Abnormal amygdalar activation and connectivity in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Emotional reactivity is one of the most disabling symptoms associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We aimed to identify neural substrates associated with emotional reactivity and to assess the effects of stimulants on those substrates.

Method

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess neural activity in adolescents with (n = 15) and without (n = 15) ADHD while they performed a task involving the subliminal presentation of fearful faces. Using dynamic causal modeling, we also examined the effective connectivity of two regions associated with emotional reactivity, i.e., the amygdala and the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC). The participants with ADHD underwent scanning both on and off stimulant medication in a counterbalan

SUBMITTER: Posner J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3155780 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature