Andrew J. Cutler, MD: Neuroimaging for ADHD

Screening in attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains a challenge in the field.

While technology has improved in other fields, researchers remain unable to develop a reliable and accurate method using neuroimaging or biomarkers to detect the disorder in patients.

Because of the complexities of the brain in compared to the heart, for example, developing these techniques may prove to be allusive.

In an interview with HCPLive®, Andrew J. Cutler, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University, explained the disappointment in the inability to leverage some of the emerging technologies being utilized in other spaces to detect ADHD early in patients.

Because of this it remains unknown or doubtful whether or not diagnostic practices in ADHD will change much in the next few years.

However, Cutler said currently screening techniques, which mainly involve self-assessment and interviews with teachers and family members, are effective.

In fact, it is common to detect the disorder in 5 or 6 year old children, and possible to diagnose a child as young as 2 or 3 with ADHD.

Cutler presented multiple times during the annual Neuroscience Education Institute Max! Virtual meeting on ADHD and other psychiatric disorders.