Motivation May Be at Root of ADHD

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This absolutely makes sense! As a pre-med student (and mother of a 14 yr-old ADHD/Tourette's/ODD child), it makes sense to me that the Dopamine pathways which extend into the frontal lobe could be blocked or Dopamine-deficient. Since that's the part of the brain that controls judgments, emotional responses, social cues, attention, memory, etc., I can see how damage to the frontal lobe or unbalanced dopamine levels in that area can cause the ADHD symptoms. Also, since the mid-brain is craving the Dopamine (that causes good feelings), fun or stimulating things become what gives your brain the reward. You give-in to the exciting distraction, your brain gets a dosage of Dopamine, and then remembers that for next time, encouraging your brain to keep taking in the distractions that keep leading to the good feeling.
While I respect different opinions, and as far as I know don't have ADHD to give first-hand knowledge of the inner-feelings, I do believe the article has been taken out of context. The idea regarding teachers is to find ways to catch the attention of the ADHD student because it will keep them engaged more easily if their brains can see the reward following the stimulation. That is beneficial for parents, teachers, and the student themself, particularly with so many children with the disorder these days. (I, too, am the child of 2 teachers) This doesn't mean that ADHD person(s) can't try REALLLLLLLY hard to focus on a task that's important to them (or see the reward that comes from completing a task). It just means that it's more difficult for them.
Human brains continue to develop and evolve over the years, but let's face it, the method of teaching a room full of children where the teacher is up at the board and the children are seated in desks or at tables in rows in front of him or her "quietly listening and taking notes" has been around for centuries. Our brains are adapting to a multitasking environment and constant stimulation (see any current TV show, DVR, cartoons, picture-in-picture, video games, cell phones, computers, etc.). Yet our school system has remained fairly constant. It's just the way it is, right or wrong. In my opinion, the article was just suggesting we adapt our children's environments to meet the needs of their rapidly changing brains. It also was just trying to explain what might be the cause of ADHD because ADHD kids (and adults) NEED answers. They're struggling through life.

Kelly of MI 5:36AM May 06, 2010

I agree parts of what all of you have written. I have ADHD and I can tell you first hand that it is truly about motivation and the structure of the brain. I was raised by a stay-at home mother who was absolutely wonderful. In fact, I was diagnosed and treated as a child in an era when it wasn't even called ADHD because she wanted to do all she could for me. I was motivated to read this article to figure out how to help my 1st grader who seems to have some similar challenges to my own. She was in day care part time as I have to work part time, but I know that is not why she is the way she is.
When I wanted to obtain my master's degree as quickly as possible, you can bet that I could concentrate much better than living everyday life. I was highly motivated to reach that goal. I did not take medication from the time I was 11 until 3 years ago and I did alright. However, I can see where the motivation factor came into play. I can also tell how my previous and current medication (Ritalin/Concerta) helps me concentrate better, particularly when I'm motivated to reach a goal. For example: I am a musician and I sometimes have opportunities to make some money doing what I love. When I sit down to practice the music, I can concentrate on boring scales much better than I when I didn't take medication and had the same kind of motivation.
Just my two cents on this concept.

Susan of MI 11:32AM November 20, 2009

I have read this study from a number of sources and this is well written and easy to understand. I don't feel it blames teachers or school, but states that ADHD is a problem with dopamine function and the midbrain. It also offers suggestions in altering rewards/motivations for kids with ADHD in the school setting and other articles also discuss this in the work setting. I have a son with Tourette/ADHD. I am a stay at home mom, been an active member of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) and done lots of research. I also come from a family of teachers. Lets stop blaming (teachers,society,parents),look at the solid research and follow and figure out ways to deal with this serious issue together.

cwh of CA 2:03PM September 15, 2009

While I somewhat agree with the teacher above,there are more possible causative factors (including genetic tendencies) that contribute to ADHD than daycare. I also have to state that being an adult with ADHD as well as having been a child with ADHD, I did not experience the daycare and evenings with too tired parents. My mom was a stay at home mom and I had a great childhood. I can say that while you believe ADHD may be caused by this, you need to back your statements with evidence based knowledge related to your claims.

adult with ADHD of NJ 10:15AM September 10, 2009

While I agree that this study provides evidence for teachers (like myself) to bring more engaging curriculum and activities into the classroom for ADHD students, might I suggest that this study also provides evidence for parents to fully engage with their children as well? Perhaps ADHD will one day be diagnosed as a side effect of our current socio-economic structure in which children from the age of four months spend their days in day care and their evenings with parents who are too tired from work to talk with them.
I know, how Republican this all sounds, but teachers alone cannot solve these problems. We need engaged parents involved too!

A Teacher of CT 9:00PM September 08, 2009