The amygdala in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Structural and functional correlates of delay aversion. (20th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Dessel, Jeroen; Sonuga-Barke, Edmund; Moerkerke, Matthijs; Van der Oord, Saskia; Lemiere, Jurgen; Morsink, Sarah; Danckaerts, Marina
• Is Part Of: World journal of biological psychiatry. Volume 21:Number 9(2020)
• Page Start: 673
• Page End: 684
• Publication Date: 2020-10-20
• Subjects: ADHD -- amygdala -- delay aversion -- functional magnetic resonance imaging -- voxel-based morphometry; Biological psychiatry -- Periodicals; Biological Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2019.1585946
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1562-2975

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies implicate structural alterations of amygdala, a brain region responsible for processing and experiencing negative emotions, in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here we examined ADHD-related structural correlates of amygdala functional activity elicited during a functional MRI task designed to test behavioural and brain responses to the imposition of delay – an event known to both elicit amygdala hyperactivation and aversity in ADHD. Methods: Structural MRI scans from 28 right-handed male adolescents with combined type ADHD and 32 age-matched controls were analysed. Regional grey matter volumes of ADHD and control participants ( P [FWE] < 0.05) were correlated with delay aversion self-ratings and neural activity in response to delay-related cues on the Escape Delay Incentive fMRI task. Results: ADHD was associated with significantly reduced volumes in bilateral amygdala, parahippocampal and temporal gyrus ( P [FWE] < 0.05), greater basolateral amygdala activation to delay-related cues ( P [FWE] < 0.05) and higher delay aversion self-ratings. Amygdala volume reductions were significantly correlated with, and statistically mediated the pathway from ADHD to, delay-cue-related amygdala hyperactivity ( P < 0.01) and self-reported delay aversion ( P < 0.01). Conclusions: We provide the first evidence of the functional significance of reduced amygdala volumes in adolescents with ADHD by highlighting its relation to delay-induced brain activity that is linked to delay aversion.