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Cortical Gray Matter in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

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Check out this Knowledge Base article from StressTherapy Solutions: Cortical Gray Matter in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

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Study at a glance

Area
ADHD & Attention
Study type
Observational study
Authors
Batty MJ, Liddle EB, Pitiot A, Toro R, Groom MJ, Scerif G, Liotti M, Liddle PF, Paus T, Hollis C
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Year
2010
Participants
49 children (25 ADHD combined subtype, 24 controls), ages 9-15
Population
Children, Adolescents
Protocol
structural MRI (volumetry and FreeSurfer cortical thickness)

Key findings

  • Smaller whole brain volume and lower gray matter volume in all lobes in ADHD; white matter did not differ
  • Significant group-by-region interaction across 13 frontal regions
  • Thinner cortex in the pars opercularis in both hemispheres in children with ADHD
  • Children with ADHD performed significantly worse on a Go/No-go inhibition task

DOI 10.1016/j.jaac.2009.11.008 → PubMed 20410712 →

A structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of 49 children aged 9 to 15, 25 with combined-type ADHD and 24 controls. Researchers measured regional gray and white matter volume and cortical thickness, focusing on the pars opercularis of the inferior frontal gyrus, a region tied to inhibitory control. Children with ADHD had smaller brains, less gray matter in every lobe, a thinner pars opercularis on both sides, and poorer Go/No-go performance. The authors suggest abnormal development of this region may drive inhibition difficulties.