ADHD's Impact in the Brain System

         In the article, “Top-down attention modulates auditory-evoked neural responses in neurotypical, but not ADHD, young adults,” how top-down attention is viewed is presented. Kwasa et al focuses on the auditory aspect in how it affects those who have ADHD. She explores how different spatial auditory attention tasks affect young adults that are on and off the ADHD spectrum. These tests were recorded through EEG recordings. These neuropsychological tests included tests that were distinct to everyday functioning. This way, more people are able to appeal and relate to it as well. Results of her study show that there are individual differences in these tasks that spatial listening requires top-down attention. Two ERP components, N1 and P3a, are both known to be modulated by attention. N1 relates with top-down attention while P3a relates with perceptual load only. Individuals with ADHD are proven to have less cognitive flexibility. The neural responses relate to task performances directly and different brain responses show a variety of responses.

        In a special report called “ADHD: A Complex Disorder of the Brain’s Self-Management System,” Brown focuses on the importances of living with ADHD and exactly how ADHD impacts the lives of individuals. Initially, it was that ADHD was only prominent in young adolescent boys. Now, it is understood that girls can also get diagnosed and it is even common in adults as well. It can affect an individual’s professional work life as they might now have the same executive functions that others in their age group do. Brown emphasizes the significance of sustaining focus, activating to work and regulating alertness. This relates to Kwasa’s study in top-down attention. Another important aspect is that a topic or task must seem interesting to an individual for them to be up to do the task. It is very difficult for one to complete a task if they do not hold any interest. Brown support’s Kwasa study results in that individuals with ADHD have lower cognitive flexibility than others similar in their age.

Brown, Thomas E., and Search for more papers by this author. “Special Report-ADHD: A Complex Disorder of the Brain's Self-Management System.” Psychiatric News, 21 Sept. 2021, https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2021.10.20. 

Kwasa, Jasmine A.C. Pittsburgh, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.11.430824.