Disrupted Functional Rich-Club Organization of the Brain Networks in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Maliheh Ahmadi1, Kamran Kazemi1, Katarzyna Kuc2
1Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz 7155713876, Iran.
Insights
Brain connectivity differences are evident in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Resting-state EEG analysis revealed distinct patterns in functional networks for inattentive (ADHD_I) and combined (ADHD_C) subtypes compared to typically developing children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Disruptions in brain functional connectivity are implicated in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) pathophysiology.
- Understanding network alterations in ADHD subtypes is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) source connectivity and rich-club organization in children with inattentive (ADHD_I) and combined (ADHD_C) ADHD.
- To compare these network properties with typically developing (TD) children under eyes-closed conditions.
Main Methods:
- EEG source analysis using eLORETA across different frequency bands.
- Lagged phase synchronization (LPS) and graph theoretical metrics to assess network topology and rich-club organization.
- Comparison of functional network properties between ADHD subtypes and TD children.
Main Results:
- ADHD_I group showed decreased delta and beta LPS, with increased theta and alpha LPS in specific regions.
- ADHD_C group exhibited increased LPS in central, temporal, and posterior areas.
- Both ADHD subtypes displayed altered small-worldness properties, reduced network segregation, and distinct rich-club distributions compared to TD children.
Conclusions:
- Resting-state EEG source connectivity analysis effectively characterizes alterations in functional brain network organization in ADHD.
- Findings highlight specific topological differences in brain networks associated with ADHD subtypes.
- The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the neural underpinnings of ADHD.
Abstract:
Growing evidence indicates that disruptions in the brain's functional connectivity play an important role in the pathophysiology of ADHD. The present study investigates alterations in resting-state EEG source connectivity and rich-club organization in children with inattentive (ADHDI) and combined (ADHDC) ADHD compared with typically developing children (TD) under the eyes-closed condition. EEG source analysis was performed by eLORETA in different frequency bands. The lagged phase synchronization (LPS) and graph theoretical metrics were then used to examine group differences in the topological properties and rich-club organization of functional networks. Compared with the TD children, the ADHDI children were characterized by a widespread significant decrease in delta and beta LPS, as well as increased theta and alpha LPS in the left frontal and right occipital regions. The ADHDC children displayed significant increases in LPS in the central, temporal and posterior areas. Both ADHD groups showed small-worldness properties with significant increases and decreases in the network degree in the θ and β bands, respectively. Both subtypes also displayed reduced levels of network segregation. Group differences in rich-club distribution were found in the central and posterior areas. Our findings suggest that resting-state EEG source connectivity analysis can better characterize alterations in the rich-club organization of functional brain networks in ADHD patients.
