Attentional patterns analysis in individuals with attention deficit hiperactivity disorder predominantly inattentive subtype and neurobiological correlates

Abstract

Although ADHD is characterized by very well established symptoms, a large heterogeneity has been observed in the manifestation of this disorder. Several evidences have shown that ADHD-PI (predominantly inattentive subtype) differs from ADHD-CB (combined subtype) in respect to several phenotypic aspects, which may be associated to neurobiological differences. To date, little is known about the neurobiological substrates of ADHD-PI and even less about the anatomical and functional correlates found in individuals with this subtype. Thus, in an attempt to better understand the variability and pathophysiological mechanisms of ADHD-PI, we intend to adopt a research approach of recognition of patterns, analyzing the data despite the diagnostic groupings of origin. Therefore, in this project, we aim to conduct an analysis of recognition of patterns based on cognitive measures of individuals with ADHD-PI and typical development, dividing the participants into subgroups according to the cognitive profiles found and then comparing the measurements of brain volume set of each subgroup established. Therefore, on this project we plan to evaluate 25 children aged 7 to 14 years diagnosed with ADHD-PI and 25 controls matched for age, sex and type of school. All participants will undergo a battery of neuropsychological assessment, a behavioral assessment by questionnaire and a structural MRI with voxel-based morphometric analysis. (AU)