Diagnosing ADHD with Brain Imagingbrain-scans-structures

In a related field, autism research, new findings show a brain-scanning measurement of “grey matter (GM) volumetric data, to assess whether individual ADHD adolescents can be accurately differentiated from healthy controls based on objective, brain structure measures…”

from Autism Speaks, https://asdresearchinitiative.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/grey-matter-adhd-autism/ 

While this study is looking for biological measurements to identify people with autism spectrum disorders AND ADHD, it explains that the screening mechanism is a good way to detect ADHD. Rather than compare brain waves (see my blog post here), it looks at actual structures of different parts of the brain.

Many doctors and psychologists say that there are usually enough (subjective) behavioral reports from parents and teachers to determine if a person suffers from ADHD. However, these objective biometric tests may be useful in deciding on medication/s, which could be enormously helpful.

 

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2 thoughts on “Diagnosing ADHD with Brain Imaging

  • September 19, 2013 at 6:34 pm
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    A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you
    need to write more on this issue, it may not be a taboo subject but typically people do not discuss such topics.
    To the next! Cheers!!

  • October 7, 2013 at 4:21 pm
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    I agree, brain research is still in its infancy, but the implications are enormous. If a scan can predict ADHD or ASD early on, the proper treatment, whether intervention or medication, can be started that much sooner. I’m a retired special ed teacher, and the way our school psych would initiate the process was by handing out behavior checklists filled out by the teacher, the parent, and the pediatrician. This process can be too subjective and open to interpretation. The brain scans can show concrete evidence of the biologic nature of these disorders. I have long believed that the two were interconnected since, my own daughter was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism and also ADD. Her doctor prescribed Adderall (until Lindsay Lohan made them take if off the market) and is now taking Vyvanse –and is successfully attending art college. That may be TMI from a total stranger, but I find this stuff fascinating, which is one of the reasons I’m studying to become an ed therapist.

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