How do brain infections affect brain structure and function and increase ADHD risk?

PostedAugust 18, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 4, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD brain imaging has shown that brain infections, particularly during critical periods of neurodevelopment, can significantly affect brain structure and function, increasing the risk of developing ADHD. Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis can disrupt the normal development of brain areas responsible for attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation, leading to ADHD cognitive issues that persist throughout childhood and into adulthood.

Brain infections can result in inflammation and damage to key brain structures, such as the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia, which are critical for executive functions like decision-making, attention, and impulse control. Brain scans ADHD often reveal structural changes in these regions in individuals who have had brain infections, highlighting how these disruptions can contribute to ADHD symptoms. These changes in brain structure and function, when combined with other factors like genetics or environmental stressors, can significantly increase the risk of developing ADHD in children.

Common Symptoms Linked to Brain Infections and ADHD

Here are some common symptoms associated with brain infections and ADHD brain imaging:

Difficulty focusing and maintaining attention

Children who have had brain infections often struggle to concentrate, particularly on tasks that require sustained attention. This is often linked to damage in the prefrontal cortex and related brain areas responsible for focus and decision-making.

Impulsivity and emotional regulation issues

Impulsivity and difficulty managing emotions are common in children with a history of brain infections. These symptoms are often related to disruptions in the basal ganglia, which regulates motor control and emotional responses.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Brain Structure and Function.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.