Neuroscience and ADHD Part 2

Last post I talked a little about how the study of Neuroscience is beginning to shed a great deal of light on the brain and its neuroplasticity. Our brain is constantly changing and renewing itself. We are what we think and what we think about does affect the structure and function of the brain. This is good news. It means that if we have thought ourselves into a negative place, then we can think ourselves out of it. I do not profess to be a professional, but its worth understanding.

As thoughts enter into our conscious mind they become plastic and we can change them. If we find ourselves thinking something negative, then we can catch that thought, be deliberate in understanding where it comes from and begin to reframe our thinking by deliberately thinking constructive thoughts about situations. If we are deliberate in this and engage in deep thinking, learning to understand our thoughts, and to get hold of the negative ones, then reframe for positive ones, it changes the landscape of the brain. It actually changes the structures in our brains. This is called neuroplasticity.

So how does this help with ADHD. Well ADHD is a neurophysical disorder. It affects the frontal lobes of the brain where executive function happens. Neuroscience is helping us to understand so much more about the functioning of the ADHD brain and how we can better treat ADHD.  But ADHD can also produce side effects of negative thinking due to the constant difficulties and frustrations that children with this diagnosis face. They often feel depressed and negative, because just dealing with everyday life can be difficult and confusing. But negative thoughts or toxic thoughts build unhealthy structures in our brain which are not good for us long term. If we can help our children learn to take hold of these negative thoughts, and to reframe the situations they face with positive thoughts, and to learn to focus on these, then we can help our children avoid the consequences of negative thinking, and to actually build good healthy structures in their brains. We can help them learn to understand their thinking and to make a difference themselves. This in term helps them to look after their emotional and mental health.

They say it takes 21 days to change a habit. It takes 21 days to totally rebuild a thought from a negative one to a positive one. It takes practice to learn - more on this another time - but its worth looking into.

There are many books that address this important topic. One of the recommended books is 'The Brain that Changes Itself' by Norman Doidge. This is a book that gives principles that we can all use and is available on Amazon.com.  You can also find more information on Dr Norman Doidge's website www.normandoidge.com