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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
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Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD

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Appetite hormones, neuropsychological function and methylphenidate use in children with

Kuan-Yu Lai1, Chia-Jung Li1, Ching-Shu Tsai1

  • 1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Psychoneuroendocrinology
|September 3, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Appetite hormones like orexin A and leptin are linked to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pathophysiology. Ghrelin influences attention and methylphenidate treatment effectiveness and side effects in ADHD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Neuropsychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Appetite hormones influence neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and brain development.
  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves complex neurobiological mechanisms.
  • Understanding appetite hormone roles in ADHD may illuminate pathophysiology and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of appetite hormones (orexin A, ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin) in ADHD.
  • To explore associations between these hormones and ADHD pathophysiology, methylphenidate treatment, and side effects.

Main Methods:

  • Serum levels of orexin A, ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin were measured in 119 ADHD patients on methylphenidate (ADHD+MPH), 77 unmedicated ADHD patients (ADHD-MPH), and 87 controls.
  • Behavioral symptoms and attention were assessed using rating scales and neuropsychological tests.
  • Methylphenidate side effects were evaluated using a standardized scale.

Main Results:

  • Orexin A levels were lower in both ADHD groups compared to controls, and lower in ADHD+MPH than ADHD-MPH.
  • Leptin levels were significantly lower in both ADHD groups than in controls.
  • Ghrelin levels positively correlated with auditory attention, methylphenidate dosage, and negatively with side effects in the ADHD+MPH group.

Conclusions:

  • Orexin A and leptin are implicated in the etiology of ADHD.
  • Orexin A and ghrelin are important in attention deficits and response to methylphenidate treatment in ADHD.
  • Appetite hormones offer potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ADHD.

Keywords:
ADHDAppetite/ appetite hormonesLeptinMethylphenidateOrexinSide effects

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