Go, Go, Go and Slow, Slow, Slow?

A few years ago, researchers at MIT showed that adults with ADHD have two brain networks that compete for their attention instead of “playing nice,” as they do for adults without ADHD. These networks are essentially a go, go, go one that lights up when we have a task to do (“task-positive network”) and a slow, slow, slow one that activates when we have nothing to do and can daydream or let our minds wander (“default mode network”). Without ADHD, when one network has its turn to be active, the other one turns down…they cooperate. With ADHD, they appear to often be active at the same time. Imagine what that’s like. If you have ADHD, you already know. If only others could experience your brain to know what it’s like….