Atomoxetine increases fronto-parietal functional MRI activation in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a pilot
George Bush1, Jennifer Holmes, Lisa M Shin
1Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Psychiatry Research
|November 14, 2012
Summary
Atomoxetine (ATMX) showed similar brain effects to methylphenidate (MPH) in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, ATMX did not activate the dorsal anterior midcingulate cortex, unlike MPH.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Methylphenidate (MPH) is a common stimulant medication for ADHD.
- Atomoxetine (ATMX) is a non-stimulant medication for ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the brain effects of atomoxetine (ATMX) in adults with ADHD.
- To compare the brain effects of ATMX with those of methylphenidate (MPH).
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity.
- Eleven adults with ADHD participated in the study.
- Participants underwent fMRI scans at baseline and after 6 weeks of ATMX treatment while performing the Multi-Source Interference Task (MSIT).
Main Results:
- ATMX treatment increased fMRI activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, and cerebellum.
- ATMX did not significantly increase activation in the dorsal anterior midcingulate cortex (daMCC).
- The observed brain activation patterns suggest similarities and differences between ATMX and MPH effects.
Conclusions:
- Atomoxetine (ATMX) modulates brain activity in regions distinct from those affected by methylphenidate (MPH) in adults with ADHD.
- The findings contribute to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of ADHD pharmacotherapy.
