Many authors have suggested the association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and inflammation through various mechanisms among which increased serum cytokines.30 newly diagnosed ADHD children, aged 6-12and of both sexes were collected from outpatient clinic, Psychiatry Department, Al Zahraa University Hospital and a matched control group of 30 children. They were subjected to Clinical assessment, Whechsler Intelligence Scale for children (WISC), Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised & serum MMP-2, MMP-9, TNF-α levels were determined. There was statistical significant difference between patient and control groups regarding MMP-2 level (648.50 ± 81.94 vs 344.13 ± 32.02), MMP-9 level (143.00±16.98 vs 102.90 ± 4.13) & TNF-α level (345 ± 7.1.vs 202 ± 22.3). Hyperactive/impulsive subtype represented 16(53.3%), Inattentive subtype represented 6(20%), Combined subtype represented 8(26.7%) of the ADHD group. MMP-2, MMP-9, TNF-α levels were all higher among the Hyperactive/impulsive subtype, followed by thecombined subtype then the Inattentive subtype with high statistical significant difference. A high statistical significant difference was found in all subscales of Conners' scale among the 3 subtypes of ADHD. A positive correlation was found between TNF-α level and age, whereas, a negative correlation exists between MMP-2, MMP-9, TNF-α level and IQ. In addition, correlation was found between MMP-2, MMP-9 levels and cognitive problems, TNF-α level and inattention.Our study illustrates the co-occurrence of inflammatory process and ADHD, but further studies on larger sample are needed.
SPECIFICS OF BEHAVIOUR THERAPY FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) IN EUROPE