ADHD Is a Physical Disorder, Not Just a Behavioral Condition: Study

A new study suggested that ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not just a behavioral condition, it should be treated as a neurological condition.

ADHD is a wellness issue that has no treatment. It is a chronic condition that includes attention complexities, hyperactivity, and impetuosity. It can’t be cured completely, but sometimes treatment can help in moderately healing it. ADHD generally starts in early days and can go on up to adulthood. People having ADHD are found to suffer from the feeling of low self-esteem, disturbed relationships, and complicatedness at school or workplace.

The disorder earlier was believed to be a simple behavioral condition. But a recently conducted study has revealed that ADHD must be treated as a physical disorder, not just bad behavior. The research paper, published in Lancet Psychiatry on Wednesday has suggested that children with ADHD have certain abnormalities in the structure of their brains. It is not just a matter of bad behavior, rather it is a physical disorder which should be considered as a neurological condition, suggested the new study conducted by the researchers from the Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands.

For carrying out the medical trial, the researchers took 3, 242 participant into account, out of which 1,713 members have ADHD, while the rest 1,529 people are in normal condition. All the contributors were ranged from four years to 63 years. The researchers also took the help of MRI scan for determining if the participants have ADHD or not.

After conducting the largest analysis of ADHD and its relation with brain development to date, scientists found that people, who have ADHD have ‘structural differences’ regarding the brain size, in contrast to those of normal people. The research paper also found the reliable evidence of deferred intellectual development in comparison to those of non-sufferers. Moreover, they also detected that people with ADHD had smaller volume in five subcortical regions of the brain, as well as an overall minor brain volume counter to the non-sufferers.

The study was led by Jonathan Posner, professor at the Columbia University, who is yet trying to determine the effect of medications on people’s brain suffering from ADHD.