Hippocampus and amygdala morphology in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Context: Limbic structures are implicated in the genesis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by the presence of mood and cognitive disturbances in affected individuals and by elevated rates of mood disorders in family members of probands with ADHD. Objective: To study the morphology of the hippocampus and amygdala in children with ADHD. Design: A cross-sectional case-control study of the hippocampus and amygdala using anatomical magnetic resonance imaging. Settings: University research institute. Patients: One hundred fourteen individuals aged 6 to 18 years, 51 with combined-type ADHD and 63 healthy controls. Main Outcome Measures: Volumes and measures of surface morphology for the hippocampus and amygdala. Results: The hippocampus was larger bilaterally in the ADHD group than in the control group (t=3.35; P