They discover strange features in the brain of people with ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD It is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders best known by most of the population. Often overdiagnosed, this disorder can cause different types of difficulties that limit the normative functioning of the minor in areas such as academics or even in interaction social.

Although it has sometimes been considered that the symptoms present in this disorder correspond to a delay in the maturational development of certain brain areas, recent research has detected the presence of traits in the brain of people with ADHD, which can help to understand the causes of this phenomenon.

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ADHD: a neurodevelopmental disorder

Let's start with the basics: what is ADHD? It is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of symptomatology linked to attention deficit disorder and possible hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms are persistent and last for more than six months. In addition, they do not correspond to the level of development of the subject or to the experience of traumatic situations that may cause said symptoms.

At the diagnostic level, the presence of at least six symptoms of inattention is necessary, such as neglect of details, difficulty paying attention, Difficulty completing tasks or following directions or forgetting them, repeated loss of objects, forgetfulness, or being easily distracted even when doing it A homework.

For hyperactivity to be considered, they must also appear minimal symptoms such as motor restlessness, inability to sit still, not respecting the turns of word or action, the interruption of the activities of others or logorrhea. Impulsiveness and the presence of difficulties in controlling one's own emotions are also highly frequent. It is important to bear in mind that this disorder can occur both with hyperactivity and without it (in this case we would be dealing with attention deficit disorder or ADD).

ADHD or ADD is a problem that requires treatment and that although usually diagnosed in children, they are present in both children and adults (approximately two-thirds of patients will continue to have symptoms into adulthood). Some of the symptoms may disappear as the subject grows and his brain finishes developing or he learns mechanisms to avoid or overcome his difficulties.

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explanatory hypotheses

ADHD is a complex disorder that has received different considerations regarding its causes. Some of them link it to the existence of brain alterations, and in fact it has been observed a slower pattern of brain development in certain areas of the brain in people diagnosed.

Specifically, the evidence that has been considered in recent years points to a frontal lobe maturational rate that is comparatively less than expected given the age of the minor. This corresponds to the presence of alterations in the executive functions and difficulties with inhibition of behavior, attention, or focus of attention. This also explains why some of the symptoms may decrease with age.

likewise also it has been observed that there is a problem in the arousal or level of cortical activation in subjects with ADHD, which creates difficulties when it comes to regulating the level of activity and managing the demands of the environment. In this sense, it has been seen that the brain of patients with ADHD tends to present a smaller amount of dopamine and serotonin brain than subjects without this problem.

Characteristic features of the brain of people with ADHD

The exploration and search for elements that explain the disorder continue to be aspects of great importance that can help to better understand both the problem and the way in which action can be taken to help those who suffer from it.

A meta-analysis of multiple investigations carried out using neuroimaging has concluded that indeed there are structural and functional alterations in the brain of patients with ADHD that cause or influence the presence of symptoms. Specifically, it has been observed, in addition to the presence of a delay in the development and maturation of the frontal lobe, the existence of subcortical alterations (that is, below the rough cortex that covers the brain).

One of the common alterations in these patients is the presence of a smaller size of the basal ganglia, linked to learning, the development of motor behavior patterns, motivation, emotional management and executive functions.

Likewise, alterations have also been observed in the limbic system, the "emotional brain". These anomalies are found especially in the amygdala and the hippocampus, elements have great importance in the processing and management of emotion, memory and motivation. These alterations they are especially visible in the amygdala, which has a smaller size and development than in subjects without this problem.

Although these discoveries should not cause us to neglect the presence of psychosocial factors and its influence on the appearance of this disorder, the results of these investigations help to provide a better vision of the aspects biological factors related to ADHD and may end up contributing to the development of more efficient ways of treating this problem.

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