Kids with ADHD have some brain regions smaller than normal: Study

A study released on 16 February 2017 stated that people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have slightly smaller brains than those without the condition. The study insisted that it is a physical disorder and not just bad behaviour.

The analysis found “structural differences” and evidence of delayed development compared with non-sufferers. It is the largest analysis to date of the brains of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The results of the study involved 1713 people with ADHD and 1529 people without the condition. The findings were published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

Key highlights

• MRI scans for more than 3200 people in nine countries aged four to 63, of whom 1713 had ADHD, were analysed.

• It was found that the brains of children with the condition were slightly smaller in five regions, including those that control emotions, voluntary movement and understanding.

• In addition, one scan per person was reviewed and no effect from ADHD medications was found.

• The findings support previous theories that the brains of people with ADHD may develop more slowly. However, those differences are mostly wiped out by the time children grow up.

About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• ADHD is a mental disorder of the neurodevelopmental type.

• It is characterized by problems paying attention, excessive activity, or difficulty controlling behaviour, which is not appropriate for a person's age.

• The exact cause of the disorder is still unknown in the majority of cases.

• It affects about 5–7 per cent of children when diagnosed via the DSM-IV criteria and 1–2 per cent when diagnosed via the ICD-10 criteria.