Neurobiological marker for child and adult ADHD diagnoses

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorder. It is a chronic disease where 50–60% of ADHD cases persist into adult life. ADHD is associated with a range of clinical and psychosocial impairments. In children hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are the core symptoms of ADHD. In adults these core symptom are also present but inattention is more prominent. Correct diagnosis of ADHD remains challenging, especially as several other psychiatric and medical disorders show the similar symptomology.

Objectives

The diagnosis of ADHD is clinical based upon a cluster of symptoms and criteria established by guidelines such as the DSM-5. Yet, objective markers are needed to support the clinical ADHD diagnosis in children and adults. Studies suggest that a neurobiological marker (eye vergence i.e. where the eyes move in opposite directions) can detect ADHD in children and adults. The eyes converge during orienting attention, as evidenced by visual event related potentials at parietal locations. This attention related vergence is impaired in ADHD patients.

Methods

We review the neurobiology and findings of eye vergence and the relevance of its measurement for the clinical diagnosis of ADHD.

Results

Neural circuits underlying eye vergence and attention largely overlap. Using machine learning, eye vergence measurements can classify ADHD in children and adults with high (> 90%) accuracy.

Conclusions

Eye vergence is a promising candidate for an objective clinical diagnosis of ADHD.

Disclosure of interest

Part of this research was paid by Braingaze. HS is co-founder and shareholder of Braingaze.