What differences in blood flow have been observed in the brains of adults with ADHD?

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Research into the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has identified functional differences in the brains of affected adults compared to those without the condition. Specifically, studies using imaging technologies have observed decreased blood flow through the caudate nucleus in adults with ADHD.1

This reduction in blood flow is considered a functional variation that may affect the brain's "braking system," which is responsible for impulse inhibition and the ability to focus on specific tasks while resisting extraneous stimuli. Notably, research has indicated that treatment with stimulant medication, such as Ritalin, can restore blood flow through the caudate nucleus to average levels.1