Post #4: How Does ADHD Affect the Brain?

Published: December, 17, 2024

ADHD impacts the following areas of the brain: the Frontal lobe (especially the Frontal Cortex), the Limbic System, and the Basal Ganglia. There are other impacts as well, but these are the main areas that have been studied by researchers. ADHD also impacts the neurochemicals in our brains as well like Dopamine and Norepinephrine.

Brain Regions

Frontal Lobe

The frontal lobe is an important part of the brain that is involved with all thinking and conscious action.6

The Frontal Lobe is responsible for: 1

Planning and organization
Focus and attention
Self-monitoring and self-control
Memory
Communication
Problem-solving
Impulse control
Language
Social behavior
Motivation
Judgment

The Limbic System

The Limbic System is one of the oldest structures in the brain and is responsible for many of our survival needs.2

The Limbic System is responsible for: 2

eating/drinking
Reproducing and caring for young
Reacting to surroundings
Emotions
Behaviors
Memory
Motivations
The Autonomic Nervous System (heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature)

The Limbic System is made up of the following structures: 2

Hypothalamus: produces hormones, regulates sleep, manages mood, hunger and thirst, sexual arousal and other autonomic functions
Thalamus: processes sensory information, memory, planning, and emotions
Amygdala: impacts how you feel emotions, memory, and social interpretations
Hippocampus: responsible for how memories are formed

The Basal Ganglia

This region's main functions are motor learning, regulating behavior, emotions, ability to plan, focus, and multi-tasking. 1

The Basal Ganglia is responsible for: 4

Movement, especially voluntary movement
Decision Making
Reward and Addiction

Neurochemicals

The main neurochemicals or neurotransmitters that are impacted by ADHD are Dopamine and Norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are the body’s chemical messengers that help to send signals in the brain to alert other nerve cells, muscles, or gland cells to do a specific task. 3

Dopamine

Works with the body's reward system. 3

Dopamine has the following effects: 3

Feeling pleasure
Achieving heightened arousal
Learning
Focus
Concentration
Memory
Sleep
Mood
Motivation

Norepinephrine

Is made from Dopamine and works with the Sympathetic Nervous System that controls the “flight or fight” response.5

Norepinephrine has the following effects: 5

Increases alertness, arousal, and attention
Maintains blood pressure in times of stress
Affects sleeps/wake cycle, mood and memory

Citations:

1 - ADDA Editorial Team. (2022). Inside The ADHD Brain: Structure, Function, And Chemistry. ADD. https://add.org/adhd-brain/

2 - Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Limbic System. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/limbic-system

3 - Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Neurotransmitters. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22513-neurotransmitters

4 - Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Basal Ganglia. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23962-basal-ganglia

5 - Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22610-norepinephrine-noradrenaline

6 - Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Frontal Lobe. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24501-frontal-lobe

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