When inappropriate behavior is observed, the neuropsychological explanation may not be immediately considered. People may form opinions about behavior, such as a lack of parental guidance. However, neuropsychology provides evidence that reveals underlying brain-related issues that in turn affect behavior, and this holds true with the occurrence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Outcomes
ADHD affects the brain in ways that lead to poor academic and work performance, an increased risk for car accidents, impulsive behavior, and a higher risks of going to prison, as discussed by Edmond Higgins in the July 2009 issue of "Scientific American Mind." Higgins explains ADHD as deficits in attention and self-control.
Theory
The scientific evidence suggests ADHD is an outcome of mild impairments of working memory and motor responses, according to Julia Rucklidge and Rosemary Tannock in the October 2002 issue of "Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry." Working memory is sometimes called short-term memory and is the type of memory involved with storing items in the mind for a brief period of time, as discussed by Bryan Kolb and Ian Whishaw in "Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology." Motor responses are the movement-related reactions to some type of motivator, such as in removing a hand away from a hot stove, as mentioned by Kolb and Whishaw.
Location
The frontal lobes have been identified with the involvement of ADHD, as discussed by Kolb and Whishaw. The frontal lobes help determine which behaviors are socially appropriate, also in the context of time and place. Additionally, this area is responsible for planning for things in the future, ignoring distractions to stay focused on a task at hand, and keeping track of behaviors already performed so that they are not repeated. The frontal lobes also allow for the interpretation of environmental clues to help guide behavior.
Considerations
People with ADHD generally have a higher tendency to have co-occurring psychological conditions. It is suspected that the stimulant drugs commonly used to treat ADHD are part of the reasons as such drugs affect brain pathways involved with mood, as discussed by Higgins.
Treatment
Methylphenidate, a stimulant drug marketed under the brand name Ritalin, was tested in a study conducted by Chandan Vaidya and colleagues published in November 1998 in PNAS, a multidisciplinary scientific series. The findings show methylphenidate helped children improve on a task that required them to follow directions. Dextroamphetamine is another amphetamine medication commonly prescribed to children and adults that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD, as mentioned in the August 2009 issue of the journal "Molecular Psychiatry."
References
- "Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology"; Bryan Kolb, & Ian Q. Whishaw; 2003
- "Scientific American Mind"; Do ADHD Drugs Take a Toll on the Brain? Research Hints That Hidden Risks Might Accompany Long-Term Use of the Medicines That Treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Edmund S. Higgins; July 22, 2009
- "PNAS"; Selective Effects of Methylphenidate in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Study; Chandan J. Vaidya, Glenn Austin, Gary Kirkorian, Hugh W. Ridlehuber, John E. Desmond, Gary H. Glover, and John D. E. Gabrieli; Nov. 14, 1998
- "Molecular Psychiatry"; Potential Adverse effects of Amphetamine Treatment on Brain and Behavior: a Review; Steven M. Berman, Ronald Kuczenski, James T. McCracken, and Edythe D. London; Aug. 12, 2009
- "Journal of Child Psychiatry"; Neuropsychological Profiles of Adolescents with ADHD: Effects of Reading Difficulties and Gender; Julia J. Rucklidge & Rosemary Tannock; Oct. 28, 2002
