New insights into attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using structural neuroimaging

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Structural neuroimaging studies have investigated brain abnormalities associated with ADHD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in structural neuroimaging for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• To identify brain regions and developmental trajectories implicated in ADHD.

Main Methods:

• Review of observational studies and meta-analyses of structural neuroimaging data.
• Analysis of brain structure dimensions, cortical and subcortical anomalies, and longitudinal data.

Main Results:

• Psychostimulant treatment shows associations with brain structure dimensions in typically developing children compared to treatment-naïve ADHD children.
• Meta-analyses highlight basal ganglia compromise in ADHD.
• Cortical changes in lateral prefrontal and parietal cortex are reported, with less consensus on exact locations.
• Subcortical structure anomalies (basal ganglia, hippocampus, amygdala) implicate frontostriatal loops and the limbic system.
• Longitudinal data suggest delayed cortical maturation in childhood ADHD.

Conclusions:

• Structural neuroimaging reveals distinct brain alterations in ADHD, particularly involving the basal ganglia and frontostriatal pathways.
• Delayed cortical maturation may characterize childhood ADHD, influencing adolescent and adult clinical outcomes.
• Advances in analytic approaches enhance the precision of identifying compromised brain regions in ADHD.