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Reduced microbiome alpha diversity in young patients with ADHD

Alexander Prehn-Kristensen1, Alexandra Zimmermann1,2, Lukas Tittmann2

  • 1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Centre for Integrative Psychiatry, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.

Plos One
|July 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The gut microbiome differs in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Specific bacteria like Neisseria spec. may serve as biomarkers for ADHD, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Neuropsychiatry
  • Gut-brain axis

Background:

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
  • Emerging evidence links gut microbiota to other psychiatric conditions, prompting investigation into its role in ADHD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the gut microbiota composition and diversity in male ADHD patients compared to healthy male controls.
  • To identify potential microbial biomarkers associated with ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • Next-generation sequencing of 16S rDNA was used to analyze the gut microbiota of 14 ADHD patients and 17 controls.
  • Analysis included microbial diversity (alpha and beta diversity) and biomarker identification.

Main Results:

  • ADHD patients exhibited significantly decreased microbial diversity (alpha diversity) compared to controls.
  • Microbiota composition (beta diversity) significantly differed between ADHD patients and controls.
  • Specific bacterial families Prevotellacae (controls) and Bacteroidaceae (ADHD) were identified, with Neisseriaceae and Neisseria spec. showing potential as ADHD biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • The gut microbiome composition is altered in juvenile ADHD patients.
  • Neisseria spec. is a promising candidate biomarker for ADHD.
  • These findings support further research into the gut microbiome's role in ADHD for potential prevention and treatment strategies.

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