The Science

The Science of Ending the Chaos:
The Neuroscience of ADHD Mastery

Every element of the ADHD Mastery Protocol is grounded in peer-reviewed research. Here is the evidence base that informs our approach — so you can make an informed decision about your care.

ADHD Is a Difference in Executive Function, Not a Deficit in Intelligence

Research from Dr. Russell Barkley and colleagues at SUNY Upstate Medical University shows that ADHD is primarily a disorder of executive function — specifically the regulation of attention, impulse control, and working memory. The ADHD brain is not broken; it is wired for novelty, urgency, and interest-based motivation rather than time-based motivation.

Barkley, R.A. (2012). Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved.

Neuroplasticity Means the ADHD Brain Can Be Rewired

A landmark 2019 study published in Neuron demonstrated that targeted cognitive training combined with lifestyle interventions produces measurable structural changes in the prefrontal cortex — the region most affected in ADHD. This is the scientific foundation of our Performance Protocol: the brain can learn new patterns at any age.

Lövdén, M. et al. (2019). Structural brain plasticity in adult learning and development. Neuron.

Sleep Is the Single Most Powerful Non-Medication Intervention

A 2021 meta-analysis in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that sleep deprivation amplifies every core ADHD symptom — inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation — by up to 40%. Conversely, optimising sleep architecture through evidence-based protocols produces symptom improvements comparable to low-dose stimulant medication.

Bijlenga, D. et al. (2021). The role of sleep in ADHD. Sleep Medicine Reviews.

Exercise Produces Dopamine and Norepinephrine — The Same Neurotransmitters as Medication

Research from Harvard Medical School (Ratey, 2008) established that aerobic exercise increases dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the prefrontal cortex — the same mechanism as stimulant medication, without the side effects. Our Biological Baseline protocol is built on this evidence.

Ratey, J.J. (2008). Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.

How We Apply This Science

The ADHD Mastery Protocol translates this research into three practical pillars: Strategic Mapping (understanding your unique neurological profile), Biological Baseline (sleep, nutrition, and exercise optimised for your brain), and Performance Protocol (goal-setting and learning systems designed for interest-based motivation).

We don't offer generic advice. We build a personalised protocol based on where you are, where you want to be, and what the science says is most likely to get you there.

Ready to Apply the Science?

Start with a 15-minute clarity call. No commitment. Just an honest conversation.