A consensus of opinion exists among the scientific community that ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a biological condition resulting from varying, yet scientifically undefined, neurological dysfunctions. Traditionally, the majority of research results suggest that a region of the brain known as the pre-frontal cortex, situated behind the forehead, controls many of the behaviors and traits associated with ADHD, given that the anterior part of the brain is associated with executive functions: problem solving, attention, reasoning, planning, and decision making – cognitive functions noticeably impaired in those with ADHD. However, gradually, with the aid of neuroimaging techniques, neurologists and neuroscientists have been able to map additional neural mechanisms responsible for ADHD symptoms more accurately.
Basal Ganglia – MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies
Various MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) studies over the last two decades, show significant volume and structural differences between ADHD and non-ADHD children in areas of the basal ganglia – a group of sub-cortical nuclei receiving input from the entire cerebral cortex but primarily from the frontal lobes, parts of which regulate movement and cognitive functioning. However, according to Anqi Qiu, Ph.D et al, The American Journal of Psychiatry, 2009, typical research using MRI studies of three basal ganglia components – the caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus – presents inconsistent volumetric measurement results.
LDDMM – Advanced Computational Anatomical Imaging
In order to shed light on research inconsistencies, and to improve on previous studies limited to volume analysis and comparison, the Center for Imaging Science at Johns Hopkins University and Kennedy Krieger researchers Anqi Qiu, Ph.D et al (2008) collaborated in this study. The team of researchers used large deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping (LDDMM) to examine the effects of ADHD, gender, and their interaction on basal ganglia shapes.
LDDMM, a computational instrument, provides volumatic information and detailed analysis of the morphological shape of cortical and subcortical brain regions, thus allowing for a more accurate analysis of brain structures than that provided by MRI studies
LDDMM Results
Using a control group of 66 typically developing children (35 boys, 31 girls) and 47 children with ADHD (27 boys and 20 girls) this particular research revealed that when compared with boys in the control group, the boys with ADHD had the following differences:
On the contrary, no differences were found in the girls with ADHD. This suggests that gender differences affect neuropathophysiologic processes and neuroanatomic formations.
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