Deep Dive
New ADHD Brain Scan Study
Dr. Sasha Hamdani discusses a groundbreaking study that used brain scans to classify ADHD into three types: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. The study, involving 446 children, bypassed traditional symptom checklists, focusing solely on brain wiring. Notably, the most severe group was characterized by emotional dysregulation, a feature not included in current DSM criteria. This finding challenges existing diagnostic methods and highlights the need to consider emotional regulation in ADHD assessments.
Inattentive and Hyperactive Types
The inattentive type, often overlooked, was the smallest group, primarily affecting women. It showed disruptions in the superior frontal gyrus, impacting focus. The hyperactive type, the largest group, exhibited issues between the anterior cingulate cortex and pallidum, leading to impulsivity. Emotional regulation problems decreased over time in both groups, but mood disorders were present in 5% of the inattentive and 10% of the hyperactive groups.
Dysregulated Brain Type
The dysregulated brain type, comprising 142 children, was defined by widespread dysfunction in the medial prefrontal cortex and palladium. This group had the most disrupted hub connections and was highest in both inattention and hyperactivity. Emotional regulation issues persisted, with mood disorders appearing in 25% of this group. Dr. Hamdani emphasizes that emotional dysregulation should be part of ADHD diagnostic criteria, as it significantly affects quality of life.