ADHD brains present unique challenges, however the disease is extremely treatable – a nurse with ADHD explains the science

“I have way too many tabs open in my brain.”

“Why can’t I complete tasks?”

“Why do I lose track of time?”

“Why can’t I pay attention?”

These are all things that folks with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ask themselves each day, if not hourly.

As a Family nurse in primary careI actually have diagnosed and treated quite a few patients with ADHD. I used to be also diagnosed on the age of 21.

In order to assist those affected by the individuality of their brains, it’s important to grasp how the wiring within the brain of individuals with ADHD differs and what improves function.

How brains with ADHD differ

Research has found quite a few differences within the functioning of brains with ADHD.

Simply put, ADHD severely impairs executive functions.

Executive function is a set of cognitive processes, including planning, prioritization, impulse control, flexibility, time management, and emotional regulation, that help people achieve long-term goals.

These processes occur within the prefrontal cortex – the “personality center” – of the brain.

In addition to the prefrontal cortex, ADHD also affects other areas of the brain, including the Basal gangliaan area that regulates communication inside the brain, and the Cerebellumwhich is answerable for movement and balance. All three work together and regulate attention, executive function Motor skills And Impulse control.

Chemical messengers, so-called neurotransmitters, enable brain cells to speak with one another. Dopamine And Noradrenaline are two necessary neurotransmitters that play a vital role in Executive functions of the brain.

Dopamine controls Motivation, reward and joyWe get a flood of dopamine from pleasurable things like eating, drinking alcohol, having sex, and receiving validation or good grades. This flood also motivates us to repeat the “rewarding” behavior. Noradrenaline is answerable for Maintaining attention and supporting executive functions.

People with ADHD have lower dopamine levels And Noradrenaline in brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex. This results in difficulties in maintaining cognitive functions comparable to attention, Impulse control and motivation.

Studies show that folks with ADHD more dopamine transporters within the brainThink of transporters as vacuum cleaners that suck dopamine back into the neuron, making it less available.

As a result, there’s lower activation by dopamine and noradrenaline within the prefrontal cortex and the mesolimbic pathwaythe realm that processes rewards and motivation. Less dopamine may cause people to hunt stimulating rewards comparable to technology, food, or drugs.

Researchers have identified a minimum of 27 possible genetic markers that modulate dopamine regulation within the brain.

Diagnosis of ADHD

Almost everyone with or without ADHD exhibits symptoms comparable to forgetfulness. For example, when you’ll be able to't stand sitting in a gathering for long, or when you’ll be able to't remember why you entered a room.

An actual ADHD diagnosis takes several aspects under consideration.

If you suffer from ADHD, you’ve a minimum of five to 6 symptoms within the categories of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity, comparable to forgetfulness, difficulty sitting still, losing objects and being easily distracted.

For a proper diagnosis, symptoms of ADHD will need to have appeared before the age of 12. This could also be diagnosed in childhood or, as in my case, much later.

In addition, ADHD symptoms will need to have a negative impact on the person in multiple settingscomparable to at home, at college or at work – and they can not be explained by other conditions, comparable to Thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, lack of sleep or anemia.

Studies show that girls with ADHD are more likely show symptoms of inattention together with features not traditionally related to ADHD, comparable to Shyness, perfectionism And eating disorderPatients, especially women and girlsmay develop depression or anxiety – or each – as a consequence of untreated ADHD. Once ADHD is treated, the anxiety and depression symptoms disappear are greatly reduced.

How ADHD medications alter neurotransmitters

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.

The first US guidelines for the treatment of ADHD in adults are expected will probably be released in autumn 2024.

In patients aged 6 years and older, stimulant or non-stimulant medications could also be used along with behavioral therapy.

Stimulants are divided into two classes of medication: amphetamines comparable to Adderall and Vyvanse and methylphenidates comparable to Concerta, Ritalin and Focalin.

Nonstimulants comparable to Strattera are really helpful when patients cannot tolerate stimulant medications or prefer to not take them.

Stimulants Block the dopamine And Noradrenaline transporterThis prevents the depletion of those neurotransmitters and makes more dopamine available to activate necessary areas of the brain.

Amphetamines also increase the discharge of Dopamine and noradrenaline from neurons. These increased levels allow the brain to perceive difficult tasks, comparable to homework, as more rewarding. With more dopamine available, the brain's craving for exciting rewards decreases.

Methylphenidates are typically Drug of alternative for youngsterswhile amphetamines are best in adults.

Numerous studies have found that stimulants Improvement of ADHD symptoms, Patient motivationParents' quality of life and teachers' behavioral assessments. Stimulants Reduce anxiety And emotional dysregulation in children. Non-stimulants also Improvement of ADHD symptoms.

Improved results

People with ADHD attempt to commit suicide, twice as often as in people without ADHDThey even have 3 times as many suicidal thoughts and six times as high as the speed of accomplished suicides.

Treating patients with ADHD with stimulants along with behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective. Reduce suicide attempts, unwanted pregnancies And Substance useA study found that treating children with ADHD with methylphenidate reduced their risk of burns by 57%.

In addition to medication cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, Training of executive functions, especially amongst young peopleAnd positive educational measures have been shown to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Most researchers agree that behavioral training is best when combined with medication.

Positive parenting

Studies have shown a major improvement in Quality of life for fogeys and youngsters if parents took part in positive parenting trainingThe effect is much more pronounced when combined with medication.

One such model, the so-called “Nurtured Heart Approach,” was used of families, schools, Foster family organizations And Behavioral health groupsincluding the New Jersey Child Care SystemIt emphasizes praise and encouragement, setting clear boundaries for acceptable behavior, and teaching children to self-regulate emotions and behavior.

In my work as a physician, I actually have seen how such models work wonders in families and classrooms.

Dietary supplements

Several studies have shown that children with ADHD low vitamin D levels of their bloodstream.

Sufficient iron within the body, stored in protein Ferritinis significant, Dopamine and noradrenalinethe neurotransmitters which are missing in ADHD. Research has shown that Low ferritin levels result in a disruption of dopamine activityChildren with Lower scores mean the next likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis.

For this reason, it’s important that doctors check ferritin levels moderately than serum iron levels, which are sometimes mistakenly used for diagnosis. Iron deficiency.

Taking steps forward

If you think that your child or you’ve ADHD, discuss with a health care provider who’s experienced in treating ADHD. If you’ve questions on school accommodations, discuss with your doctor first.

Research remains to be ongoing, but high consumption of processed foods can ADHD symptoms.

Pay attention to sleep; Sleep apnea And sleep disorders are common in individuals with ADHD.

And make sure that you do loads of exercise, since it can improve executive functions and impulse control while concurrently increasing dopamine and noradrenaline levels.

Although it’s overwhelming, I’m blissful to say that living with ADHD could be rewarding.

ADHD brings many advantages: We are resilient, unconventional and artistic. We have enormous energy which, once concentrated, could be used for incredible good.