Related Experiment Videos
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: perspectives from neuroimaging.
T S Hale1, A R Hariri, J T McCracken
1UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA.
Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews
|September 12, 2000
Summary
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder linked to brain abnormalities. Neuroimaging reveals structural issues in frontostriatal regions, impacting attention and behavioral control in individuals with ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent childhood behavioral disorder.
- ADHD is characterized by inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
- Etiologic theories implicate dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways regulating cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical networks crucial for executive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the validity of current ADHD etiologic theories using neuroimaging.
- To provide a biological perspective on ADHD through noninvasive imaging techniques.
Main Methods:
- Review of noninvasive structural and functional neuroimaging studies on ADHD.
- Analysis of findings related to brain structure and function in ADHD.
Main Results:
- Neuroimaging studies offer unique biological insights into ADHD.
- Structural abnormalities in frontostriatal regions are associated with ADHD.
- These structural issues correlate with diminished activity essential for normal function.
Conclusions:
- Dysfunction in arousal, behavioral inhibition, and attention in ADHD may stem from frontostriatal structural abnormalities.
- Neuroimaging provides evidence supporting biological underpinnings of ADHD.
- Further research using neuroimaging can elucidate ADHD pathophysiology.