Frontiers in Psychiatry (Nov 2017)

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Inflammation: What Does Current Knowledge Tell Us? A Systematic Review

  • Deepa Anand,
  • Gabriela D. Colpo,
  • Gregory Zeni,
  • Cristian P. Zeni,
  • Antonio L. Teixeira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00228
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

Read online

BackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex condition that interferes with development and/or functioning. Our objective is to investigate the potential association between ADHD and inflammation.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of human studies measuring inflammatory markers in ADHD. The studies were identified by searching PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCHINFO, COCHRANE, and SCOPUS databases for peer-reviewed journals published until September 2016. We included cytokine gene expression and protein measured. Fourteen papers met the inclusion criteria.ResultsSeven studies evaluated the association of cytokine gene polymorphisms in ADHD, and six studies measured cytokines levels in blood. One study analyzed the presence of cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with ADHD. Altogether, these studies indicate a possible role of inflammation in ADHD pathogenesis, despite the significant heterogeneity and contradictory results.ConclusionEvidence points to the association of ADHD with inflammatory processes, but more studies are warranted.

Keywords