The role of comorbid depressive symptoms on long-range temporal correlations in resting EEG in adults with ADHD

The Interplay between Maternal Depression and ADHD Symptoms in Predicting Emotional and Attentional Functioning in Toddlerhood

Depression and ADHD frequently co-occur, presenting unique challenges such as difficulties in executive functioning and reduced quality of life. Both conditions are also associated with less optimal parenting behaviors. Despite the prevalence of this comorbidity, the combined effects of maternal depressive symptoms and ADHD on child development remain underexplored, particularly in early childhood, a critical period marked by heightened brain plasticity and reliance on external regulation. This study examines how maternal depression and ADHD symptoms jointly predict children's emotional and attentional development across the first two years of life. A sample of 156 mothers and children (51% boys) participated in a three-wave longitudinal study from pregnancy to two years postpartum. Maternal ADHD symptoms were reported during pregnancy, while depressive symptoms were reported at pregnancy, three months, and two years postpartum. At two years of age, child depressive symptoms were reported by mothers, and focused attention was observed during a structured play session. Findings revealed that the combination of high maternal ADHD and depressive symptoms in the perinatal period predicted the most significant difficulties in children at two years of age, including elevated depressive symptoms and reduced focused attention. Specifically, maternal depressive symptoms were associated with greater child depressive symptoms and lower focused attention only when maternal ADHD symptoms were elevated. These results highlight the compounding effects of maternal psychopathology on child development, emphasizing the importance of targeted support for children at heightened risk of emotional and cognitive impairments due to parental psychopathology.

Behavioral state-dependent associations between EEG temporal correlations and depressive symptoms

Previous studies have shown abnormal long-range temporal correlations in neuronal oscillations among individuals with Major Depressive Disorders, occurring during both resting states and transitions between resting and task states. However, the understanding of this effect in preclinical individuals with depression remains limited. This study investigated the association between temporal correlations of neuronal oscillations and depressive symptoms during resting and task states in preclinical individuals, specifically focusing on male action video gaming experts. Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), Lifetimes, and Waitingtimes were employed to explore temporal correlations across long-range and short-range scales. The results indicated widespread changes from the resting state to the task state across all frequency bands and temporal scales. Rest-task DFA changes in the alpha band exhibited a negative correlation with depressive scores at most electrodes. Significant positive correlations between DFA values and depressive scores were observed in the alpha band during the resting state but not in the task state. Similar patterns of results emerged concerning maladaptive negative emotion regulation strategies. Additionally, short-range temporal correlations in the alpha band echoed the DFA results. These findings underscore the state-dependent relationships between temporal correlations of neuronal oscillations and depressive symptoms, as well as maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, in preclinical individuals.

Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a Narrative Review of Biological Mechanisms, Treatments, and Outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous and complex neurodevelopmental disorder related to disruptions in various neuronal structures and pathways, dopamine (DA) transporter, and receptor genes, resulting in cognitive and regulation deficits. This article reviews recent research on the biological mechanisms and markers, clinical manifestations, treatments, and outcomes of adult ADHD as well as current controversies within the field.

RECENT FINDINGS

New research identifies white matter disruptions in multiple cortical pathways in adults with ADHD. New treatments for ADHD in adults such as viloxazine ER have shown preliminary effectiveness in addition to research showing transcranial direct current stimulation can be an effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Although questions exist about the effectiveness of current assessments of and treatments for adult ADHD, recent findings represent a step towards improving the quality of life and outcomes for individuals experiencing this life-long, chronic health condition.