The Neurology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Part One

What is Happening in the brain of children, teens, andeach at the ADHD Information Library. Along with a
adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?Thedescription of each different type of ADHD is a
most recent models describing what is happening inspecific treatment strategy to consider using specific
the brains of people with Attention Deficit Disorderamino acid combinations from targeted nutraceutical
suggest that several areas of the brain may bemedicines that are widely available today on an
affected by the disorder. These impacted areasover-the-counter basis. These strategies can be highly
include the frontal lobes, the inhibitory mechanisms ofeffective when specifically targeted to the right "type"
the cortex, the limbic system, and the reticularof ADHD.When EEGs of ADHD children are
activating system. Each of these areas of the brain iscompared to non-ADHD children, often we find that
associated with specific functions.The frontal lobesthe Attention Deficit Disorder children show excessive
help us to pay attention to tasks, focus concentration,slow brainwave activity (theta and alpha ranges)
make good decisions, plan ahead, learn and remembercompared to non- ADHD children's brain activity. The
what we have learned, and behave appropriately for aslow brainwave activity indicates a lack of control in
given situation.The inhibitory mechanisms of the cortexthe cortex of the brain. Lack of control... pretty
keep us from being hyperactive, from saying things outdescriptive of Attention Deficit Disorder kids.
of turn, and from getting mad at inappropriate times,Medications, EEG Biofeedback training, Attend
for examples. They help us to "inhibit" our behaviors. ItNutraceuticals, and some other interventions, try to
has been said that 70% of the brain is there to inhibitchange this and normalize this, at least
the other 30% of the brain. When the inhibitorytemporarily.What causes these various systems of the
mechanisms of the brain aren't working as hard asbrain to get out of balance with Attention Deficit
they ought to, then we can see results of what areHyperactivity Disorder individuals? Why would these
sometimes called "dis-inhibition disorders" such assystems become under aroused or over aroused? Is
impulsive behaviors, quick temper, poor decisionthere one central system that controls or regulates
making, hyperactivity, and so on.The limbic system isthese other systems?The answer may be found with
the base of our emotions and our highly vigilantthe Reticular Activating System which we will discuss
look-out tower. If over-activated, a person might havein the next article. You can learn more information
wide mood swings, or quick temper outbursts. Heabout the neurology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
might also be "over-aroused," quick to startle, touchingDisorder the ADHD Information Library.Douglas Cowan,
everything around him, hyper-vigilant. A normallyPsy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with
functioning limbic system would provide for normalADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the
emotional changes, normal levels of energy, normalclinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family
sleep routines, and normal levels of coping with stress.of seven web sites, including helping over 350,000
A dysfunctional limbic system results in problems withparents and teachers learn more about ADHD each
those areas.The Attention Deficit Disorder might affectyear. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory
one, two, or all three of these areas, resulting in severalBoard of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is
different "styles" or "profiles" of children (and adults)President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM
with Attention Deficit Disorder. This is why we havein central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net
identified six different "types" of ADHD, and describeIncorporated.