CAA CAA ADHD Neuroscience and Brain-Based Understanding

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in ADHD's impact on attention regulation?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Dopamine dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex is the primary neurochemical factor underlying attention difficulties in ADHD.

Question 2

Which brain region's dysfunction most directly accounts for working memory deficits in ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Prefrontal cortex

Answer

The prefrontal cortex governs working memory, and its reduced volume and activity in ADHD directly causes working memory impairments.

Question 3

According to Russell Barkley's model, ADHD is fundamentally a disorder of:

Accepted Answer

Behavioral inhibition and self-regulation

Answer

Barkley frames ADHD as a failure of behavioral inhibition that cascades into deficits in self-regulation and executive function.

Question 4

The neurological explanation for 'hyperfocus' in ADHD is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Dopamine surge during high-interest tasks

Answer

Hyperfocus occurs when highly stimulating activities trigger sufficient dopamine release to sustain attention without impairment.

Question 5

Executive function development in individuals with ADHD typically lags neurotypical peers by approximately:

Accepted Answer

3–5 years

Answer

Research by Barkley indicates executive function development in ADHD is delayed by approximately 3–5 years compared to neurotypical peers.

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