Structural and functional neuroimaging in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly studied using neuroimaging.
• Previous research indicates structural and functional brain variations in individuals with ADHD compared to controls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize neuroimaging findings in ADHD.
• To highlight the intercorrelation between structural and functional brain abnormalities.
• To identify gaps in current understanding, particularly regarding longitudinal effects and biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), functional MRI (fMRI), and other neuroimaging techniques.
• Analysis of studies examining brain structure (volume, cortical thickness, white matter integrity) and function (neural activity during tasks and rest).
• Inclusion of multimodal studies combining structural and functional data.

Main Results:

• Consistent findings of structural abnormalities in basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and corpus callosum in ADHD.
• Differences in neural activity observed in widespread brain regions during tasks and at rest.
• Evidence of intercorrelation between structural and functional brain alterations in ADHD.

Conclusions:

• ADHD is characterized by abnormal neural network interplay and interconnected structural-functional brain abnormalities.
• There is currently no established neural biomarker for ADHD diagnosis.
• Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding ADHD across the lifespan, but the effects of medication remain unclear.