Washington, D.C. – Children diagnosed with ADHD exhibit distinct differences in brain functioning compared to those without the neurological disorder, a recent national study revealed.
The research conducted by the National Institutes of Health discovered that children with ADHD have increased wiring in their brains, which can hinder the transmission of clear signals necessary for tasks like following instructions or maintaining focus. This study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, delves into the intricate neural networks that contribute to the symptoms of ADHD commonly observed by educators and parents.
Luke Norman, a staff scientist at the National Institute of Mental Health and one of the study’s authors, explained that the hyperconnected wiring in the brains of children with ADHD affects areas crucial for impulse control and attention, resulting in inefficiencies linked to the disorder.
In contrast to previous studies with smaller sample sizes, this NIH study utilized brain scans from thousands of children with ADHD traits, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how the brains of individuals with ADHD operate. Although the results were obtained while the subjects were at rest rather than engaged in activity, the larger data set shed light on the brain’s inner workings in those with ADHD.
The study does not focus on diagnosing ADHD but, instead, sheds light on the specific brain signals associated with the disorder. Lauren Friedman, an assistant professor of psychology at Arizona State University, emphasized the significance of identifying these neural markers for individuals with ADHD.
Notably, approximately 6 million children in the United States, accounting for nearly 10% of the youth population, have been diagnosed with ADHD. Research suggests that genetic factors, as well as environmental influences like premature birth and lead poisoning, play a role in the development of ADHD in children.
The study’s examination of over 8,000 children, some diagnosed with ADHD and others without the disorder, revealed that those with ADHD displayed increased wiring in the frontal cortex, a region crucial for attention and impulse control. This heightened connectivity in certain brain regions does not necessarily translate to improved signal transmission, leading to what the study describes as “altered connectivity.”
Further research is necessary to explore brain activity in children with ADHD during various activities and as they age. The study’s focus on a specific demographic, including a substantial proportion from high-income households, underlines the importance of conducting broader studies to encompass a more diverse population of children with ADHD.
Sarah Karalunas, an associate professor of psychology at Purdue University, highlighted the study’s role in identifying distinct brain patterns in children with ADHD, emphasizing the challenges these individuals face in regulating their emotions and attention.
Looking ahead, Norman aims to investigate how interventions can impact the brain connections identified in the study, with the ultimate goal of developing treatments to enhance brain function in individuals with ADHD.