Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition with symptoms such as inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Although symptoms occur more often in childhood, both children and adults can have ADHD.

There are 3 types of ADHD. These are predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive and combined.

ADHD brains have low levels of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is linked arm-in-arm with dopamine, which is the reward center of the brain.

The ADHD brain has impaired neurotransmitter activity in 4 regions of the brain. Attention, organisation, impaired communication and information processing.

For example, a deficiency in the Basal Ganglia causes interbrain communication and information to “short circuit”, leading to inattention and impulsivity.

Patients can also manage ADHD using medications such as amphetamine and methylphenidate.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/default.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889

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