Medical Causes of ADHD

The chemicals in the brain do not work exactly like they should. There is reduced blood flow in important parts of the brain. The reduced absorption of glucose, the body’s fuel, means the brain is under active. The brain’s “white matter” is slightly smaller in some areas. White matter contains the connections between the neurons. These connections carry messages from one neuron to the next. There is not brain damage only smaller white matter. There are at least 13 genes involved with attention deficits.

How medications help: They enable the neurotransmitters to work better, resulting in greater activity and increased blood flow in the brain. This means they can pay attention better.

Types of medication: Stimulants -- stimulate the central nervous system (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Dexedrine). Non-stimulants -- Strattera.

--A Bird’s Eye View of Life with ADD & ADHD by Chris A. Zeigler Dendy & Zlex Zeigler.