Reduced GABA concentration in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by a deficit in behavioral inhibition. Recent evidence also suggests a deficit in cortical inhibition via the GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-ergic system. To investigate the GABAergic component of ADHD using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited through local schools, local pediatric and other community clinics, and through advertisement in regional publications. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed within the research institute. Children (age range, 8-12 years) in a typically developing control group vs a group with ADHD were compared. J-difference-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T was used to measure GABA concentration in a volume that included primary somatosensory and motor cortices. GABA concentration is reduced in children with ADHD compared with typically developing control subjects. Our finding of reduced GABA concentration in ADHD is concordant with recently reported deficits in short intracortical inhibition in ADHD and suggests a GABAergic deficit in ADHD.

Citation

Richard A E Edden, Deana Crocetti, He Zhu, Donald L Gilbert, Stewart H Mostofsky. Reduced GABA concentration in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Archives of general psychiatry. 2012 Jul;69(7):750-3

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PMID: 22752239

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