Modulation of Behavioral Inhibition in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHDThe main purpose of this study is to investigate how the brain responds to a procedure known as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and how tDCS affects performance on a behavioral task. Research suggest that this procedure leads to improvement in brain and behavioral measures of inhibitory control (controlling impulses) in healthy control participants. The investigators want to explore whether the same improvement will be seen in kids with ADHD.
Disturbed Structural Connectivity of Frontostriatal and Frontoparietal Networks in Adults With ADHD...
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, impairing, childhood onset neuropsychiatric disorder with executive dysfunctions. The ADHD symptoms and executive deficits may last to adulthood. Our previous studies, like western results, have shown that children with ADHD have disrupted microstructural integrity of frontostriatal fiber pathways and impaired brain activity in frontoparietal network. However, there is lack of data with regards to whether adults with ADHD also demonstrate structural and functional disconnectivity of frontostriatal and frontoparietal networks as compared to healthy controls without ADHD in Asian population and no study has been done to correlate a wide range of executive functions with the connectivity of these two networks. Specific Aims: to compare the executive functions, and structural and functional connectivity in frontostriatal and frontoparietal circuitries between adults with ADHD and healthy controls without ADHD; to correlate the data from structural and functional connectivity, executive functions, and ADHD core symptoms stratifying by the ADHD and controls; and to explore other circuitries that may involve in ADHD by using whole brain tractography analyses.
Johnston County ADHD Study: Environmental, Reporductive, and Familial Risk Factors for Attention-Deficit...
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderWe propose a population-based case-control study among 7000 elementary school children in semi-rural Johnston County, NC. Teachers will complete a screening form on each child. Controls will be randomly selected. Mothers of potential cases and controls will be interviewed by telephone about their child's symptoms of ADHD and exposure history, their family history of ADHD, and their reproductive and exposure history. Children's shed baby teeth will be analyzed for lead. Mothers will complete brief parenting scales and the Child Behavior Checklist. School records will be collected. The study goals are to identify risk factors for ADHD including preterm delivery and childhood lead exposure.
Identification of Neuropsychological, Genetic and Neuroimaging Markers and Treatment Response Predictors...
Attention Deficit Disorder With HyperactivityThe objective of this study is to identification of neuropsychological, genetic and neuroimaging markers and treatment response predictors of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants who take the standardized pharmacotherapy (methylphenidate or atomoxetine) for ADHD will be observed for 52 weeks. They will do several neuropsychological, neuroimaging and genetic tests at visit 1~6.
Neuroendocrine Substrates, Candidate Genes and Endophenotypes in ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. In recent years, some researchers have become interested in analyzing neuroendocrine substrate levels in ADHD, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), cortisol and testosterone. Previous work in ADHD has established a strong heritable component to the phenotype. The STS gene, SULT2A1 gene and TH gene are associated with the function of DHEA/DHEA-S, and the NR3C1 gene is associated with the regulation of cortisol. Therefore, the relationship between these genes and the etiology of ADHD warrants investigation. Moreover, compared to the phenotype, the endophenotypes of ADHD may be more capable of detecting the underlying neurobiological and hereditary mechanisms. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationships between neuroendocrine substrates (DHEA, DHEA-S, cortisol and testosterone), candidate genes (STS gene, SULT2A1 gene, TH gene and NR3C1 gene) and the phenotype and endophenotypes (disease subtypes, neurocognitive function and response to treatment) of ADHD. To complete this work, we will recruit 300 patients with ADHD (probands) and 600 biological parents of the probands. DNA will be extracted from buccal cells by cheek swab. At baseline, saliva samples of ADHD patients will be collected between 7:00 and 8:00 am using the passive drool method, to analyze the levels of neuroendocrine substrates. The patients will undergo assessment for their clinical symptoms and neurocognitive function. Methylphenidate will then be administered to the patients and the usual practice followed. At week 4 and week 52, procedures similar to those performed at baseline will be repeated. The results of this study may further elucidate the complexity of the pathophysiology of ADHD. We may determine whether the neuroendocrine system, which contains levels of neuroendocrine substrates and associated genes, plays a crucial role in the phenotype and endophenotypes of ADHD. The information may serve as an important reference for the direction of future study and clinical treatment for patients with ADHD.
Assessment of the Professional Difficulties of Adult With Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder...
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in AdultsAttention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is common and well known in children, persists into adulthood in more than 60% of cases, with significant impact on quality of life. Professional domain is particularly impaired. The investigators hypothesize that ADHD symptoms causes professional difficulties, on the emotional, cognitive, physical and relational levels. The main objective of this study is to better characterize these professional difficulties at to follow-up these difficulties after one year. Difficulties will be assessed by questionnaires and semi-directive interview. The secondary objective is to determine what factors modulate these difficulties and what compensation strategies are implemented to address the patients.
Event-related Potentials in Management of Children With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder...
Attention Deficit Disorders With HyperactivityAttention Deficit Disorder1 moreThe investigators try to objectively and scientifically explore various brain function impairments in ADHD children by electrophysiologic tests, with and without medication.
A Study of Identity Building in Children With ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderContext: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a major public health issue, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by disturbance of attention, pathological impulsivity and a variable level of psychomotor hyperactivity. In addition to medium-term repercussions such as school failure or family dysfunction, these children have difficulties in dealing with emotions, metacognition and self-awareness that have serious consequences for self-regulation and identity construction. Objective: To investigate identity building in children with ADHD and explore its links with the severity of the disorder and associated neuropsychological disturbances. Material and method: 20 childrens with ADHD and 20 controls will be recruited over a 24-month period. They will be administered the Damon and Hart's Self-Understanding Interview, exploring 7 identity domains: Physical, Active, Social, Psychological, Continuity, Agentivity, Distinction Self/Other. The severity of ADHD, neuropsychological functioning (attention, working memory, executive functions, long-term memory), self-esteem and internal/external attributive style (locus of control) will be assessed by validated scales. The overall level of identity development and in each dimension will be compared between patients and controls. Within patients, the correlations between level of identity development and the severity of ADHD will be explored, as well as with neuropsychological functioning, with statistical control of age. Assumptions: The investigators hypothesize that children with ADHD will exhibit a significantly lower level of identity development than controls, which will be positively correlated with neuropsychological functioning, and negatively correlated with the severity of ADHD.
Hyperkinetic Movements in Patients With Disease of Motor Neurons and Their Response to Treatment...
TremorInvoluntary Movements2 moreHyperkinetic movement disorders in patients with diseases of motor neurons will be studied. Patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and motor neuron disease patients will be studied. Involuntary movements will be video recorded and accelerometry with electromyography (EMG) will be recorded in a subset of patients. Hyperkinetic involuntary movements studied will be tremor and minipolymyoclonus. Tremor is defined as involuntary, rhythmic, oscillatory movements of a body part, and minipolymyoclonus are intermittent and irregular movements, with amplitudes sufficient to produce visible movements of the joints. Hyperkinetic movement disorders may be of central or peripheral origin and using accelerometry with EMG may help distinguish the two mechanisms. In patients with SMA the investigators will explore the effect of Nusinersen treatment on phenomenology and amplitude of tremor and minipolymyoclonus. Aims: To explore the prevalence and phenomenology of hyperkinetic movement disorders in patients with MND and SMA and to study the underlying pathological mechanisms with the use of accelerometry and EMG. To explore the effect of Nusinersen treatment on phenomenology and amplitude of involuntary movements. Hypotheses: Based on clinical observations the investigators believe it will proven that hyperkinetic movement disorders are common in patients with disease of motor neurons. The investigators hypothesize that hyperkinetic movement disorders in MND and SMA patients are of peripheral origin, being caused by uneven graduation of contraction in the wasted muscles with large motor units being active with no sufficient previous recruitment of small units to smooth contraction of large motor units. If tremor and minipolymyoclonus in SMA are due to the activation of enlarged motor units which are caused by reinnervation of muscle fibers, the treatment with Nusinersen will increase the amplitude of tremor and minipolymyoclonus. Methods: Presence, quality, and regularity of hyperkinetic movement disorders will be defined using clinical examination, accelerometry and EMG. Hyperkinetic movements will be classified as minipolymyoclonus or tremor. In patients with SMA, the measurements will be repeated 6-12 months after initiation of treatment with Nusinersen.
Effect of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Knowledge Improvement Program on Male Primary...
ADHDMental Disorder1 moreThe study aims to assess the impact of implementing ADHD knowledge improvement program on male primary school teachers' knowledge regarding ADHD in Abha City, Saudi Arabia.