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Associations between neurological soft signs, executive functions, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in boys with
Mustafa Tolga Tunagur1, Hatice Aksu2, Elif Merve Kurt Tunagur3
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sakarya University, Türkiye.
Insights
Neurological soft signs and visuospatial abilities are linked in children with ADHD, suggesting a maturational delay. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may influence this delay, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Disorders
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Neurological soft signs (NSS) and executive function deficits are observed in children with ADHD.
- The role of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in ADHD pathophysiology is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between neurological soft signs (NSS), executive functions, and serum BDNF levels in children with ADHD.
- To explore potential maturational delays in ADHD.
- To examine the relationship between BDNF and these developmental aspects.
Main Methods:
- Serum BDNF levels were measured in 87 drug-naive boys with ADHD (aged 7-12 years).
- Neurological soft signs were assessed using the Revised Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs.
- Executive functions (attention, visuospatial abilities) were evaluated using the Stroop Color-Word Test and Judgment of Line Orientation Test (JLOT).
Main Results:
- Age negatively correlated with specific NSS, Stroop Color-Word Time (SCWT), and serum BDNF levels.
- JLOT scores showed a significant negative correlation with certain NSS measures.
- SCWT was significantly correlated with specific NSS, but no correlation was found between serum BDNF levels and NSS.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest an association between NSS, visuospatial abilities, and selective attention in ADHD, potentially indicating a maturational delay.
- BDNF may play a role in this maturational delay.
- Further research is needed to elucidate BDNF's contribution to neuronal maturation in ADHD.
Background:
To determine the association between neurological soft signs, executive functions, and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methods:
Serum BDNF levels were measured in 87 drug-naive boys with ADHD, aged 7-12 years. The Revised Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs for neurological soft signs, Stroop Color-Word Test for attention functions, and Judgment of Line Orientation Test (JLOT) for visuospatial abilities were performed.
Results:
Age correlated negatively with dysrhythmia, total time, and total overflow in timed movements, Stroop Color-Word Time (SCWT), and serum BDNF levels. The JLOT significantly negatively correlated with Total Gaits and Stations (P1) and Total Time in Timed Movements (adjusted R 2 = 0.247). In addition, SCWT maintained a significant correlation with Total Overflow in Timed Movements (adjusted R 2 = 0.206). There was no correlation between serum BDNF levels and NSS.
Conclusion:
The association between NSS, visuospatial abilities, and selective attention may express a maturational delay in ADHD pathophysiology. Moreover, BDNF may play a role in this maturational delay. Future studies should investigate the contribution of BDNF to neuronal maturation in ADHD.
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