.png)
I’ve tried to be Elsa and ‘Let it Go’ but I just can’t!
Lately I’ve seen an increase in posts about ADHD stating all sorts of misinformation such as:
ADHD is a mental health condition
ADHD is not a physical condition
ADHD is purely caused by a ‘lack’ of Dopamine
ADHD is a gut health issue
NO!!!!
This barrage of misinformation flooding workplaces, including a recent ‘neurodiversity awareness course’ delivered to teachers (yes, someone got paid for this!), articles, and various social media platforms is not only dangerous but, frankly, a mockery of a complex condition that profoundly impacts numerous lives!
Including mine and my families.
To progress towards an authentically inclusive society, our collective effort must be dedicated to genuinely understanding and disseminating accurate information, not just about ADHD but also the diverse spectrum of neurodifferences.
The Real Truth!
ADHD is physical
ADHD is not just in your head
ADHD is not just in your gut either
I’m absolutely not saying that either won’t contribute to the challenges of ADHD or aid in the management of ADHD in some way, as the body is a complex beast and the mind a powerful tool.
What am I saying though is:
ADHD is in fact a resultant of differences in the brain itself!
Therefore it is neurological!
This is substantiated by a number of means, including medical imaging, neuroscience, and highly reputable research.
Certainly, evidence has identified dopamine as a prominent player in the contribution to ADHD, but not quite in the way everyone assumes, and it's only one piece of a much larger puzzle that still isn’t complete!
The underlying factors of ADHD are not yet fully understood, there are areas that even the experts are still researching.
As with anything medical, it is a continuous process of learning, unlearning and relearning, particularly as technology evolves.
Plus the fact that the human body and brain is an extremely complex bit of kit that we may NEVER fully comprehend!
What we know so far…
ADHD was the very first disorder recognised to stem from a deficiency in a specific neurotransmitter - and it wasn’t dopamine!
It was in-fact something called norepinephrine.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are like the dynamic duo in your brain.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are both neurotransmitters that also act as hormones controlling brain states such as, vigilance, action, reward, learning, and memory processes.
Neurotransmitters - these are our chemical messengers within the brain.
They are like the couriers of the nervous system, delivering messages from one nerve cell to another within your body and brain.
I'm sharing this because there is evidence that the couriers in ADHD brains typically operate differently.
How?
Norepinephrine transmitters, in crude terms, are made from dopamine.
Hence why dopamine often gets the limelight.
BUT!
(Prepare to have your world shook readers!)
It is presently understood by professional’s that people with ADHD DON'T actually have a deficiency in dopamine per se...
Dun dun dun daaaaa….
What's been identified is that what we actually have is a dopamine system that works differently to what is currently considered the ‘norm’. (Suprise, Suprise!)
Research has evidenced that ADHD brains have more of something called ‘dopamine transporter proteins’, which to simplify, work to remove dopamine from the brain.
Too many of these result in dopamine being removed too quickly from the brain not only reducing the levels but reducing the ability to use the dopamine we produce within our brains and bodies, also resulting in a deficit of the creation norepinephrine.
Therefore it is not merely about the presence of these chemicals for individuals with ADHD but in fact how they are managed within our intricate neural network.
The concentration of these proteins is known as dopamine transporter density (DTD).
One of the first studies that looked at DTD in humans was published in 1999. The researchers noted a 70% increase of DTD in six adults with ADHD compared with study participants who didn’t have ADHD.
Further studies have been conducted since in more recent years, that cohoberate these initial findings. However at present the research only indicates small numbers therefore more is required before firmer conclusions can be drawn.
Wait there's more!
Additionally, other scientific researchers argue that there are more significant factors that contribute to ADHD than the levels the DTD. (It's never straight forward with science!)
Such as researchers that conducted an MRI-based study comparing brain structures in 1,713 individuals diagnosed with ADHD and 1,529 controls without ADHD, spanning ages 4 to 63.
This study demonstrated that individuals with ADHD possess smaller overall brain sizes (approximately 4%), with diminished brain volume observed in 5 out of the 7 key areas of the brain thus affecting activity levels within those regions.
What does that mean?
Well, ADHD is thought to take center stage in certain brain regions such as the frontal lobe, prefrontal cortex (PFC), basal ganglia, limbic system, corpus callosum, and the default mode network (DMN). Areas that play a key role in shaping our essential cognitive functions like attention, emotion regulation, and impulse control. (See where this is going?)
It is important to note that this DOES NOT affect intelligence, as we know individuals with ADHD often exhibit exceptionally high levels of IQ.
It does, however, impact the overall functionality of the brain.
Other studies state reduced amounts of grey matter found within the structure of certain areas of ADHDers brains is the primary contributor to the differences in our functionality.
Grey matter, situated in the outer regions of the brain, hosts the essential neurons responsible for various cognitive functions such as thinking, remembering, feeling, and doing.
The intricate interplay of these functions collectively forms what we refer to as "cognition."
Cognition, in simple terms, refers to the mental process of gaining knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
It involves perceiving and reacting, processing and comprehending information, storing and retrieving knowledge, making decisions, and generating appropriate responses.
Alright, peeps, I could definitely dive deeper into the details, but let's keep it real – it's a blog, not a textbook!
I think we've just about covered enough of the crucial research findings on ADHD to make my point!
If not though there's always room for more coffee-fueled chats about it, just drop us a DM! I'm always up for sharing and learning more knowledge!
So yeah, there you have it!
Conclusion
So here's the bottom line: ADHD isn't some abstract puzzle that experts are still puzzling over; it's a legit neurological condition backed by solid evidence!
When we dig into the finer points of ADHD brains—their structure, size, and how they tick—we find real factors that play into the existence and functionality of ADHD.
Therefore disproving all of the myths and misinformation that are still doing the rounds!
You know if you have been following me, I firmly believe that we only know what we know in any given moment and that it's ok to get things wrong.
BUT if you're going to call yourself an expert or deliver training or even attempt to give advice, you've got to do your homework! Lots and Lots of Honework!
A smidge of knowledge can cause major chaos, and we definitely don't need that.
ADHD isn't just a concept; it's a real part of our lives, and yeah, it's a part of mine too.
Acknowledging and chatting about it helps us get a grip on the real deal – the strengths, the struggles, all of it, especially for those navigating the normative structures around us.
It's not just about 'awareness'; it's about acceptance and creating a genuinely inclusive society.
That's why we need to keep the research, support, and understanding rolling – so we can build a world that truly includes everyone, ADHD quirks and all.
Because, let's be honest, irrespective of any intersectionality, we're all in this together.
References:
If your organisation or educational institution is looking for reliable training, coaching, or study skills support services provided by a professional with lived experiences and research-backed expertise, please contact Ria Jackson at Inclusive Minds UK through ria@riajackson.com or send me a direct message.
Σχόλια