each individual with ADHD has a different experience.
We help individuals live a balanced and fulfilling life through medication management, behavioural therapy and lifestyle interventions. If you or someone you love is struggling with ADHD, please contact Jagruti Rehab to obtain support. We are here to help you along your recovery road.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, individuals with ADHD can lead ‘normal’ and productive lives. Although ADHD can be difficult in achieving focus, organisation and impulse control, people with ADHD can learn ways to manage their symptoms when they are introduced to treatment pathways and learned coping mechanisms. These treatment pathways can include medication and/or therapy and lifestyle changes in promoting better organisation, time management and emotional regulation.
Individuals with ADHD benefit from intervention that allows them to develop skills to help manage their symptoms. Coping with their ADHD can include:
- Time Management: Individuals with ADHD can improve time management by using a calendar, reminders, and timers to help them plan tasks and record deadlines for appointments.
- Organisation: Individuals with ADHD can help with their organisation by establishing their routines and developing organisation strategies, such as a to-do list.
- Mindfulness and Stress Management: Mindfulness strategies can be beneficial for facilitating emotional regulation and decreasing impulsivity.
- Social Skills: It is important to cultivate approaches to managing interpersonal relationships and recognising social cues. ADHD can impact one’s ability to navigate social interactions.
A person with ADHD is generally happiest when structure, support, and understanding are present in their lives. When individuals are involved in activities that promote novelty and are rewarding in terms of stimulation and interest, they are likely to improve motivation and mood. Environments with support, expectations, feedback, and recognition tend to help individuals with ADHD work toward feeling successful and satisfied.
The 24-hour rule is a strategy to promote taking action on tasks or responsibilities that arise in the first 24 hours. Taking action quickly on tasks can help individuals with ADHD to prevent procrastination (bottomless pit of unfinished work) and the tension created by not taking action. It builds inertia and leads to a sense of momentum and accomplishment, reinforcing a sense of confidence in themselves to continue.
Dr. Amar Shinde, founder of Jagruti Rehab, is a renowned psychiatrist in India with over two decades of experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and neuropsychiatry, dedicated to holistic, compassionate patient care.
