ADHD and The Brain
- Dr. Joshua Beaudry
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
ADD and ADHD are not character flaws, motivation problems, or behavioral failures. They are expressions of how the brain is functioning—or struggling to regulate itself. When we understand brainwaves, brain regions, and nervous system regulation, we can finally understand why attention challenges show up the way they do—and how to help them at the root.
Understanding Brainwaves
The brain operates through electrical patterns called brainwaves. Each state serves a purpose:
Theta (3.5–8 Hz): Light sleep, intuition, creativity, daydreaming
Alpha (8–12 Hz): Calm focus, flow state, relaxed awareness
Beta (13–38 Hz): Alertness, productivity, stress, effort
Delta (0.5–3 Hz): Deep sleep, healing, repair
Optimal focus requires balance. Too much slow activity where fast activity is needed—or vice versa—creates attention and regulation challenges.
ADD at the Top of the Brain (CZ)
One common form of ADD shows up at CZ, the top of the head, which corresponds to the motor cortex.
ADD is present when the theta-to-beta ratio is greater than 2.2
This means the brain is underactive or “sleepy” in this region
Because this area controls movement, the person will instinctively use movement to stimulate the brain:
Fidgeting
Rocking
Difficulty sitting still
Needing motion to stay focused
This isn’t misbehavior—it’s self-regulation.
ADHD at the Top of the Brain
ADHD is a more extreme version of this same pattern:
Theta-to-beta ratio greater than 3.0 at CZ
The brain requires even more stimulation to stay engaged, which is why hyperactivity is often present. In this specific pattern, stimulants can be helpful, because they increase beta activity where it is needed.
Pernicious (Under-Task) ADD
This is one of the most misunderstood and serious forms of ADD.
Occurs in the same CZ region
When the person tries harder, the brain slows down instead of speeding up
This teaches the nervous system a dangerous lesson: “The harder I try, the worse I do.”
This pattern is associated with extremely high risk outcomes, including a correlation with 80–90% incarceration rates, because individuals often abandon effort and seek alternative ways to survive or cope.
Alpha ADD in the Frontal Lobe (F3 & F4)
Another form of ADD shows up in the frontal lobes, measured at F3 and F4.
Occurs when the theta-to-alpha ratio is greater than 0.8 and less than 1.0
This is known as Alpha ADD
Common signs include:
Excessive talking under stress
Difficulty staying on task
Mental wandering
Poor executive function
⚠️ Important note: If this pattern is treated with stimulants, it can actually worsen symptoms and may contribute to conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and pain syndromes.
Stimulants work for top-of-brain ADD, but not frontal-lobe ADD.
When ADD Isn’t ADD: The Stress & Trauma Pattern
There is another pattern that looks like ADD but isn’t.
Found in the back of the brain (O1)
The theta-to-beta ratio should be 1.8-2.2
If it is lower, the brain is stuck in survival mode
Symptoms include:
Racing thoughts
Poor stress tolerance
Anxiety
Depression
Hypervigilance
This pattern often develops after bullying, trauma, or feeling unsafe, where the brain is constantly scanning the environment. The issue isn’t attention—it’s protection.
Low Dopamine ADD: The Gut–Brain Connection
Another major contributor to attention issues is low dopamine, often driven by gut or vagus nerve dysfunction.
The vagus nerve connects the brain and gut and is responsible for transporting neurotransmitters.
Low dopamine may be caused by:
Poor vagus nerve function
Low protein intake
Low stomach acid
Use of acid blockers (Tums, Prilosec, etc.)
When dopamine is low, the brain seeks stimulation through:
Excess movement
Screen time
Novelty seeking
Risk-taking
Alcohol, drugs, sex, or adrenal-driven behaviors
These are not moral failures—they are biological compensation strategies.
How We Support the Brain Naturally
These patterns are trainable and changeable.
1. Brain-Based Chiropractic Adjustments
Adjustments help reset the nervous system, pull the brain out of stress, stimulate the frontal lobe and cerebellum, and downregulate survival responses.
2. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy provides energy to neurons, reduces inflammation, and supports healing in underactive brain pathways.
3. Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback trains the brain directly:
Upregulating beta where it’s needed
Downregulating excessive theta
Restoring balance at regions like CZ, frontal lobes, or occipital (back of the brain) areas
4. Targeted Supplementation
Support may include dopamine-, serotonin-, or GABA-based supplementation to support neurotransmitter balance and brain regulation.
The Takeaway
ADD and ADHD are not one condition—they are patterns of brain function. When we identify where the brain is underactive, overstressed, or compensating, we can choose the correct strategy.
When you support the brain, regulate the nervous system, and address root causes, focus improves, behavior stabilizes, and the brain becomes stable.
Life Springs Family Chiropractic – Denver, CO
Call/Text: (303) 770-0605
Website: lifespringsfamilychiropractic.com
