The brain anatomy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in young adults – a magnetic resonance imaging study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175433
• Publication Date: 2017-04-13T18:04:16Z
• Authors: Jean-G. Gehricke; Frithjof Kruggel; Tanyaporn Thampipop; Sharina Dyan Alejo; Erik Tatos; James Fallon; L. Tugan Muftuler
• Keywords: Voxel-based morphometry

This is one of the first studies to examine structural brain anatomy and connectivity associated with an ADHD diagnosis child as well adult symptoms in young adults. It was hypothesized that particular childhood symptoms, are widespread changes macro- microstructure, which can be used develop a morphometric biomarker for ADHD.Voxel-wise linear regression models were diffusion-weighted MRI data 72 participants (31 adults 41 controls without ADHD) relation number self-reported symptoms.Findings revealed significant associations between maturation white matter fiber bundles gray density brain, such shape (incomplete maturation) middle superior temporal gyrus, fronto-basal portions both frontal lobes. showed strongest association microstructural abnormalities. At circuitry level, longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) cortico-limbic areas dysfunctional individuals ADHD. The findings predicted correctly up 83% all cases.An micro- macrostructural changes. SLF suggest complex audio-visual, motivational, emotional dysfunctions sensitivity predicting sufficient, indicates MRI-based assessments promising strategy development biomarker.