Understanding ADHD: A Brain-Based Perspective on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Hope for Healing
— By Brian Mears, DNAP, APRN, CRNA, PMHNP-BC
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children—and increasingly recognized in adults. It affects not just attention and focus but emotional regulation, executive function, and overall quality of life. At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we approach ADHD differently—through a brain-first model that seeks to uncover the root causes rather than simply managing symptoms.
This blog explores ADHD’s underlying mechanisms, the impact of lifestyle and environment, common treatments, and how Objective Psychiatry (including spectral EEG or sEEG) offers a revolutionary path forward.
Overview of ADHD
ADHD is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms often appear before the age of 12 but may persist into adolescence and adulthood.
The disorder typically presents in three forms:
Predominantly inattentive (difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness)
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (excessive movement, impulsivity)
Combined type (a blend of inattentiveness and hyperactivity)
While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors, nutrition, technology use, and brain development profoundly influence how symptoms manifest and how severe they become.
Pathophysiology of ADHD: What’s Happening in the Brain?
ADHD is not a moral failing, a lack of willpower, or simply “bad behavior.” It is a measurable brain-based condition involving several physiological abnormalities:
Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Primarily involving dopamine and norepinephrine, which regulate attention, motivation, and emotional responses.
Brain Structure Differences: Imaging studies show that individuals with ADHD often have smaller volumes in certain brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex (executive function center).
Network Dysregulation: Key brain networks—like the Default Mode Network (DMN) and Task-Positive Network (TPN)—fail to regulate properly, leading to distractibility or difficulty shifting focus.
Critically, spectral EEG (sEEG) now allows us to see these dysfunctions in real time. Rather than guessing based on symptom checklists, sEEG objectively measures brainwave patterns, helping to pinpoint where dysregulation is occurring.
The Role of sEEG in ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
At Alleviant, we use spectral EEG (sEEG) to assess brain function in patients with suspected ADHD. This 4-minute, non-invasive scan identifies:
Excessive slow-wave activity (theta waves) in the frontal cortex (linked to inattention)
Dysregulated fast-wave activity (beta waves) (linked to hyperactivity and impulsivity)
Imbalances between brain hemispheres that affect processing and executive control
By objectively measuring brainwave activity, we can tailor treatment plans to the individual’s specific brain needs—offering a more precise, personalized approach than symptom-based diagnosis alone.
How Screen Time and Content Consumption Impact ADHD
Modern technology use significantly worsens attention-related issues:
Screen Time Overload: Studies show that excessive screen exposure—especially fast-paced, highly stimulating content—leads to functional and structural brain changes. Children and adolescents who engage in heavy screen use are more likely to develop ADHD-like symptoms [1].
Content Consumption: Violent, chaotic, and rapidly shifting media content overstimulates the limbic system (emotion center) and under-activates the prefrontal cortex, weakening executive functions over time [2].
Delayed Gratification Deficits: The instant gratification culture promoted by apps, video games, and social media hinders patience, planning, and goal-oriented behavior—skills already challenging for those with ADHD.
At Alleviant, we guide families in creating healthier technology boundaries to support brain healing.
The Impact of Food on ADHD
Nutrition plays a powerful, often underestimated role in ADHD symptoms. Some key contributors include:
| Food Type | Impact on ADHD |
|---|---|
| Sugar | Sharp blood sugar swings increase irritability, impulsivity, and hyperactivity [3]. |
| Processed Foods | High in additives and inflammatory oils that may worsen brain inflammation and cognitive dysfunction [4]. |
| Artificial Food Dyes | Certain dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) have been linked to increased hyperactivity in sensitive children [5]. |
| Inflammatory Oils (Soy, Corn, Canola) | Promote neuroinflammation, affecting mood, focus, and behavior [6]. |
We encourage anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole foods to support brain optimization.
Common Treatments for ADHD
Traditional Treatments:
Medications:
Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) remain the first-line pharmacological treatment. They enhance dopamine and norepinephrine signaling but may cause side effects such as appetite suppression, sleep disturbances, and increased anxiety.
Non-stimulants (e.g., Strattera, Intuniv) are alternatives for those who do not tolerate stimulants well.
Behavioral Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help patients develop organizational skills, emotional regulation, and coping strategies.
Natural Treatments and Integrative Approaches
At Alleviant, we believe in combining the best of traditional and natural treatments. Some evidence-based, natural interventions include:
NeuroSync™ Brainwave Optimization: Personalized, EEG-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to synchronize and optimize brain network function.
Nutritional Psychiatry: Using diet, supplements (e.g., magnesium, zinc, omega-3s), and anti-inflammatory protocols to correct deficiencies and support neuronal health.
Lifestyle Coaching: Improving sleep hygiene, exercise routines, mindfulness practices, and screen time management.
Parent Education: Empowering families with practical, sustainable strategies to support children and teens at home and school.
These approaches do not replace traditional treatments when needed, but they often reduce reliance on medications and improve long-term outcomes.
How Alleviant Can Help
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we specialize in Objective Psychiatry—using spectral EEG to guide diagnosis, treatment, and brain optimization.
For ADHD patients, our services include:
Brain Mapping: A 4-minute sEEG to visualize brain dysregulation.
Personalized NeuroSync™ treatment plans.
Nutritional Counseling to correct inflammatory and deficiency patterns.
Psychiatric Evaluation with medication management when necessary.
Lifestyle Coaching for screen time, sleep, nutrition, and stress reduction.
Ongoing Monitoring: Follow-up sEEGs every 5th treatment to track and fine-tune progress.
If you or a loved one struggles with ADHD, there is hope. You don’t have to settle for symptom management alone—healing and optimization are possible.
References
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, 271–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.10.003
Christakis, D. A. (2009). The effects of infant media usage: what do we know and what should we learn? Acta Paediatrica, 98(1), 8–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.01027.x
Johnson, R. J., et al. (2011). Potential role of sugar (fructose) in the epidemic of hypertension, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 94(6), 1710S–1716S. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.110.004671
Monteiro, C. A., et al. (2018). Ultra-processed products are becoming dominant in the global food system. Obesity Reviews, 19(S1), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12729
McCann, D., et al. (2007). Food additives and hyperactive behavior in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 370(9598), 1560-1567. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61306-3
Bazinet, R. P., & Laye, S. (2014). Polyunsaturated fatty acids and their metabolites in brain function and disease. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(12), 771-785. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3820