Anatomical and functional changes of the brain of patientes with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, restlessness, forgetfulness and impulsivity. There is evidence that ADHD is, in fact, a dysfunction of dopaminergic neurotransmission in the frontal area, subcortical regions and cerebral limbic region, evidenced through scientific studies, supported by neurological evidence and genetic studies. The objective of this research was to evaluate, through the scientific literature, the anatomical and functional alterations of the brain of patients with ADHD. This study consists of an integrative literature review, carried out with articles published in the databases of SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Google Scholar, online journals such as Revista Saúde em Foco and Associação Saúde da Família, and the books Principles of Anatomy and Physiology and Principles of Neuroscience, using the descriptors “alterations”, “anatomy”, “function”, “brain” and “ADHD”. The most relevant findings show that there is a decrease in the amount and activity of the white and gray matter of the brain in individuals with ADHD, in addition to evidence of a reduction in the prefrontal cortex in individuals with ADHD. In addition, it was noted that the deficit in the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine influence the symptoms of ADHD. Thus, it is concluded that ADHD presents important anatomical and functional alterations that affect the development of the brain circuit, generating a dysfunction and a change in neurobiological functioning, in addition to causing atypical functioning of the frontal lobe and structures associated with it, influencing in the inhibitory behavioral deficit and impairing the executive functions of the bearer of such clinical condition.