The most recent models that attempt to describe what is happening in the brain of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder indicate that some areas of the brain may be affected by the disorder. These include the frontal lobes, cortical inhibitory mechanisms, the limbic system, and the reticular activation system. Each of these brain regions is associated with different neurological functions. There are several areas of a potentially infected brain, and there are several possible “types” of ADHD. Daniel Amen, a doctor who uses SPECT scans, has identified six different types of ADHD, each with its own set of problems, and each is different from other “types”. In our practice, we used five different "types" of ADHD, identifying each "type" with a character from Winnie the Pooh's stories (Pooh is inattentive, Tiger is hyperactive, Jac is depressed, etc.). Frontal lobules help us focus on tasks, concentrate, make the right decisions, plan ahead, learn and remember what we have learned, and behave appropriately for the situation. The inhibiting mechanisms of the cortex keep us from hyperactivity, because we are talking about things from abroad and from insane at different times, for example. They help us to "suppress" our behavior. It has been said that 70% of the brain can inhibit the other 30%.
When the braking mechanisms of the brain do not work as much as they buy, then we can see the results of what are sometimes called “prohibition violations”, which allow for impulsive behavior, quick temper, poor decision making, hyperactivity, etc. The limbic system is the basis of our emotions and our very watchful observation tower. If overly activated, the person may have wide mood swings or quick flash flashes. He may also be "overly agitated," quickly frightened, touching everything, hyper-alertness. A normally functioning limbic system would provide normal emotional changes, normal energy levels, normal sleep patterns and normal levels of coping with stress. Dysfunctional limbic system leads to problems with these areas. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can affect one, two, or all three of these areas, resulting in different “styles” or “profiles” of children (and adults) with ADD ADDD. Learn more about the effects of ADHD on children and adolescents, treatment options for ADHD, and more at the ADHD Information Library.
