Investigating the Gender Effect on the ADHD Symptoms Based on the Evaluation of Gray Matter Density Changes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering), Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Ferdowsi Cognitive Science and Technology Center & Medical Imaging Lab, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

3 INSERM, U1105, GRAMFC, Université de Picardie, CHU Nord, Amiens F80000, France

Abstract

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent childhood disorders, mainly characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms often manifest differently in males and females. This study investigates the relationship between ADHD and gray matter (GM) density in the brain, with a focus on gender differences. Structural MRI data were obtained from the ADHD-200 database, including 164 male controls, 227 male ADHDs, 129 female controls, and 67 female ADHDs, all aged between 7 and 14 years. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was used to compare GM density between ADHD and control groups for each gender. The findings indicate significant GM alterations in specific brain regions: the posterior cingulate gyrus, precuneus, hippocampus, and thalamus in males, and the cerebellum in females. These regions play key roles in cognitive functions such as learning, memory, emotion regulation, and visual processing. As a result, male ADHD patients may experience difficulties in managing these functions, while female patients may particularly struggle with attention compared to their healthy peers. This gender-specific pattern highlights the importance of considering sex differences in the neurobiological basis of ADHD.

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Main Subjects

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Tabriz Journal of Electrical Engineering
Volume 55, Issue 2 - Serial Number 112
October 2025
Pages 257-267

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