Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measures directly the concentration of certain metabolites in the brain. The technique is used to gauge the relative concentrations of common biological isotopes such as hydrogen, lithium, carbon, sodium, and phosphorus. To be observable, a nucleus must have a nonzero spin property and be present in sufficient concentrations. MRS can measure specific neurochemical concentrations and composition within a brain region. For example, chemicals noted in the proton spectrum, including choline, N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine, and glutamate/glutamine-aminobutyric acid, can be quantified in this fashion.

Using MRS, certain neuroanatomical and neurophysiological abnormalities have been identified in children and adolescents with ADHD. Investigators have correlated regional brain structure and or function with performance on neurocognitive tests, including those measuring attention and inhibition to examine specific regions of brain abnormalities in youth with ADHD.

Bibliography:

Gozal, David, and Dennis L. Molfese, eds. 2005. Attention deficit hyperactive disorder: From genes to patients. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press.

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