Right Superior Frontal Gyrus Cortical Thickness in Pediatric ADHD

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the right Superior Frontal Gyrus (right-SFG) and Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) in children with ADHD and their clinical relevance with Executive Function (EF) and ADHD symptom severity. Methods: About 26 children with ADHD and 24 typically developing children (TDC; 7‒16 years) underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and completed an EF assessment battery. Results: Significantly thinner right-SFG in the ADHD group was found compared to the TDC group (t (48) = 2.81, p =.007, Cohen’s d = 0.84). Linear regression models showed that 12.5% of inattention, 13.6% of hyperactivity, and 9.0% of EF variance was accounted for by the right-SFG thickness. Conclusions: Differences in the right-SFG thickness were found in our ADHD group and were associated with parent ratings of inattentive and hyperactive symptoms as well with EF ratings. These results replicate previous findings of thinner right-SFG and are consistent with the delayed cortical maturation theory of ADHD.