The Relationship Between Cortical Thickness and Executive Function Measures in Children With and Without ADHD

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Executive function deficits, including impaired inhibition and working memory, are frequently observed in individuals with ADHD.
• Cortical thickness (CT) is a key neuroanatomical feature that may be altered in ADHD and impact cognitive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between cortical thickness (CT) and executive function performance in children diagnosed with ADHD compared to neurotypical controls.
• To identify specific brain regions where CT differences correlate with executive function measures in the context of ADHD.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) database, including 61 children with ADHD and 61 age- and sex-matched controls.
• Employed general linear models to analyze the associations between CT, executive function measures, and ADHD diagnosis.
• Examined relationships across various executive function assessments and neuroimaging data.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between CT and working memory scores in the right precentral gyrus.
• Significant interactions involving CT, ADHD diagnosis, and performance outcomes were observed in the Flanker task (left fusiform gyrus) and CBCL attention scores (right precentral gyrus).

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest that the relationship between cortical thickness and executive function may differ in children with ADHD compared to those without the disorder.
• These results highlight potential neuroanatomical underpinnings for executive function challenges in ADHD, particularly concerning working memory and attention.