Cortical Development in Typically Developing Children With Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Support for a Dimensional View of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.10030385
• Publication Date: 2010-12-15T21:15:57Z
• Authors: Philip Shaw; Mary Gilliam; Maria Liverpool; Catherine Weddle; Meaghan Malek; Wendy Sharp; Deanna Greenstein; Alan Evans; Judith Rapoport; Jay Giedd
• Keywords: Orbitofrontal cortex

Objective: There is considerable epidemiological and neuropsychological evidence that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) best considered dimensionally, lying at the extreme end of a continuous distribution symptoms underlying cognitive impairments. The authors investigated whether cortical brain development in typically developing children with impulsivity resembles found syndrome ADHD. Specifically, they examined slower rate thinning during late childhood adolescence, which previously ADHD, also linked to severity children. Method: In longitudinal analysis, total 193 389 neuroanatomic magnetic resonance images varying levels (measured Conners' Parent Rating Scale) were contrasted 197 ADHD 337 imaging scans. relationship between rates regional hyperactivity/impulsivity was determined. Results: Youth higher had thinning, predominantly prefrontal regions, bilaterally middle frontal/premotor gyri, extending down medial wall anterior cingulate; orbitofrontal cortex; right inferior frontal gyrus. For each increase one point score, there decrease 0.0054 mm/year (SE=0.0019 mm/year). Children slowest thinning. Conclusions: Slower adolescence characterizes presence both providing neurobiological for dimensionality disorder.