Neural mechanisms underlying the therapeutic actions of guanfacine treatment in youth with ADHD: a pilot fMRI study

Psychiatry Res. 2015 Mar 30;231(3):353-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2015.01.012. Epub 2015 Jan 19.

Abstract

Twenty-five youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing a Go/No-go task before and after 6-8 weeks of randomized once-daily treatment with either the α₂A-adrenergic receptor agonist guanfacine or placebo. Clinical improvement was greater for guanfacine than placebo and was differentially associated with reduced activation for guanfacine compared with placebo in the right midcingulate cortex/supplementary motor area and the left posterior cingulate cortex.

Keywords: ADHD; Guanfacine; fMRI.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Guanfacine / administration & dosage
  • Guanfacine / pharmacology*
  • Gyrus Cinguli / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Motor Cortex / drug effects
  • Pilot Projects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
  • Guanfacine