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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