Sulcal Depth and Genetic Susceptibility Influence Initial Treatment Response in Adults With
Jonathan Laatsch1, Friederike S David2, Frederike Stein3
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Biological Psychiatry. Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
|September 22, 2025
Summary
Deeper sulcal depth (SD) in certain brain regions predicts better treatment response in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Genetic factors also influence how cortical structure relates to symptom alleviation, suggesting a combined approach for personalized ADHD therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging and Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Sulcal depth (SD) is an understudied neurobiological marker potentially influencing neural processing and treatment outcomes.
- The interplay between genetic factors, cortical structure (specifically SD), and treatment response in ADHD is not well understood.
- Investigating SD's predictive value for symptom alleviation in adult ADHD is crucial for personalized medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if pretreatment sulcal depth (SD) predicts symptom alleviation in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- To explore the moderating effects of genetic susceptibility for ADHD and cross-disorder traits on the relationship between SD and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized structural neuroimaging data from the COMPAS study (N=119).
- Analyzed pretreatment sulcal depth (SD) using linear regression models to predict posttreatment symptom severity.
- Investigated the moderating role of polygenic scores for ADHD and cross-disorder traits.
Main Results:
- Significant prediction of symptom alleviation by SD in parietal, temporal, and occipital regions, with deeper sulci correlating with greater treatment efficacy.
- Genetic predisposition to ADHD and cross-disorder traits were found to moderate the relationship between cortical structure and treatment outcomes.
- Demonstrated an interaction between cortical structure and genetic susceptibility in determining therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Sulcal depth (SD) emerges as a promising neurobiological marker for predicting ADHD treatment response.
- Integrating neurobiological and genetic factors is essential for developing accurate predictive models for psychiatric treatment efficacy.
- Highlights the potential for personalized treatment strategies in ADHD based on neuroimaging and genetic profiles.
Keywords:
AdultsAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderMagnetic resonance imagingNeural correlatesPolygenic risk scoresTreatment responseMore Related Videos
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