Dopaminergic modulation of default mode network brain functional connectivity in attention deficit hyperactivity
Richard B Silberstein1, Andrew Pipingas2, Maree Farrow3
1Centre for Human Psychopharmacology Swinburne University Hawthorn Vic.Australia; Neuro-Insight Pty Ltd Melbourne Vic. Australia.
Brain and Behavior
|December 30, 2016
Summary
Methylphenidate treatment reduced abnormal brain functional connectivity in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during a cognitive task. This suppression of default mode network (DMN) activity correlated with improved reaction times, suggesting medication benefits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is linked to brain functional connectivity issues, particularly with the default mode network (DMN).
- Understanding these abnormalities is crucial for developing effective ADHD treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of methylphenidate on brain functional connectivity in boys with ADHD.
- To assess how methylphenidate affects the default mode network (DMN) during cognitive tasks.
Main Methods:
- Studied 42 stimulant-naïve, newly diagnosed ADHD boys performing the continuous performance task (CPT A-X).
- Measured brain functional connectivity using steady-state visual evoked potential partial coherence before and after methylphenidate administration.
Main Results:
- Methylphenidate reversed a pre-medication increase in functional connectivity during the A-X interval to a post-medication decrease.
- Reductions in reaction time after methylphenidate correlated with decreased functional connectivity.
Conclusions:
- Methylphenidate suppresses elevated functional connectivity in ADHD, which is linked to improved task performance.
- Findings support the role of abnormal DMN activity in ADHD and highlight methylphenidate's effect on top-down intracortical communication.
