Incoherence of neuroimaging studies of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

• Published in: Clinical neuropharmacology Vol. 24; no. 1; p. 2
• Main Authors: Baumeister, A A, Hawkins, M F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2001
• Subjects: Animals; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy; Brain - abnormalities; Brain - pathology; Diagnostic Imaging - methods; Diagnostic Imaging - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - statistics & numerical data
• ISSN: 0362-5664
• DOI: 10.1097/00002826-200101000-00002

Neuroimaging studies have been conducted with increasing frequency in recent years in attempts to identify structural and functional abnormalities in the brains of persons with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Although the results of these studies are frequently cited in support of a biologic etiology for this disorder, inconsistencies among studies raise questions about the reliability of the findings. The present review shows that no specific abnormality in brain structure or function has been convincingly demonstrated by neuroimaging studies. Implications regarding stimulant treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder are discussed.