Commentary: the only way is down. Augmented deactivation of the default mode network by increased catecholamine transmission--a general mechanism? Reflections on Liddle et al. (2011).
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry March 25, 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02401.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Keywords | Humans Methylphenidate Magnetic resonance imaging Motivation Attention Female Inhibition, psychological |
| Key points | The commentary proposes that DMN engagement may be compromised in ADHD and that methylphenidate may exert benefits partly by modulating this network. It highlights Liddle and colleagues' finding that motivation can modulate methylphenidate's effects on the DMN, suggesting an interaction between motivational state and medication response. |
Abstract
The engagement of the brain’s default mode network (DMN) may be compromised in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and one mechanism by which medication has its beneficial effects may be through modulation of this network. Liddle and colleagues in the current issue of the Journal (Liddle et al. , 2011) now show that motivation can modulate the effects of methylphenidate in ADHD via effects on the DMN. Regions, which include the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), precuneus, medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and inferior parietal lobes and originally referred to brain areas consistently decreasing in activity (or deactivated) relative to goal-directed task conditions.