Comparative analysis of brain activity in temporal and spatial attention tasks using near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in relation to ADHD symptoms in adults

• Grant number: 24/07197-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Experimental Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Renato Rodrigues Carreiro
• Grantee: Luis Carlos Vieira Pereira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM). Instituto Presbiteriano Mackenzie. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by harmful levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and occurs in 2.5% of adults. This project will assess the brain functioning profile associated with different attentional orientation abilities related to ADHD symptoms. The study will be conducted with 50 participants, aged 18 to 28, divided into two groups, ADHD (ClinG) and control (CG). Initially, participants will undergo the CPT-3 and complete the ASRS to be allocated to the CG or ClinG, with validation by a specialist physician. After that, they will perform computerized tests of spatial and temporal attention while recording brain activity through Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Functional (fNIRS). fNIRS activities will be acquired by 16 measurement channels covering frontal and parietal regions: frontal eye field (FEF), intraparietal sulcus (IPS), superior parietal lobe (SPL), temporoparietal junction (TPJ), and ventral portion of the frontal cortex (VFC). Analyses will include: (1) ANOVA of mean reaction times (RT) and accuracy (% of errors) of computerized tests; (2) brain activation through the contrast of oxy-hemoglobin concentration between computerized tests; (3) correlation analyses between RT, test accuracy, and cortical activations in the groups (Clinic and Control). All analyses will adopt a ± level of 0.05, corrected for false discovery rate (FDR) when necessary. Thus, integration of analyzed measures will contribute to an integrated understanding of impaired attentional processes in ADHD.