The ADHD Brain Is Clearly Seen In Brain Imaging Scans As Being Different

Imaging the ADHD brain makes it possible for photographs of the brain to be taken and this enables neurologists and neuroscientists to see how the brain functions. Among the various types of brain imaging methods are CT scans (computerized tomography), MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging), PET scans (positron emission tomography), and fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging). A great many studies have been done making use of these aforementioned techniques when it comes to understand and learn about the brains of children who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Having used the methods that we have already mentioned researchers have discovered that there are noticeable differences between the brains of children with ADHD and those of children who do not have ADHD. Most of the scans or imaging studies up to now have been done using CT and MRI scans but this is a static way of observing the brain. By using these and other methods researchers can now indicate that the region of the brain that is called the frontal cortex is actually involved when it comes to the brains of children with ADHD. This part of the brain is actually a part of the cerebral cortex otherwise known as the outer surface of the brain. This area is divided into the temporal lobe, the occipital lobe, the parietal lobe and the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe is mostly involved with functions like problem solving, attention, reasoning, and so on.

Evidence would suggest that the ADHD brain shows a smaller right frontal lobe than the brain of a child who does not have ADHD. People who suffer with damage to the frontal lobe because of illness or an accident tend to exhibit many similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. Thankfully technology has advanced and now researchers are able to look at the brain with other methods aside from the static images provided by CT and MRI scans. Functional imaging techniques like fMRI enable researchers to see the brain as it is working like a moving picture. These studies have shown a decrease in the metabolic activity of the frontal lobe as well as the region responsible for regulating movement, the basal ganglia. There are a growing number of researchers who now feel that the problems found in the circuit between the various regions of the frontal lobe are what cause the symptoms and behaviors we associate with ADHD.

Of course a lot has yet to be learned when it comes to the ADHD brain and the causes of ADHD in so many children. There appears to be a genetic component as very often a child that is diagnosed with this common disorder will have at least one or both parents with the disorder as well. It is not uncommon for a parent to discover that they have ADHD when their child is diagnosed with it. Unfortunately diagnosing ADHD in adults is not as easy as it is diagnosing it in children although even then the diagnostic process is a drawn-out and lengthy one. Before a diagnosis can be made the symptoms of the disorder need to have been noticeable from early on in the child's life. More often than not the child will be diagnosed once they reach school-going age. Usually either the parent or teacher will suspect that the child has ADHD. The symptoms become easier to identify when the child is confronted with the added responsibilities and structure of school life.

The child also needs to exhibit the symptoms and behaviors common with ADHD in more than one environment which means that their symptoms must manifest both at school and at home. If the symptoms have not been present for an extended period (longer than six months) chances are good that there could be another explanation for the symptoms other than ADHD. The child will need to have a medical examination as there are medical issues that can account for ADHD-like symptoms. If no other cause is identified the child will be observed in various settings and reports from various professionals will be considered before the diagnosis is made. The diagnostic criteria are laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in their DSM-IV manual. Most children assessed with these criteria end up being diagnosed with the disorder. Thereafter medications are invariably prescribed unless the parents wish to pursue other alternative treatments.

Should you wish to learn more about the ADHD brain and discover more about other issues related to ADHD please visit my website at: http://www.adhd-treatment-info.com/. I look forward to introducing you to an excellent natural homeopathic remedy that you can use to help combat the symptoms of ADHD in your child without the risk of side-effects. By V K Rajagopalan, strongly supporting Natural Healthy Living.

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