Can Imaging Detect ADHD in Adults?

PostedOctober 6, 2025

UpdatedOctober 6, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Many studies in ADHD imaging adults research have found structural abnormalities and fMRI findings that differ between adults with ADHD and non‑ADHD controls. However, imaging alone cannot reliably or validly diagnose ADHD in adults, it supplements clinical assessment rather than replacing it.

Structural MRI in adult ADHD often shows reduced grey matter volume in regions tied to attention and executive functioning, such as the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. Functional MRI and resting‑state studies reveal altered connectivity, for example weaker suppression of the default mode network during tasks and differences in how prefrontal and parietal regions activate during cognitive control tasks. That said, these imaging results are variable: effect sizes are modest, and findings often overlap with those in people without ADHD or with other conditions.

What Imaging Research Helps With & What It Doesn’t

Below are roles imaging currently can play and its limitations:

Unpacking Cognitive & Attention Symptoms

Signs like trouble maintaining focus, impulsivity, or difficulty switching tasks often correspond with the imaging changes (such as prefrontal deficits and connectivity issues). Imaging helps researchers and clinicians understand these brain changes better, but it doesn’t yet serve as a diagnostic test for an individual adult. Treatment (medication, behavioural therapy) can be guided by knowing which brain networks are implicated.

Tracking Treatment Response & Brain Changes

When adults with ADHD take medication or undergo therapy, imaging findings sometimes show more “normalized” activation patterns or modest increases in structural integrity in relevant regions. These changes help inform whether interventions are having the intended neural effects, but again, they are not specific enough to define ADHD in one person without other evidence.

Imaging in adults with ADHD continues to advance our understanding, but diagnostic imaging (MRI, fMRI, etc.) is not currently a standalone tool for diagnosing ADHD in adults. Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations that integrate imaging insights with full clinical assessment.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to ADHD imaging adults.

Phoebe Carter, MSc

Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

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.