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Published on: October 17, 2025
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence from Genetic, Biochemical,
Tina R Ram1,2, Chunlong Mu2,3,4, Sarah J MacEachern2,3,5
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in autism and ADHD. Impaired energy production and increased oxidative stress in the brain are linked to these neurodevelopmental conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly linked to neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD.
- The developing brain's reliance on ATP production makes it vulnerable to impairments in oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence characterizing mitochondrial impairment in autism and ADHD.
- To explore the role of mitochondrial dysfunction as a transdiagnostic feature.
Main Methods:
- Review of postmortem neurochemistry, genomics, and biomarker research.
- Analysis of in vivo neuroimaging studies (magnetic resonance spectroscopy).
Main Results:
- Autism studies show elevated mitochondrial DNA variants, altered respiratory chain complexes (I, III, V), and increased oxidative stress.
- Neuroimaging reveals elevated cerebral lactate and reduced phosphocreatine-to-ATP ratios in vivo.
- ADHD evidence, though limited, also suggests mitochondrial involvement.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a transdiagnostic biological feature in neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Findings support potential for mechanistic biomarker identification and targeted therapeutic development.
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01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
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These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
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01:28Human Genetics
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