Converging methods in studying attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: what can we learn from neuroimaging and genetics?
This paper discusses how converging methods may form a powerful tool in unraveling the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Integrating findings from multiple disciplines can inform us on how different neurobiological and cognitive mechanisms tie together in both typical and atypical development. Examples are discussed of this approach: combining family and genetic approaches with anatomical neuroimaging illustrates how mapping familial effects can bring us closer to understanding the neurobiology of ADHD. Functional neuroimaging has convincingly linked cognitive problems in this disorder with frontostriatal functioning, but also shows that other systems may be involved in some of the symptoms of ADHD. Combining these findings has suggested new avenues for investigation, such as the role of frontocerebellar networks. Furthermore, findings may have practical applications: this paper discusses an example of how converging evidence of striatal dysregulation in ADHD suggests possible directions for treatment that are now being explored in functional imaging studies.
Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroimaging Lab, HP A 01.468, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands. S.Durston@umcutrecht.nl
Sarah
S
Durston
D017668:Age of Onset; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000235:genetics; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins