Non- ADD Brain    ADD Brain

This is a P.E.T. scan (positron emission tomography) of the human brain. The brain on the left is the brain of an adult without ADD and the brain on the right is that of an adult with ADD. This study was conducted to determine brain activity by measuring glucose metabolism. This was the first study to show differences in brain activity between ADD and non-ADD brains.

The red areas within (not surrounding) the brain represent metabolic activity. As you can see, the non-ADD brain has more metabolic or electrical activity (red) than the ADD brain. This activity has nothing to do with intelligence. Metabolic activity is partly responsible for an individuals' ability to focus and concentrate and is the result of the neurotransmitters or brain chemicals (i.e. dopamine, serotonine, etc.). Higher levels (or a greater uptake or utilization) of neurotransmitters increase the metabolic activity.

The ADD brain is generally metabolically less active (or understimulated), than the non-ADD brain. It relies on external factors in order to become stimulated enough to focus and concentrate. Therefore, the verbal and/or physical impulsivity or activity that is part of the ADD individual is necessary to stimulate the brain.

Medication increases the metabolic activity of the brain and reduces the need for external stimulation.

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