Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
It’s much more than that though.
It’s a completely different experience in the body, not just the brain.
Research has shown that the brains of individuals with ADHD exhibit several structural, functional, and chemical differences compared to those without the disorder. The nervous system of a person with ADHD has several key differences compared to those without the disorder. These differences can affect various bodily sensations and experiences, as well as the fight-or-flight response.
A child with ADHD functions inside very differently. The way their brain processes information changes the way they experience and think while doing the very same things you do. These inner functions make a larger impact than you would expect.
Brain Size and Volume: Studies have found that certain brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum, tend to be smaller in individuals with ADHD. These areas are crucial for executive functions such as decision-making, attention, and impulse control.
Cortical Thickness: The development of the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for many higher-order brain functions, can be slower in people with ADHD. This can explain why children with ADHD need slightly more time to process complex information or multi-step instructions.
Gray Matter and White Matter: Variations in the density and distribution of gray matter and white matter has also been observed. These differences can affect how brain regions communicate with each other.
Brain Activity: Functional MRI (fMRI) studies have shown that individuals with ADHD often have altered patterns of brain activity, especially in the default mode network (DMN) and the fronto-striatal circuitry. The DMN is associated with daydreaming and self-referential thoughts, while the fronto-striatal circuitry is involved in regulating attention and behavior.
Neurotransmitter Systems: Dopamine and norepinephrine, two key neurotransmitters involved in attention and executive function, are often dysregulated in ADHD. This dysregulation can lead to difficulties in maintaining focus, regulating emotions, and controlling impulses.
Neurotransmitter Dysregulation:
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Function:
The ANS, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, may function differently in individuals with ADHD. There can be an imbalance between the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the fight-or-flight response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest and digestion).
Sensory Processing:
Children with ADHD often have atypical sensory processing. They may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory stimuli such as sounds, lights, touch, and even internal body sensations. This can lead to either overreaction to sensory input or a lack of responsiveness to it depending on the child.
Heightened Sensitivity:
Individuals with ADHD may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input. This can look like feeling easily overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or busy environments.
Proprioceptive and Interoceptive Awareness:
Proprioception (awareness of body position and movement) and interoception (awareness of internal body states) can be affected. This might manifest as clumsiness, difficulty in coordinating movements, or challenges in recognizing bodily signals such as hunger or the need to use the bathroom.
Restlessness and Hyperactivity:
A common experience for those with ADHD is a sense of internal restlessness. This can translate into physical hyperactivity or an internal feeling of being constantly “on the go.”
Enhanced Stress Response:
Individuals with ADHD may experience an exaggerated fight-or-flight response. This means they might react more intensely to stressors or perceived threats. Their bodies can go into a heightened state of arousal more quickly and take longer to return to a baseline state.
Emotional Reactivity:
Emotional dysregulation is a common feature of ADHD. This can lead to more pronounced emotional responses during stressful situations. For example, an individual with ADHD might experience more intense fear, anger, or anxiety in response to a triggering event.
Difficulty with Regulation:
Due to differences in neurotransmitter function, people with ADHD may have trouble regulating their fight-or-flight response. This can make it harder to calm down after a stressful event and can lead to prolonged periods of anxiety or agitation.
Impulsive Reactions:
The impulsivity associated with ADHD can influence the fight-or-flight response, leading to quick, unplanned reactions to stress. This might mean acting without thinking through the consequences, which can escalate stressful situations.
Daily Impact:
The differences in nervous system functioning can impact daily life in numerous ways. Challenges with sensory processing might make certain environments uncomfortable, while difficulties with stress regulation can affect interpersonal relationships and work performance.
Coping Strategies:
Individuals with ADHD often develop specific strategies to manage their sensory sensitivities and stress responses. These might include using noise-cancelling headphones, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, or engaging in regular physical activity to help regulate their nervous system.
Therapeutic Interventions:
Treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), occupational therapy, and sensory integration therapy can help individuals with ADHD manage their symptoms. Medications that regulate neurotransmitter levels can also play a crucial role in helping balance the nervous system.
Somatic or body-based coping skills can be highly effective for individuals with ADHD in managing their symptoms and regulating their nervous system. These techniques focus on using physical and sensory experiences to create a sense of calm, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation. Here are several body-based coping skills that can help:
If your family needs more support our therapist is happy to help!
CREATE uses a family first approach that focuses on building connection between parent and child. We combine that with a body centered framework that aims to build a child’s capability to identify, sit with and process strong feelings.
Contact us to work with our therapist if you are interested in addressing your child’s specific needs with our approach. We offer Telehealth therapy at affordable prices and also have free services for those who qualify for our needs based sponsorships.