On the relationship between brain structure and oscillatory activity in ADHD children

Within the domain of spatial attention, it has been shown that changes in neuronal synchronization are fundamental to implement the mechanisms required for selective gating. Specifically, modulations in both the alpha (8-13Hz) and gamma band (30-90Hz) are predictive of performance in spatial attention tasks. Studies have reported that patients with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) show a reduced ability to modulate alpha band oscillations during covert attention, when compared to controls5. Stimulant medications (e.g. Methylphenidate) often provide effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, while little is known about the neuronal mechanisms by which they exert their effect. Given the role of neuronal oscillatory modulations in attentional performance, pharmacological intervention is expected to normalize the eventual differences in alpha and gamma band synchronization between ADHD patients and healthy subjects. Furthermore, investigation of anatomical differences between the two groups is performed to
identify the brain structures responsible for top-down attentional modulation.

Within the domain of spatial attention, it has been shown that changes in neuronal synchronization are fundamental to implement the mechanisms required for selective gating. Specifically, modulations in the alpha (8-13Hz) and gamma band (30-90Hz) are predictive of performance in spatial attention tasks. Studies have reported that patients with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) show a reduced ability to modulate alpha and gamma band oscillations during covert attention, when compared to controls. In addition, power modulation in the beta (15-30Hz) and Mu (9-11Hz) frequency bands, have also been shown to differ between controls and ADHD, hence indexing aberrant stimulus processing and motor activity. Stimulant medications (e.g. Methylphenidate) often provide effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, while little is known about the neuronal mechanisms by which they exert their effect. Given the role of neuronal oscillatory modulations in attentional performance, pharmacological intervention is expected to normalize the eventual differences in brain oscillations between ADHD patients and healthy subjects. Furthermore, investigation of anatomical differences between the two groups is performed to identify the brain structures responsible for top-down attentional modulation.

- variables measured during experiment

for ADHD, MEG and MRI data measured on and off (placebo) medication (1 week between two recordings)

on/off medication (placebo / active medication(methykphenidate)) for the ADHD group.
no intervention for control group.