What’s really happening in an ADHD brain

Key Points:

• ADHD was historically considered a childhood disorder, with treatment often stopping at age 18, but many adults continue to experience symptoms and are frequently misdiagnosed with other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
• Research shows structural and functional brain differences in people with ADHD, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and areas involved in motivation and emotional regulation, which affect executive functioning, working memory, and impulse control.
• Effective management of ADHD includes stimulant medication to regulate dopamine, psychoeducation to foster self-understanding and self-compassion, coaching, and optimizing sleep, while therapies like DBT and mindfulness can aid emotional regulation.
• There is emerging but unproven evidence suggesting neuroinflammation and allergic responses may contribute to ADHD symptoms, though claims about detoxifying environments lack scientific support; a balanced diet and exercise are recommended for overall symptom improvement.
• A multimodal approach tailored to the individual—combining medication, education, coaching, sleep hygiene, and lifestyle changes—is considered the most effective strategy for managing ADHD in adults.