Can ADHD be cured?

The simple answer is no. ADHD is a brain driven condition and cannot be simply eliminated. A brain driven condition means that genetics as well as life experiences have shaped the physical growth of certain areas of the brain. There are many ADHD medications available, however there are also many invaluable methods of coping with; such as understanding the basic neuroscience behind ADHD symptoms. Learning this can help to manage these and thrive in everyday life.

There are a few key parts of the brain which are effected in people with ADHD. The Amygdala, which is commonly known as the fight/flight/depression part, is effectively the security guard of the brain. It is the first part to respond to any stimulus input, such as something you see, hear or feel, and will start the chain reaction of how you will behave in any given situation. In people with ADHD, this area of the brain is actually larger than neurotypicals, meaning that they are primed to be highly vigilant and nervous at any given moment. An ADHD brain is built to be more anxious.

The prefrontal cortex; which is responsible for focus, impulse control and executive functions amongst other things; develops slower in those with ADHD. Resulting in symptoms like lack of self-control, disorganisation and procrastinating from ‘boring’ tasks like household chores.

The reason those with ADHD find mundane tasks so incredibly difficult is because the reward system of their brains is lacking two vital neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are responsible for feelings of motivation and reward, leading to feelings of boredom and seeking out highly stimulating thrills in life.

Because of the structure of the brain and neurotransmitter activity, there is no ‘cure’ for ADHD. However, thanks to neuroplasticity, any individual can learn to mitigate their weaknesses and make their strengths their superpowers! Which is exactly what solution focused hypnotherapy aims to do. 

Through hypnotherapy, anyone with ADHD can first tame their anxious minds, then learn strategies and tools to enhance their feeling of productivity and focus. 

So whilst ADHD cannot be cured, symptoms can be managed with a powerful, positive approach to thrive with the ADHD brain, rather than work against their unique brain wiring.