Comparison of arterial spin labeled MRI (ASL MRI) between ADHD and control group (ages of 6-12).

This study utilized arterial spin labeling-magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) to explore the developmental trajectory of brain activity associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Pulsed arterial spin labeling (ASL) data were acquired from 157 children with ADHD and 109 children in a control group, all aged 6-12 years old. Participants were categorized into the age groups of 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12, after which comparisons were performed between each age group for ASL analysis of cerebral blood flow (CBF). In total, the ADHD group exhibited significantly lower CBF in the left superior temporal gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus regions than the control group. Further analysis revealed: (1) The comparison between the ADHD group (N = 70) aged 6-7 and the age-matched control group (N = 33) showed no statistically significant difference between. (2) However, compared with the control group aged 8-9 (N = 39), the ADHD group of the same age (N = 53) showed significantly lower CBF in the left postcentral gyrus and left middle frontal gyrus regions. (3) Further, the ADHD group aged 10-12 (N = 34) demonstrated significantly lower CBF in the left superior occipital region than the age-matched control group (N = 37). These age-specific differences suggest variations in ADHD-related domains during brain development post age 6-7.

The Factors Affecting Longitudinal Course of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Sexual Assault Victims.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the factors affecting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom remission prospectively through a 1-year follow-up of sexual assault (SA) victims. METHODS: A total 65 female SA victims who visited the crisis intervention center were included. Self-administered questionnaires regarding PTSD symptoms and PTSD related prognostic factors were conducted at both recruitment (T1) and 1 year after recruitment (T2). The multivariate analyses were used to determine the significant predictors of PTSD remission/non-remission state 1 year after SA. RESULTS: In logistic regression analysis, both anxiety and secondary victimization were identified as significant factors explaining the results on PTSD remission/non-remission state at T2 (Beck's Anxiety Inventory [BAI], p=0.003; Secondary Victimization Questionnaire, p=0.024). In a linear mixed analysis, both depression and anxiety were found to be significant variables leading to changes in Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition from T1 to T2 (BAI, p<0.001; Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Depression, anxiety symptoms, and secondary victimization after SA were associated with PTSD symptom non-remission 1 year after SA.

Validation of Social Responsiveness Scale for Korean Preschool Children With Autism.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-cultural study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and to determine the best-estimate-cut-off scores for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Korean preschool children. METHODS: A total of 563 children was recruited from multiple sources, including Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Participants were assessed by a multidisciplinary research team using multiple diagnostic tools based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Discriminative validity was tested by comparing the difference in SRS scores between ASD and non-ASD groups. Convergent validity was tested by examining correlations between SRS scores with other diagnostic instruments. A receiver operation characteristic curve analysis was conducted to test the sensitivity and specificity of SRS and to determine the best-estimate-cut-off scores for screening ASD in Korean preschool children. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the total SRS scores between the ASD (n=242) and non-ASD group (n=321) (p<0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.08-17.24). The differences were significant even after adjusting for age. SRS scores were significantly correlated with other prescreening diagnostic tools for ASD. The best-estimate cut-off score to screen ASD was 55 (area under curve=0.88, sensitivity 78.1%, specificity 86.6%). CONCLUSION: The SRS is a valid and reliable instrument to screen and aid in the diagnosis of ASD in Korean preschool children. The adjusted cut-off scores, notably lower than in the original U.S. version, may yield a more accurate diagnosis by reflecting transcultural differences.