title: Reduced GABA concentration in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by a deficit in behavioral inhibition. Recent evidence also suggests a deficit in cortical inhibition via the GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-ergic system.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the GABAergic component of ADHD using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited through local schools, local pediatric and other community clinics, and through advertisement in regional publications. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed within the research institute.
  
  
  METHODS
  Children (age range, 8-12 years) in a typically developing control group vs a group with ADHD were compared.
  
  
  METHODS
  J-difference-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T was used to measure GABA concentration in a volume that included primary somatosensory and motor cortices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  GABA concentration is reduced in children with ADHD compared with typically developing control subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our finding of reduced GABA concentration in ADHD is concordant with recently reported deficits in short intracortical inhibition in ADHD and suggests a GABAergic deficit in ADHD.
authors: Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. raee2@jhu.edu
authors: Richard A E
authors: RA
authors: Edden
authors: Deana
authors: D
authors: Crocetti
authors: He
authors: H
authors: Zhu
authors: Donald L
authors: DL
authors: Gilbert
authors: Stewart H
authors: SH
authors: Mostofsky
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid