ADHD Brain Differences, 2

The reports I’ve read say that twice as many males are diagnosed with ADHD as are females. Do you believe this is really accurate?

I believe that is what studies in the past have shown. More recent research seem to offer a different picture, although it may be several years before the DSM-5 (published in 2013) will reflect that. Currently, more males are referred for diagnosis and treatment of ADHD by school systems. There actually may be more females with ADHD. Studies at Durham University reported that an estimated 80% of females tend to be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, Depression, and Anxiety—and not with ADHD, although it may be comorbid. An ADHD diagnosis may not be made until females are in adulthood, if then. In part that may reflect the fact that the behavioral expression of typical ADHD symptoms differ in males and females. 

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ADHD Brain Differences

Are there known differences between ADHD & non-ADHD brains?

 Using resting-state fMRI researchers observed brain circuity in adults with ADHD. Researchers linked increases in functional connectivity in specific brain regions to clinical symptoms of hyperactivity and restlessness, suggesting that inefficiencies in brain network processing could explain some symptoms of ADHD. Both male and female ADHD brains exhibit several brain differences when compared with non-ADHD brains. The overall brain size in children with ADHD tends to be smaller than the non-ADHD brains. The ADHD brain appears to mature more slowly than non-ADHD brains. Areas of the brain, such as the amygdala and hippocampus may have a smaller volume, as well, impacting how the individual brain processes and regulates emotions. Other brain regions, including the frontal lobes (especially the right frontal lobe), may also be smaller in volume, leading to inattention, impulsivity, and problems with social interactions. 

ADHD

Is it possible for an individual to be misdiagnosed as NOT having ADHD when that is really the likely diagnosis?

My brain’s opinion is a definite yes. There is no one test for ADHD—Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Physicians must do the best they can with what the parents, teachers, coaches, individuals or their partners presents to them. During puberty, male and female brains are rewired—differently. The male brain has more lateralization of the two cerebral hemispheres, meaning one can be active while the other idles. The female brain has a more globalized functional style, meaning if any part is on, it is all on. It takes more energy to run second for second. Add socialization to this, personal perceptions of what ADHD symptoms and behaviors are supposed to look like, and the easy availability to the latest research, and it would not be a surprise to have some ADHD cases missed or diagnosed as something else.

 
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Journal for Success

Studies have shown that keeping a journal periodically is a bonafide strategy for getting a handle on what you are actually swallowing. If you’re a ‘grazer’ or have learned to wolf down food quickly or in a distracted manner, you can ingest hundreds of extra calories well before the 15 minutes it takes before the satiation hormone, leptin, kicks in. Record everything you put into your mouth for 3-7 days in a row and then analyze the pattern. Alcohol contributes 7 calories per gram so guzzling beer while watching a game on TV can be unhelpful. Popping high-fat mini-quiches is also unhelpful, as fat contributes 9 calories per gram. An apple, air-popped popcorn, and lemon water or herb tea would provide a tenth of the calories. Your taste buds replace themselves every 10-14 days so you can train the new ones enjoy healthier food and snacks quite quickly—if you want to catch weight gain early.

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My Answer Would have Been

Had I been asked the question, I would have answered, “Not a thing, if you’re designed to be ‘big.’” However, if you are not designed to be big, and want to live a long time with high levels of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health; want to delay the onset of some symptoms of aging; want to avoid the likelihood of a chronic disease;  want to hang onto your mental marbles as long as possible; then big may not be so beautiful. If you want to get your weight into an optimum range and desire to live a long time—I’m aiming for 120 years—my best recommendation is to avoid all dieting, period. Instead, get on board with creating a longevity Lifestyle (LLM) that you will maintain for the rest of your life. (The LLM Program Online is available FREE from the main menu at  www.arlenetaylor.org) 

“Big Is Beautiful”

What other individuals people weigh is none of my business, and I refrain from making comments unless I am asked a direct question. Recently I overheard: “Big is beautiful!” and “What’s so bad about being big, anyway?” Not a thing if you are a giraffe, for example. I loved feeding a couple of 18-feet-tall specimens weighing almost a ton (each) and their purple tongue nearly 2 feet long. And elephants. I loved getting up close and personal with some of them in Africa. African bush Elephants are the largest mammals on land, weighing up to nearly 7 tons, eating 80,000 plus calories each day, and drinking between 20 and 50 gallons of water depending on the temperature of the air. I think the wandering Albatross is a beauty, too, with a wingspan that can reach 12 feet. If you are talking about obesity, it is inked with more than 50 chronic diseases. More tomorrow. 

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Slow & Steady

Weight creeps along slowly—up as well as down. Living a Longevity Lifestyle is not about obsessively counting calories or deprivation. It requires a mindful awareness of how what you do today impacts you in the future. You think you’re hungry? First ask yourself, ‘How long is it since I ate?’ If it was 4-5 hours ago, your body may need food physiologically. If it was 2 hours ago you may be in the habit of ‘grazing,’ or you may be ‘thirsty’ (or bored or upset or distracted). Drink a big glass of water and pay attention to the way you feel in 30 minutes. Many children were fed when they were thirsty and so never really learned to tell the difference between being hungry and thirsty. The good news about pure water is that it is calorie-free and does not trigger your digestive system. Put a little lemon in your glass of water if you’re training yourself to like the taste. (Of water!)