About This Topic

ADHD brains have low levels of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is linked arm-in-arm with dopamine. Dopamine is the thing that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure center.

The ADHD brain has impaired activity in four functional regions of the brain.

1. Frontal Cortex
This region controls high-level functions:
Attention
Executive Function
Organization

2. Limbic System
This region is located deeper in the brain. It regulates our emotions and attention.

3. Basal Ganglia
A deficiency here can cause inter-brain communication & information to “short-circuit.” That results in inattention or impulsivity.

4. Reticular Activating System
This is the major relay system among the many pathways that enter & leave the brain. A deficiency here can cause inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity.