#37: ADHD: What is it? How is it diagnosed?

Brain Health with Dr. Nissen

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is: A neurobiological disorder that presents in childhood with the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulse control problems. The symptoms are present across multiple domains: social, domestic, academic, as well as cognitive and behavioral functioning. Pathogenesis: not very well understood. Deficits are in area of: - Frontal-subcortical areas dealing with executive function - May also involve working memory impairments and information processing speed deficits Neuroimaging shows structural brain abnormalities in ADHD: - smaller volumes of frontal cortex, cerebellum, and subcortical structures. - Abnormalities in the prefrontal and parietal circuits. Early studies suggest that the subcortical abnormalities noted in childhood normalize in adulthood but that cortical abnormalities may last. Studies suggest hypoactivity of dopamine and norepinephrine in the frontal-subcortical circuits contributes to presentation. Genetically, risk of ADHD in parents or siblings is increased 2-8x and twin studies show heritability of 76%. ADHD is a syndrome with two core symptom categories: hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention.

One potential intervention for attention problems is to get rid of digital distractions. I use Zenze - a robust app-blocking app which allows you to block any apps or content you'd like according to whatever schedule you'd like. You can block social media apps during work hours or video streaming at night - whatever you need. Personally, I use it to block all social media/video/entertainment apps at nighttime to prevent bedtime binging. Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zenze-phone-time-limit/id6447419790https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.atmana.zenze&pcampaignid=web_share Brain Health with Dr. Nissen brings you advancements in medicine, #neuroscience, psychiatry, and #nutrition to help you live a better life. Dr. Nissen’s expert interviews reveal new, evidence-based approaches to enhancing mental health, sharpening cognition, and optimizing performance. With topics such as #Alzheimer’s disease, #neuromodulation, #depression, the Mediterranean #Diet, and #psychedelics, this show is sure to expose listeners to new topics on the frontiers of medicine and neuroscience. Join our community at DrNissen.com Subscribe to the podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Dr. Nissen is a medical doctor (M.D.) and therapist. This show is intended for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not substitute personalized medical advice. By listening to this podcast, no doctor-patient relationship is established. Please speak with your doctor before attempting any medical or major diet and lifestyle changes. Check out Dr. Nissen's children's book on empathy and emotional intelligence, Emily Empathy! http://bit.ly/emilyempathy #depression #mentalhealth #wellness #health #healthylifestyle #medicine #treatment #medical #healthcare #psychotherapy #adhd #adhdmom #executivefunction