Study Finds Dysfunction in Brain's Receptor System May Cause ADHD
Neuroscientists from The Mayo Clinic in Florida have discovered that a miswiring of the brain could be a contributing factor in the development of ADHD. Marked by developmentally inappropriate impulsivity and inattention, children with ADHD often have difficulty thriving in traditional classroom environments. As a result, medication is frequently used to manage symptoms, sometimes without fully understanding the root cause. To better support children with ADHD, it's essential to first understand what’s happening in the brain.
In a foundational 2014 study, researchers found that dysfunction in the brain’s SorCS2 receptor system—a key player in the development of dopaminergic neurons—may be at the core of ADHD. These neurons regulate vital brain functions related to reward, pleasure, motivation, and executive function.
“This miswiring of dopaminergic neurons in mice results in hyperactivity and attention deficits,” said the study’s senior investigator, Anders Nykjaer, M.D., Ph.D., a neuroscientist at Mayo Clinic in Florida and Aarhus University in Denmark (Mayo Clinic, 2014).
More recent research continues to support the link between ADHD and atypical neural connectivity. In a 2024 study, NIH researchers analyzed over 10,000 brain scans and found that children and teens with ADHD had heightened connectivity between deep brain structures like the caudate and putamen and the frontal regions responsible for attention and behavioral regulation (NIH, 2024). These findings reinforce the theory that miscommunication between key brain regions plays a major role in ADHD symptoms.
These insights strengthen our understanding that neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD may stem from imbalances in the way different regions of the brain connect and communicate. The encouraging news is that the brain is capable of change throughout life—a property known as neuroplasticity. At Brain Balance, this concept is at the heart of our approach.
If your child with ADHD could benefit from increased attention and focus, improved social skills, and academic growth, contact us today to learn how the Brain Balance Program® can help.
Updated May, 2025
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