“Low-intensity electric stimulation of the scalp reduces impulsivity in children with ADHD.”
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by symptoms of impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity that emerge in childhood. In up to 60% of cases, these symptoms persist into adulthood and can lead to poorer life outcomes in areas such as employment and interpersonal relationships.
Treatments for ADHD
Medication
Although medication may help with symptoms of ADHD, medication alone is not sufficient for more than 50% of adults with ADHD. In addition, the long term risk and/or benefit of these medications is unknown. There remains a need for alternative treatments for ADHD.
Impulsivity is a core deficit in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neuroimaging studies in healthy subjects and ADHD subjects have linked cognitive deficits and impulsive decision-making with reduced activity in brain regions which control cognition. One important cognitive area of your brain, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), has been shown to be underactive compared to people without ADHD.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a treatment that consists of a very weak electric current applied to the scalp of a patient. Depending on the location on the scalp, different areas of the brain will be stimulated. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been shown to increase DLPFC activity and improve cognitive control leading to improved impulse control in ADHD. ADHD treatment with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may significantly improve cognition and impulse control.
Transcranial direct current stimulation is a safe and effective treatment for many people with ADHD, including children. For more information on transcranial direct current stimulation and if it can help you or someone you know contact us at https://neurologicwellnessinstitute.com/contact/
Allenby et al. Transcranial direct current brain stimulation decreases impulsivity in ADHD. Brain Stimulation. 2018.
