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Reduced GABA concentration in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Richard A E Edden1, Deana Crocetti, He Zhu
1Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. raee2@jhu.edu
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show reduced levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key inhibitory neurotransmitter. This finding supports a GABAergic deficit in ADHD, impacting cortical inhibition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by behavioral inhibition deficits.
- Emerging research indicates potential deficits in cortical inhibition linked to the GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-ergic system in ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the GABAergic system in ADHD.
- Investigate GABA concentration in children with and without ADHD using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Participants included children aged 8-12 years, divided into ADHD and typically developing control groups.
- J-difference-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 Tesla measured GABA concentration in the somatosensory and motor cortices.
Main Results:
- Children diagnosed with ADHD exhibited significantly lower GABA concentrations compared to control subjects.
- This reduction was observed in the targeted cortical regions.
Conclusions:
- The study identified reduced GABA levels in children with ADHD.
- This finding aligns with previous research on intracortical inhibition deficits in ADHD.
- Results suggest a significant GABAergic deficit contributes to the pathophysiology of ADHD.
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