Key result
Children with ADHD demonstrated hyper-connectivity within both the cingulo-opercular and default mode networks compared to typically developing children.
Why the study?
Does brain connectivity supporting attentional control differ between children with ADHD and typically-developing controls?
Cross-Sectional (n=100)
No
Does brain connectivity supporting attentional control differ between children with ADHD and typically-developing controls?
Different neural circuitries support attentional control in children with ADHD compared to typically-developing children, with CON-DMN anti-correlation being beneficial in ADHD but detrimental in controls.
May indicate compensatory network changes in pediatric ADHD; leaves open whether connectivity metrics aid diagnosis or guide interventions.
Intra-subject variability (ISV) is the most consistent behavioral deficit in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ISV may be associated with networks involved in sustaining task control (cingulo-opercular network: CON) and self-reflective lapses of attention (default mode network: DMN). The current study examined whether connectivity supporting attentional control is atypical in children with ADHD. Group differences in full-brain connection strength and brain-behavior associations with attentional control measures were examined for the late-developing CON and DMN in 50 children with ADHD and 50 typically-developing (TD) controls (ages 8-12 years). Children with ADHD had hyper-connectivity both within the CON and within the DMN. Full-brain behavioral associations were found for a number of between-network connections. Across both groups, more anti-correlation between DMN and occipital cortex supported better attentional control. However, in the TD group, this brain-behavior association was stronger and occurred for a more extensive set of DMN-occipital connections. Differential support for attentional control between the two groups occurred with a number of CON-DMN connections. For all CON-DMN connections identified, increased between-network anti-correlation was associated with better attentional control for the ADHD group, but worse attentional control in the TD group. A number of between-network connections with the medial frontal cortex, in particular, showed this relationship. Follow-up analyses revealed that these associations were specific to attentional control and were not due to individual differences in working memory, IQ, motor control, age, or scan motion. While CON-DMN anti-correlation is associated with improved attention in ADHD, other circuitry supports improved attention in TD children. Greater CON-DMN anti-correlation supported better attentional control in children with ADHD, but worse attentional control in TD children. On the other hand, greater DMN-occipital anti-correlation supported better attentional control in TD children.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Barber et al. (2014) conducted a cross-sectional in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (n=100). Resting-state functional MRI vs. Typically-developing controls was evaluated on Intra-subject variability (ISV) in reaction time (p=0.014). Children with ADHD demonstrated hyper-connectivity within both the cingulo-opercular and default mode networks compared to typically developing children.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: