<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_blue.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_blue.svg" width="40px" /> What is ADHD?

On-going pattern of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interferes with functioning

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<aside> <img src="/icons/reorder_blue.svg" alt="/icons/reorder_blue.svg" width="40px" /> Symptoms (include):

• Trouble setting priorities and carrying out important tasks
• Forgetting to write down or monitor tasks
• “Spacing out” and needing to re-engage in tasks
• Getting sidetracked from tasks that aren’t interesting </aside>

The Start of Our Narrative: Causes

Scientists have discovered there are differences in the brains, nerve networks, and neurotransmitters of people with ADHD [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4784-attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd]

1. Brain
2. A Note On Nerve Networks (i.e. The Nervous System / Neurotransmitters)
3. Current Treatments: Spreading Caution to External Influences
4. Reverse Engineering A Solution

Brain Anatomy

<aside> <img src="/icons/reorder_blue.svg" alt="/icons/reorder_blue.svg" width="40px" /> Digging Deeper

• When lags or lack of full development occur in the brain, the associated functions cannot be carried out effectively.

• Some neural networks may also be less effective: i.e.

  The brain can take longer to “switch off” in the default mode network [a network that is active during passive tasks vs focused tasks] → I.e. when day-dreaming, recalling memories, envisioning the future, you are highly active

• The frontal lobe (behind your forehead) is responsible for “planning, paying attention, making decisions…” (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24501-frontal-lobe) ⇒ This dictates ATTENTION

  1. “AUTOMATIC ATTENTION” | Default Mode Network: unconscious
     • Used when interesting or engaging
  2. “DIRECTED ATTENTION” | Task Positive Mode: conscious

     • Used when tiring or low interest

     • Used to suspend automatic attention, this is weak in people with ADHD

       i.e. People with ADHD are less effective at directing attention consciously (led by unconscious “Default Mode Network” that is highly active)

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A Note: The Nervous System / Neurotransmitter Regulation