Disrupted network architecture of the resting brain in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Consistent with existing theoretical models, these results provide evidence that default network-ventral attention network interconnections are a key locus of dysfunction in ADHD. Moreover, these findings contribute to growing evidence that distributed dysconnectivity within and between large-scale networks is present in ADHD.

Altered intrinsic organisation of brain networks implicated in attentional processes in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a resting-state study of attention, default mode and salience network connectivity

“…More specifically, decreased intrinsic segregation of the attention networks may alter the information exchange threshold between the two systems with VAN signals interrupting goal-directed task-relevant DAN activity. This is consistent with recent findings that increasingly point to VAN as the locus of attentional dyscontrol and enhanced distractibility in ADHD [27,61,62]. For instance, López et al [63] observed that in the ADHD group, but not in controls, unattended task-irrelevant distractors elicited increased VAN-related P300 activity.…”

“…Therefore, in the context of ADHD this might be hypothesized to relate to symptoms of distractibility and inability to ignore irrelevant stimuli. It is however difficult to directly compare our results with previous studies as a differentiation between the VAN and SN is often not made [62]. For instance, Sripada et al [62] did not differentiate between the VAN and SN and included insula as part of the VAN.…”

“…It is however difficult to directly compare our results with previous studies as a differentiation between the VAN and SN is often not made [62]. For instance, Sripada et al [62] did not differentiate between the VAN and SN and included insula as part of the VAN. We based our analyses on the model of the SN as a between-network switching hub, as proposed by Menon and Uddin [15], which is differentiated from the attentional networks.…”

“…The field has produced inconsistent results in this regard. While most studies have reported reduced DMN connectivity [37,38,44,62], hyperconnectivity has also been observed [40,41] (and one study found hyperconnectivity for some regions and hypoconnectivity for others within the DMN [65]. These inconsistencies may be due to differences between studies in analysis techniques used or sample characteristics.…”

“…The finding of a stronger SN-DAN anti-correlation in the control group, as well as a trend towards SN-VAN hyperconnectivity in the ADHD group, suggests a decreased brain network functional differentiation and adds to the frameworks where deficits in between brain networks balance are proposed to underlie ADHD. The trend to SN-VAN hyperconnectivity in ADHD suggests that attentional control deficits may be tentatively associated with VAN alterations [61,62].…”