title: Neuroimaging and ADHD: fMRI, PET, DTI findings, and methodological limitations.
abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by pervasive and developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. There is no conclusive cause of ADHD although a number of etiologic theories have been advanced. Research across neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and genetic disciplines collectively support a physiological basis for ADHD and, within the past decade, the number of neuroimaging studies concerning ADHD has increased exponentially. The current selective review summarizes research findings concerning ADHD using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Although these technologies and studies offer promise in helping to better understand the physiologic underpinnings of ADHD, they are not without methodological problems, including inadequate sensitivity and specificity for psychiatric disorders. Consequently, neuroimaging technology, in its current state of development, should not be used to inform clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, USA. lisaweyandt@uri.edu
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Weyandt
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Swentosky
authors.forename: Bergljot Gyda
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Gudmundsdottir
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging; D059907:Functional Neuroimaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography