Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders in pediatric psychiatry affecting 3-8% of school age children. Although ADHD is primarily characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, emotional lability is a common and impairing symptom in this population. Little is known, however, about the neurobiological substrates that underlie emotional lability in children with ADHD. Moreover, psychostimulants, the first-line treatment of ADHD, are known to reduce ADHD symptoms including emotional lability, yet the neurobiological mechanisms by which psychostimulants have their salutary effects upon emotional lability have scarcely been studied. To address this knowledge gap, we propose to conduct a longitudinal, multimodal MRI study to examine the effects of psychostimulants on the brain's affective network in children with ADHD. We will combine a multimodal MRI study with a randomized clinical trial of the psychostimulant lisdexamfetamine such that study participants will have an MRI scan prior to treatment and then a second MRI scan after 12 weeks of treatment with either lisdexamfetamine or placebo. The study will advance our knowledge of the neurobiology underlying emotional lability in children with ADHD, as well as the mechanism by which psychostimulants alleviate this symptom. Advancing this type of knowledge is critical for several reasons, but most importantly a clearer understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms by which psychostimulants are effective will promote the development of more effective and targeted treatments, as well as advance our understand of the pathophysiology of ADHD.

Public Health Relevance

-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is among the most common disorders in pediatric psychiatry. Emotional lability is present in many children with ADHD and often improves with treatment with a psychostimulant;however, the neurobiological mechanisms that produce this improvement are unknown. We propose to combine advanced neuroimaging with a clinical trial of a stimulant medication. Findings from this study will help increase our understanding of the neurobiology of emotional lability in children with ADHD and guide the development of new and more effective treatments.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH101172-02
Application #
8722037
Study Section
Interventions Committee for Disorders Involving Children and Their Families (ITVC)
Program Officer
Garvey, Marjorie A
Project Start
2013-08-16
Project End
2018-07-31
Budget Start
2014-08-01
Budget End
2015-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$544,068
Indirect Cost
$176,138
Name
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
167204994
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10032
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