Neural substrates underpinning intra-individual variability in children with ADHD: A voxel-based morphometry study

Abstract

Increased intra-individual variability (IIV) in reaction time (RT) is a key feature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about neurobiology underpinnings of IIV in ADHD. We assessed 55 youths with ADHD, and 55 individually-matched typically developing control (TDC) with the MRI and Conners' Continuous Performance Test. The ex-Gaussian distribution of RT was estimated to capture IIV with the parameters σ (sigma) and τ (tau). The regional brain volumes, analyzed by voxel-based morphometry, were correlated with IIV parameters. We found both distinct and shared correlations among ADHD and TDC. For grey matter, there were significant σ-by-group interactions in the cingulate cortex and thalamus and also a τ-by-group interaction in the right inferior frontal gyrus. There was also shared negative associations between σ and regional volumes of the right posterior cerebellum and a positive association between τ and the right anterior insula. For white matter, there was a significant σ-by-group interaction in the genu of the corpus callosum and significant τ-by-group interactions in the right anterior corona radiata, the left splenium of the corpus callosum, and bilateral posterior cerebellum. There were also shared patterns that increased τ was associated with increased regional volumes of the right anterior corona radiata and decreased regional volumes of the right posterior limb of the internal capsule. This study highlights that brain regions responsible for the motor, salience processing and multimodal information integration are associated with increased IIV in youths with ADHD.