Cortical thickness and inattention/hyperactivity symptoms in young children: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Child Psychology

Background:

• Limited research exists on the neurobiology of attention problems in the general population, contrasting with studies on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Attention ability exists on a continuum, making a dimensional approach valuable for understanding attention problems.
• Investigating cortical thickness in relation to attention and hyperactivity symptoms is crucial for a comprehensive understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between cortical thickness and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity in a large cohort of young children.
• To contribute to the understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of attention difficulties in a population-based sample.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Generation R Study, including 444 children aged 6-8 years.
• Collected parent-reported measures of attention and hyperactivity.
• Acquired high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to assess cortical thickness.

Main Results:

• Found a significant association between increased attention problems and hyperactivity and thinner cortical thickness in the right and left postcentral gyrus.
• These findings remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors and employing multiple testing corrections.

Conclusions:

• Young children (6-8 years) with greater attention problems and hyperactivity exhibit thinner cortices in the postcentral gyrus.
• This thinner cortex may indicate atypical cortical maturation or reduced peak thickness in this region.
• The postcentral gyrus, as the primary somatosensory cortex, undergoes significant early development, suggesting developmental influences on attention.