Articles

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The Detrimental Effects of THC on Cognitive Function and ADD

By Dr. Stanford Owen, M.D. – Owner, ADD Clinics, Gulfport, Mississippi The relationship between THC and cognitive function has been a subject of growing concern, particularly when it intersects with individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). With the increased availability and normalization of cannabis use, more patients are arriving in clinical settings with overlapping...

Why ADD Is Often Misdiagnosed as Oppositional Defiant Disorder

By Dr. Stanford Owen, Owner of ADD Clinics, Gulfport, Mississippi Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) often goes undiagnosed—or worse, misdiagnosed. One of the most common and damaging errors in childhood mental health evaluation is the mislabeling of ADD as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). While both conditions can present behavior challenges, the underlying causes, treatment approaches, and...

How ADD Manifests Differently in Childhood, Adolescence, and Adulthood

By Dr. Stanford Owen, Owner of ADD Clinics in Gulfport, Mississippi Attention Deficit Disorder, often simply referred to as ADD, is a condition that persists across a person’s lifespan, but it rarely looks the same at every stage. Recognizing how ADD manifests differently in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood is essential for understanding behavior, making accurate...

How ADD Affects the Default Mode Network and Task Switching

In the last decade, advances in brain imaging have significantly deepened the understanding of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). One of the most revealing discoveries involves the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN) and its role in attention regulation and task switching. These insights have helped explain why individuals with ADD often struggle with focus, procrastination, and...

The Relationship Between ADD and Sensory Processing Sensitivity

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is widely recognized for its impact on focus, impulsivity, and executive function. However, another lesser-known trait—Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)—often overlaps with ADD in ways that influence behavior, emotional regulation, and the overall experience of daily life. Though SPS is not classified as a disorder, its presence in individuals with ADD can...

How Hormonal Fluctuations Impact ADD Symptoms in Women vs. Men

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is often treated as a condition that presents uniformly across all individuals. In clinical practice, however, gender differences frequently emerge—especially when it comes to how hormonal fluctuations influence the intensity, frequency, and visibility of ADD symptoms. The neurobiology of ADD is rooted in irregular dopamine transmission, particularly in the prefrontal cortex,...

Why Traditional Stimulant Medications Work for ADD: Understanding the Prefrontal Cortex Activation

For decades, traditional stimulant medications have been the primary treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). While widely prescribed and clinically effective, the mechanism behind these medications is often misunderstood. Their success is not about creating artificial focus or masking symptoms. It comes from restoring function to a specific area of the brain that underperforms in...

The Role of Dopamine Dysfunction in ADD: How It Affects Focus, Motivation, and Reward Processing

Understanding the neurobiology of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is essential for clinicians, patients, and caregivers alike. One of the most significant discoveries in the science of ADD is the role dopamine plays in governing focus, motivation, and reward-based behavior. Far from being just a behavioral issue, ADD is now understood as a neurologically rooted condition—heavily...

ADD and Social Media: How Dopamine-Driven Platforms Function as Both a Tool and a Distraction

Social media has become a central part of modern life, influencing communication, information sharing, and daily habits. For individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), the experience of engaging with these platforms can be both beneficial and disruptive. The very design of social media, with its constant notifications, algorithm-driven content, and instant feedback, aligns with the...

How ADD Affects Dating and Romantic Relationships

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) affects many aspects of daily life, from maintaining focus at work to managing household responsibilities. In relationships, these challenges can become even more pronounced, influencing communication, emotional regulation, and the ability to maintain consistency in a partnership. While ADD does not define a relationship, understanding its impact allows both individuals to...