what is ADHD in the brain

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it starts in the brain and affects how it develops and functions — particularly in areas that control attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

Here’s a breakdown of what happens in the brain 👇

🧠 1. Brain Structure Differences

People with ADHD tend to show subtle differences in the size and activity of certain brain regions — especially those involved in executive functions (planning, focus, self-control).

Key areas affected:

Prefrontal Cortex – Helps with attention, decision-making, and impulse control.
→ Often shows lower activity in ADHD, leading to distractibility and impulsivity.

Basal Ganglia – Involved in motivation and movement.
→ May function differently, contributing to restlessness or difficulty staying on task.

Cerebellum – Helps regulate coordination, timing, and focus.
→ Often slightly smaller or less active in ADHD.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex – Supports error detection and emotional regulation.
→ Differences here can affect emotional control and focus.

⚙️ 2. Brain Chemistry (Neurotransmitters)

ADHD is strongly linked to imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, especially:

Dopamine – Related to motivation, reward, and attention.
→ Lower dopamine activity can make it hard to stay focused on tasks that aren’t immediately rewarding.

Norepinephrine – Helps with alertness and sustaining attention.
→ Dysregulation can affect concentration and effort.

Medications like stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels, improving focus and control.

🔄 3. Brain Network Connectivity

In ADHD, the communication between different brain networks can be less coordinated:

Default Mode Network (DMN) – Active during daydreaming.

Task-Positive Network (TPN) – Active when focusing on a task.
→ In ADHD, the DMN can stay too active even when the person tries to concentrate, making it easier to get distracted.

💡 4. Developmental Aspect

ADHD doesn’t mean “damage” — it’s more about delayed or different brain maturation.
Research shows some brain regions develop a few years later in children with ADHD, especially the prefrontal cortex. Many people “catch up” over time, but symptoms can persist into adulthood.