How Do PET Scans Detect Brain Structure and Function Changes in ADHD?

PostedAugust 19, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 4, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

ADHD brain imaging techniques, such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, are crucial for understanding the brain structure and function changes that contribute to ADHD. PET scans allow researchers to observe the metabolic activity of different brain regions, providing insights into how the brain works in individuals with ADHD. These scans reveal areas of the brain that show underactivity or abnormal functioning, particularly in regions responsible for attention, impulse control, and executive function, such as the prefrontal cortex.

Through ADHD brain imaging, PET scans have shown that children with ADHD often have reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area critical for decision-making, emotional regulation, and self-control. This underactivity is associated with ADHD cognitive issues, including impulsivity, inattention, and difficulty with task completion. Additionally, neurodevelopment abnormalities observed in PET scans can indicate disruptions in how the brain develops, especially in areas involved in controlling motor behaviour and processing rewards.

Common Symptoms Linked to Brain Function Changes in ADHD

The brain structure and function changes detected by PET scans help explain several common symptoms of ADHD:

Inattention

Reduced activity in brain areas responsible for focus and attention contributes to difficulties in concentrating and completing tasks.

Impulsivity

Underactive regions involved in impulse control lead to behaviours such as interrupting others or making snap decisions without considering consequences.

Hyperactivity

Disruptions in areas that regulate motor control contribute to restlessness and excessive movement in children with ADHD.

By using ADHD brain imaging techniques like PET scans, we can better understand how these brain function changes lead to ADHD in children and support more effective treatment strategies.

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.