Sources:
(1) Harmon-Jones, E, & Beer, J.S. (2009). Methods in social neuroscience. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
(2)http://www.neurology.org/content/71/19/1514.full.pdf
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Transcallosal Inhibition and ADHD
The majority of neuroscientific research focuses on what is going in the left or right hemisphere. The grand connector between the two is the corpus callosum, responsible for all neural activity firing between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. The corpus callosum is made up of neural fibers and there is a great deal of studies on patients with abnormalities or damages to this area. Most commonly research is conducted on patients with a separated corpus callosum, however I will on the Transcallosal inhibition (TCI). Furthermore, I examine studies on the linkage between abnormalities in the TCI and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The TCI is a “cortical mechanism of excitatory transcallosal fibers targeting inhibitory internerons” according to Jennifer S. Beers (1).
According to a study conducted by Cole et al. of the American Academy of Neuroscience, suggests a delay in the development of TCI in (only) boys with ADHD (2) when compared to control subjects. This result is confirmed by earlier studies by Garvey. Considering that the area responsible for inhibitory neurons is abnormal in boys diagnosed ADHD, it is understandable that hyperactivity often occurs. ADHD and ADD diagnoses are so prevalent in this day and age. Therefore, neuroscience research on the condition is crucial so there can be a scientific measure to determine whether a person has it or not. Advancements in measuring TCI activity can plausibly help this cause in order to reduce the over-diagnosing ADHD that too frequently occurs.
Sources:
(1) Harmon-Jones, E, & Beer, J.S. (2009). Methods in social neuroscience. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
(2)http://www.neurology.org/content/71/19/1514.full.pdf
Sources:
(1) Harmon-Jones, E, & Beer, J.S. (2009). Methods in social neuroscience. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
(2)http://www.neurology.org/content/71/19/1514.full.pdf
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This post was really interesting because it has been a controversial topic that ADHD is over-diagnosed today. It would be very interesting to see what neurological bases of ADHD can be discovered from further research. Not only would this be more precise in diagnosing ADHD, but also help diagnosing kids with attention problems, but not quite as severe as ADHD. Lastly, this would help treating ADHD in a more efficient and effective manner.
ReplyDeleteI think that neuroscience along with genetics research will make advances in correctly diagnosing not only ADHD, but other complex disorders like autism. Overdiagnosis is always a problem, but we also have to ask whether or not the environment of today is in part responsible for the rise of ADHD (e.g. some have blamed our constant use of technology on attention issues in not only children but also adults)
ReplyDeleteI'm not incredibly familiar with ADHD but if TCI is simply delayed in boys with this disorder, does that mean that over time their ADHD symptoms will lessen and eventually subside? Also, did this study not contain any girls or does this defect not lead to ADHD in girls? Regardless, I do agree that this is a step forward in being able to eventually scientifically diagnose and effectively treat ADHD.
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