Imagine alpha rhythms in the brain as dancing waves in a secret club located in the parieto-occipital cortex. These 8-13 Hz oscillations party hard when we close our eyes and are wide awake. Scientists believe that these rhythm warriors are linked to attention and mental disorders like ADHD. But wait! Previous studies have contradicted each other, so it’s time to set things straight. Researchers dove deep into the minds of 87 healthy controls and 162 adults with ADHD in a resting state, using fancy EEG recordings with colorful channels. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in the power of alpha components among the three groups. However, the baseline power of those who experienced ADHD remission was stronger compared to persisters. It seems like the brain might have some sneaky tricks up its sleeve when it comes to ADHD recovery. Perhaps, the quirks we observe in the brainwaves are more influenced by our actions rather than solely indicating differences in brain signals. Go on, dive into the research and unlock the secrets of ADHD recovery!
Alpha rhythms in the human electroencephalogram (EEG), oscillating at 8-13 Hz, are located in parieto-occipital cortex and are strongest when awake people close their eyes. It has been suggested that alpha rhythms were related to attention-related functions and mental disorders (e.g., Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)). However, many studies have shown inconsistent results on the difference in alpha oscillation between ADHD and control groups. Hence it is essential to verify this difference. In this study, a dataset of EEG recording (128 channel EGI) from 87 healthy controls (HC) and 162 ADHD (141 persisters and 21 remitters) adults in a resting state with their eyes closed was used to address this question and a three-gauss model (summation of baseline and alpha components) was conducted to fit the data. To our surprise, the power of alpha components was not a significant difference among the three groups. Instead, the baseline power of remission and HC group in the alpha band is significantly stronger than that of persister groups. Our results suggest that ADHD recovery may have compensatory mechanisms and many abnormalities in EEG may be due to the influence of behavior rather than the difference in brain signals.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.