Brain
Function at the Heart of Most ADD/ADHD Research
Much of the current
Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADD/ADHD) research is focusing on the differences
in the brains of those who have ADD/ADHD and those who do
not. Knowing these differences is crucial in determining how
the disorder should be treated, and which treatments are most
effective.
One recent study found that
the brains of those who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are smaller than the brains
of those who do not. These types of findings create controversy
in the field of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder research. Despite what instinct may
tell you, slight variations in brain size do not affect intellectual
ability or intelligence one way or the other. Einstein himself
had an average-sized brain!
Other ADD/ADHD research
has focused on the differences in brain function of those
who have ADD/ADHD and those who do not. These studies have
isolated the areas of the brain where the differences occur,
and using this information, scientists have been able to observe
how the typical brain responds to commonly prescribed Attention
Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
medications as opposed to how the ADD/ADHD affected mind responds
to the same drugs.
Controversy has also surrounded
Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder research because, up until recently, it seemed the
only effective way to monitor brain activity was via injection
or inhalation of radioactive substances. Recent ADD/ADHD research
has found that use of functional magnetic resonance imaging
[FMRI] in the study of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can show brain differences
in individual people, instead of in averages of differences
of two groups. This is critical for diagnosis, which has to
be established on an individual basis. Instead of using controversial
radioactive substances, it relies on naturally occurring changes
in brain function, which makes it appropriate for research
and clinical purposes for children.
Critical to all ADD/ADHD
research involving brain monitoring is establishing a baseline
for understanding how the typical brain works in terms of
attentional control and attentional functioning. Individuals
with Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder seem to have impaired attentional abilities. Before
that area can be explored, ADD/ADHD research has needed to
determine which parts of the brain and which chemicals are
involved in the attention process.
One brain chemical that is mentioned repeatedly in Attention
Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
research is dopamine. Studies have found that those with ADD/ADHD
actually have impaired production of the brain chemical responsible
for transmitting signals in the brain. Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder research has found that insufficient
levels of dopamine cause individuals with ADD/ADHD to literally
have the inability to control their impulses. Similar Attention
Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
research has found that adults with ADD/ADHD often suffer
from Restless Leg Syndrome, another condition thought to be
created by dopamine deficiency.
Other Attention Deficit
Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder research
is currently investigating nutritional links to the disorder.
Widespread studies of supplements and omega-3 fatty acids
are being conducted to determine whether nutritional deficiencies
are the cause or exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD, as has long
been contended by the natural health community.
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