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Ross Morrison McGill founded @TeacherToolkit in 2007, and today, he is one of the ‘most followed educators’on social media in the world. In 2015, he was nominated as one of the ‘500 Most Influential People in Britain’ by The Sunday Times as a result of…
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How does ADHD medication impact brain function?
ADHD medication alters brain activity, but does not necessarily enhance cognitive control or learning outcomes…
Can you believe this? In 2000, I had a student in my tutor class who had just starting taking Ritalin; a stimulant used to treat ADHD. As a naive young man, I thought I was ‘doing my job/duty’ looking after him pastorally; storing his pills in my office desk! I cannot imagine anyone being able to do this in a school today without due diligence!
How does ADHD medication affect learning?
This research study (n = 45) explores how ADHD medication influences brain activation during cognitive control tasks. Using functional MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), the study compared brain activity in medicated ADHD adults, unmedicated ADHD individuals, and neurotypical controls.
The findings suggest that while ADHD medication changes neural activation patterns, it does not necessarily lead to better task performance.
What does ADHD medication do?
ADHD is linked to dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, areas responsible for self-regulation and attention. The study found that medicated ADHD participants showed reduced activity in regions critical for motor inhibition and decision-making. However, performance on cognitive control tasks remained similar across all groups.
Does medication enhance cognitive control?
Why does this matter for teachers?
Many teachers, like me, assume that ADHD medication enhances attention and impulse control. This study highlights that medication alters brain function but does not necessarily improve executive function. This means that classroom strategies must complement medical treatment.
Practical strategies for supporting students with ADHD
How can teachers support students with ADHD?
- Use explicit executive function training: Teach students how to plan, self-monitor, and adjust learning strategies.
- Adapt cognitive load management: Provide structured routines and minimise distractions.
- Use movement-based learning: Integrate active learning techniques to sustain attention and engagement.
Credit: Berberat et al., 2021
CPD questions for teachers:
- How can retrieval practice help students with ADHD improve executive function?
- Should ADHD students be given alternative learning environments?
- How can teachers work with SEND teams to tailor interventions?
The research concludes:
MRI scans show motor task inhibition and cognitive switching; ADHD medication changes activation patterns but does not significantly alter task performance or cognitive control outcomes.
Download the full paper to understand the details.
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