White matter microstructure predicts autistic traits in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Traits of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have previously been found to index clinical severity. This study examined the association of ASD traits with diffusion parameters in adolescent males with ADHD (n = 17), and also compared WM microstructure relative to controls (n = 17). Significant associations (p < 0.05, corrected) were found between fractional anisotropy/radial diffusivity and ASD trait severity (positive and negative correlations respectively), mostly in the right posterior limb of the internal capsule/corticospinal tract, right cerebellar peduncle and the midbrain. No case-control differences were found for the diffusion parameters investigated. This is the first report of a WM microstructural signature of autistic traits in ADHD. Thus, even in the absence of full disorder, ASD traits may index a distinctive underlying neurobiology in ADHD.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section, Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Second Floor, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK, cooperml1@cardiff.ac.uk.
Miriam
M
Cooper
Anita
A
Thapar
Derek K
DK
Jones
D000293:Adolescent; D016880:Anisotropy; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D059906:Neuroimaging; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D066127:White Matter / Q000473:pathology*