A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology explores how stimulant medications affect brain development in children with ADHD, highlighting how these treatments may help normalize brain regions linked to ADHD symptoms.
This study is explored in depth in Stimulant Medication Normalizes Brain Structures in Children with ADHD: New Study by Carly Broadway, published by ADDitude Magazine, which informed this blog.
Key Findings
- Children who were not on medication showed reduced cortical thickness in the insula (a brain region involved in prioritizing information) and less grey matter in the nucleus accumbens (linked to motivation and reward).
- In contrast, children who were taking stimulant medications had brain structures more similar to neurotypical children, suggesting that medication may play a role in normalizing some areas of the brain, improving the symptoms of ADHD.
- While stimulant medications were found to positively impact certain brain regions, areas like the caudate (involved in motor control) and the amygdala (involved in emotional processing) remained unchanged, which aligns with previous studies. Additionally, non-stimulant medication did not have a notable impact on brain structure.
Stimulants are widely used as the first-line treatment for ADHD, although some individuals may stop using them due to side effects like reduced appetite, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. This study suggests that while stimulant medications can help normalize brain structure, their effects may vary across different regions of the brain. These findings may pave the way for more personalized treatment approaches, helping to improve both symptom management and treatment adherence.
Stimulants are widely used as the first-line treatment for ADHD, although some individuals may stop using them due to side effects like reduced appetite, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. This study suggests that while stimulant medications can help normalize brain structure, their effects may vary across different regions of the brain. These findings may pave the way for more personalized treatment approaches, helping to improve both symptom management and treatment adherence.
I provide formal assessments for ADHD and Autism for individuals ages 8-48 in California, both in-person and online (my online assessment option is for ages 18+). For more information, and to check your PPO insurance reimbursement benefits with the Mentaya tool, please visit my website.
I also encourage you to explore these tools to promote your well-being:
- Empowerment Through Understanding Modules: Dive deeper into ADHD and Autism with this online course to improve self-awareness, self-advocacy, and personal growth. Learn more here.
- AuDHD Strong App: A helpful app for neurodivergent individuals with tools for organization, task management, and self-care. Download it today from the App Store or the Google Play Store!
- Faces of Health App: This app offers valuable mental health and well-being resources. Download it today from the App Store or the Google Play Store!
Reference
Broadway, C. (2024). Stimulant medication normalizes brain structures in children with ADHD: New study. ADDitude Magazine. https://www.additudemag.com/stimulant-meds-adhd-brain-development-study/?ecd=wnl_additude_250105_cons_adhd_pro&goal=0_a767e6fc3c-4922c6793e-301887718