ADHD Brain vs Normal Brain: Know the Key Differences

Jagruti Rehab Center
Written By
Dr. Amar Shinde
Published on: 23 Jun 2025 | Last Updated on: 25 Jun 2025

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.

Related Learning: ADHD Case Study

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.

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Dr. Amar Shinde, Psychiatrist at Jagruti Rehab Centre
Dr. Amar Shinde

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.

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