Multivariate Analysis of Brain Function Consistency of Children with ADHD Across Tasks Based on FNIRS

This study conducts a comprehensive multivariate analysis of brain function consistency across tasks among children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Brain activation patterns and functional connectivity were assessed in 33 children with ADHD and 40 healthy controls (HC) in rest (REST), and in 33 children with ADHD and 32 HC in a verbal fluency task (VFT). The results indicate that children with ADHD exhibit unexpected left hemisphere reversals and activation amplitudes that differ less from those of HC both in REST and VFT, reflecting similar characteristics of neural engagement. Additionally, a notable weakness in both channel and region of interest functional connectivity within the prefrontal cortex of ADHD children was observed, particularly emphasizing inter-hemispheric disparities. These findings underscore the importance of functional consistency across tasks in the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying ADHD, enhancing the understanding of the disorder's cognitive and behavioral characteristics.