1. Agahi Z, Nejati V. Verbal fluency in individuals with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A meta-analysis. Acta Psychol (Amst). 2026; 270: 107638.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Verbal fluency, an important aspect of executive function, is often impaired in attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, findings across studies have been inconsistent regarding age groups and comorbid conditions. This meta-analysis examined verbal fluency in both children and adults with ADHD, including studies that reported common comorbidities (e.g., oppositional defiant disorder [ODD], conduct disorder [CD], and anxiety disorders), while excluding studies including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar (1994-April 2024) identified cross-sectional studies comparing verbal fluency performance between individuals with ADHD (children and adults) and healthy controls. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. RESULTS: Sixteen studies (1167 participants; 566 with ADHD, 601 healthy controls; age range 4-55 years) showed consistent verbal fluency impairments in individuals with ADHD, Both phonemic (g=-0.44) and semantic (g=-0.51) fluency tasks indicated medium-sized deficits; however, the semantic task showed a slightly larger effect size. Gender moderated the observed outcomes, whereas age did not. Comorbid conditions also influenced verbal fluency performance. CONCLUSION: Impairments in verbal fluency, with semantic fluency showing a comparatively larger deficit, suggest the presence of executive dysfunction among individuals with ADHD across the lifespan. Therefore, verbal fluency measures should be included in neuropsychological evaluations for both children and adults with ADHD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Brancati GE, Baroni M, Magnesa A, Lazzerini C, Scalese M, Miniati M, Menicucci D, Perugi G, Bastiani L, Molinaro S. Psychometric properties of the adult executive functioning inventory (ADEXI) in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Appl Neuropsychol Adult. 2026: 1-12.

The Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI) is a brief novel self-report questionnaire designed to assess executive functioning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of its Italian version in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A clinical sample of 84 adults diagnosed with ADHD at a tertiary care center was recruited. Discriminant validity was examined with respect to 252 age- and sex-matched non-clinical controls and norms extracted from a large epidemiological survey. Good internal consistency was observed for both the total score (Cronbach’s α = 0.857) and subscale scores (α = 0.731-0.825). Both one- and two-factor structures showed acceptable fit. Convergent validity was supported by moderate correlations with self-reported ADHD symptoms measured by the ASRS-v1.1 Part A (r = 0.422-0.502), while only weak correlations were found with informant-reported executive impairments on the BRIEF-A (r = 0.231-0.237). Significant differences between participants with ADHD and non-clinical controls were observed. ADEXI total score best identified participants with ADHD using a cutoff ≥ 34, with accuracy = 89.6%, sensitivity = 92.9%, and specificity = 88.5%. ADEXI total scores converted in T-scores based on normative data revealed a prevalence of at least mild executive impairment (T-score ≥ 60) of 86.9% in the clinical sample, while two-thirds showed severe executive impairment (T-score ≥ 70; 66.7%). In conclusion, the ADEXI could be considered a useful instrument to screen for executive functioning impairments among the general population and a promising tool to stratify the severity of self-reported executive impairment across different clinical samples.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Chen T, Yao J, Su Y, Li J, Tan P. Serum vitamins and microelements levels and their association with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Front Mol Biosci. 2026; 13: 1786113.

BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The impact of environmental factors on ADHD is very important. Therefore, we analyzed and measured the correlation between the serum vitamin and microelement levels of Chinese children and the incidence rate of ADHD, hoping to provide some guidance for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. METHODS: 128 children (69 boys and 59 girls, with an average age of 9.38 ± 2.5 years) were diagnosed with ADHD. In addition, 133 healthy children were recruited as the healthy control group (HC). The levels of serum vitamins and elements were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Use statistical analysis to compare the differences in the content of two groups of indicators and analyze their correlation with ADHD. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy control group (HC group), children with ADHD exhibited significantly lower levels of serum vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin D(3), while the levels of lead and copper were also significantly elevated. Logistic regression analysis indicated a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and ADHD. CONCLUSION: Children with ADHD exhibit significantly lower serum VD levels and higher Pb levels (only in boys), suggesting VD deficiency and sex-specific Pb susceptibility may be key factors associated with ADHD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Gram EB, Lund LC, Jensen PB, Hallas J, Bliddal M, Lambourne AB, Chambers C, Munk-Olsen T, Wesselhoeft R, Nordeng H, Damkier P. Prescription Use of Paracetamol During Pregnancy and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Early Childhood. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2026.

OBJECTIVE: Paracetamol is the drug of choice for treating pain and fever during pregnancy. Concerns exist regarding risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in prenatally exposed offspring, especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Since September 2,013, most paracetamol sales are prescription-based in Denmark, enabling investigation in a population-based setting. We investigated the association between prescription-based paracetamol use during pregnancy and the risk of clinically diagnosed ASD and ADHD detected in early childhood among exposed offspring. METHOD: We included all singleton children live-born between 01 October 2,014 and 31 December 2,021, and their linked mothers using Danish nationwide health registers. Exposure was defined as ≥1 prescriptions redeemed for paracetamol during pregnancy. Children were followed until 6 years of age or the end of the study period (31 December 2,022). Using a triangulation approach, we compared i) exposed children to unexposed children, ii) exposed children to children of mothers who redeemed prescriptions before – but not during – pregnancy, and iii) used a paternal negative-exposure group. RESULTS: Adjusted risk ratios (aRR) for ASD and ADHD at 6 years of age among exposed children compared to unexposed were 1.15 (95% CI 0.96-1.39) and 1.09 (95% CI 0.85-1.40), respectively. No increased risks were observed when comparing to children of mothers redeeming prescriptions before – but not during – pregnancy (aRR 1.01 (95% CI 0.76-1.32) and (aRR 1.01 (95% CI 0.67-1.53)), suggesting confounding by underlying maternal illness. In the paternal negative-exposure group, aRRs were similar (ASD: 1.06 (95% CI, 0.88-1.28)) and slightly higher (ADHD: 1.23 (95% CI, 0.96-1.58)) to the primary estimates, the latter suggesting unmeasured familial confounding. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to prescription-based paracetamol is unlikely to confer a clinically meaningful increased risk of ASD or ADHD diagnosed by 6 years of age. Due to limited follow-up time, our findings only apply to early-diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders which are likely to be the more severe cases.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Jaicks CCD, Kinter RC, Yeniuğurel T, Yıldırım C. Evaluation of Oral Health in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2026.

This study aimed to compare the oral health profiles of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and healthy controls, focusing on caries experience, periodontal status, and occlusal characteristics. In this cross-sectional study, children aged 10-18 years diagnosed with ADHD (n = 50) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 50) underwent standardized dental examinations. ADHD diagnoses were established by a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist based on DSM-5 criteria and supported by neuropsychological assessments. All dental evaluations were performed by a single blinded examiner under standardized clinical conditions. Assessments included DMFT scoring, clinical gingival evaluation, malocclusion analysis, dental crowding status, and panoramic radiographic evaluation. Children with ADHD had a significantly higher DMFT index than controls (2.82 ± 1.38 vs. 1.10 ± 1.02; p < 0.001). The odds of having a fractured tooth were higher in the ADHD group than in the control group (36% vs. 10%; unadjusted OR = 5.06, 95% CI: 1.70-15.05; p = 0.004). Any gingival abnormality was more frequent in the ADHD group than in the control group (60% vs. 12%; unadjusted OR = 11.00, 95% CI: 3.95-30.61; p < 0.001). Malocclusion (64% vs. 24%; p < 0.001) and dental crowding (70% vs. 44%; p = 0.015) were also more frequent among children with ADHD. Within this selected sample meeting predefined oral-hygiene, dietary, and dental-attendance criteria, ADHD was associated with poorer oral health indicators. These findings provide clinically relevant insights and may support tailored preventive monitoring and clinically indicated dental-mental health collaboration. Further studies involving larger and more diverse cohorts are warranted to validate these associations across the broader ADHD population.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Kaya S, Ekici F, Selvi Y, Kandeğer A. Associations Between Sleep-Related Characteristics and Mind Wandering in Adults with ADHD: A Cross-Sectional Study with a Control Group. Behav Sci (Basel). 2026; 16(8).

Excessive mind wandering is increasingly recognized as a clinically relevant cognitive feature of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet its relationship with sleep-related characteristics remains insufficiently understood. This cross-sectional study with a control group examined associations between sleep-related characteristics and excessive mind wandering in 316 adults with clinically confirmed ADHD and 121 screened controls. Participants completed measures of ADHD symptoms, mind wandering, anxiety-depressive symptoms, and self-reported sleep-related characteristics adapted from Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index items; mid-sleep time was calculated from reported sleep onset and final awakening. Group comparisons, correlation analyses, and multiple regression analyses were conducted. Adults with ADHD showed higher mind wandering, greater ADHD symptom severity, anxiety-depressive symptom burden, poorer subjective sleep quality, and later mid-sleep time than controls, whereas sleep duration did not differ between groups. Mind wandering was associated with ADHD symptom severity, anxiety-depressive symptoms, later mid-sleep time, and poorer subjective sleep quality. In regression analysis, ADHD diagnosis was the strongest independent correlate of mind wandering. Anxiety-depressive symptom burden, poorer subjective sleep quality, and later mid-sleep time, but not sleep duration, also remained independently associated with higher mind wandering. Findings suggest that sleep timing and subjective sleep quality may be clinically relevant to excessive mind wandering in adults with ADHD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. Li J, Wang Y, Perimal-Lewis L, Du J, Kantor J. Group counseling compared with alternative non-pharmacological interventions and standard care for subthreshold ADHD in children and adolescents: a systematic review protocol. JBI Evid Synth. 2026.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to evaluate the effect of group counseling compared to other non-pharmacological interventions and standard care on functional outcomes in children and adolescents with subthreshold attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (sADHD). INTRODUCTION: sADHD refers to children and adolescents who exhibit clinically relevant symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without meeting the full diagnostic criteria. Although these individuals often show impairments across academic, social, and emotional domains, they are frequently under-identified and underserved in clinical settings. While group counseling has demonstrated benefits in full-syndrome ADHD, its specific impact on the sADHD population remains unclear. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: This review will include children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years with sADHD, defined by subclinical symptoms that do not meet full diagnostic criteria. Studies using offline, face-to-face group counseling interventions aimed at improving functional outcomes in this population will be included. Comparators include other non-pharmacological interventions or standard care. Studies where sADHD data cannot be separated, where pharmacological treatments are primary, or that target caregivers without addressing child outcomes will be excluded. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, ProQuest, and Cochrane CENTRAL will be searched without publication date restrictions for studies in English. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, assess quality, extract data, and conduct the synthesis. Where feasible, a meta-analysis will be performed; otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be provided in cases of substantial heterogeneity. Certainty of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD420251110113.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Montalva-Valenzuela F, Guzmán-Muñoz E, Castillo-Paredes A, Molina-Márquez I, Farias-Valenzuela C, Yáñez-Sepúlveda R, Cortés-Roco G, Farfán-Díaz Á, Garcia-Carrillo E. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Bullying in School Settings: A Narrative Review of Implications for Prevention and Intervention Strategies. Children (Basel). 2026; 13(8).

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties that may increase vulnerability to bullying during childhood and adolescence. Although previous studies have examined different aspects of this relationship, the available evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, particularly regarding associated factors, profiles of bullying involvement, and implications for prevention and intervention. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the available evidence regarding bullying involvement in children and adolescents with ADHD, focusing on victimization, perpetration, bully-victim profiles, associated factors, psychological consequences, and implications for prevention and intervention. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted using studies identified in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science between January and March 2026, with no publication date restrictions. The search was performed in three independent and consecutive stages and included observational studies evaluating the relationship between ADHD and bullying in children and adolescents. Narrative reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, editorials, and studies conducted exclusively in adults were excluded. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included. The evidence consistently showed that children and adolescents with ADHD have greater involvement in bullying than their peers without ADHD. Victimization was the most consistently reported outcome, although increased perpetration, bully-victim profiles, and cyberbullying were also identified. Bullying involvement appeared to be influenced by multiple interacting factors, including ADHD symptoms, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, comorbidities, peer relationships, family characteristics, and school-related factors. Victimization was consistently associated with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms, emotional difficulties, and poorer quality of life. Emerging evidence also suggests sex-specific patterns of bullying involvement and bidirectional longitudinal relationships between ADHD symptoms and bullying experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with ADHD may have greater involvement in multiple forms of bullying; however, this relationship appears to be multifactorial rather than solely explained by core ADHD symptoms. Family, peer, and school environments may play important protective roles, highlighting the need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies that address both individual and contextual factors.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

9. Petropoulos A, Pergantis P, Drosos K, Tafiadis D. Decoding Communication Difficulties in ADHD: A Narrative Review on the Potential Links with Dietary Patterns, the Microbiome, and Oxidative Stress. Nutrients. 2026; 18(16).

Background/Objectives: Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience communication difficulties (CDs), including challenges with language development, pragmatic communication, and speech processing. While these difficulties are typically associated with cognitive and behavioral symptoms; emerging research suggests that biological and nutritional factors may also contribute. This narrative review aims to explore how diet patterns, gut microbiome changes and oxidative stress might be associated with communication difficulties in ADHD. Methods: This review was performed using the SANRA (Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles) framework. A structured/comprehensive literature search was performed across major databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Google Scholar has been utilized as a complementary database to support emerging studies that have not yet been registered in these databases. The search focused on studies that investigated the connections between nutrition, microbiome dysregulation, oxidative stress, ADHD and communication-related outcomes. Results: Current research indicates that unbalanced diets, micronutrient deficiencies, and changes in the gut microbiome can lead to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. All these biological processes may disrupt neurotransmission and neural connectivity, which can potentially affect brain regions and networks that are highly important for attention and language processing, including both cortical and subcortical structures. Therefore, communication difficulties in ADHD may, in part, stem from these interconnected neurobiological mechanisms. However, direct clinical evidence linking nutritional factors, gut microbiome alterations, or oxidative stress with communication-specific outcomes in ADHD remains very limited, as most available studies have focused on core ADHD symptoms, attention, executive functioning, or biological markers. Conclusions: Dietary factors, alterations in the gut microbiome, and oxidative stress may collectively contribute to the complex underlying causes of communication disorders in ADHD. This review proposes an integrative framework that links nutrition-related mechanisms to communication outcomes, emphasizing the potential impact of modifiable lifestyle factors. Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships and determine the clinical effectiveness of targeted nutritional interventions for communication difficulties in ADHD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

10. Piccolo A, Di Cara M, Messina S, De Domenico C, Fulgenzi A, Borzelli D, Impallomeni C, Tripodi E, Quartarone A, Cucinotta F. Therapeutic Writing in a Group Setting for Girls with ADHD: A Case Series on Self-Perception, Self-Esteem, and Socio-Emotional Functioning. Healthcare (Basel). 2026; 14(16).

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently associated with emotional dysregulation, socio-emotional difficulties, and low self-esteem. Narrative-based approaches, including therapeutic writing, may support identity development and promote adaptive self-representations. However, there is limited evidence regarding structured, group-based therapeutic writing interventions for this population, particularly for female subjects. This case series provides preliminary and exploratory evidence regarding the feasibility of and potential changes associated with this approach in female adolescents with ADHD. METHODS: This case series included four adolescents (aged 11-14 years) with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD and presenting with emotional and socio-emotional difficulties. Participants underwent a structured group intervention consisting of seven sessions integrating therapeutic writing techniques and cognitive-behavioral principles, supervised by a specialized psychotherapist. The following outcome measures were collected at baseline (t0) and post-intervention (t1): Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-SF), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (SSIS-SEL), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE_TOT). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, with results interpreted as exploratory estimates of pre-post changes. RESULTS: Following the intervention, positive pre-post changes were observed in socio-emotional competencies and self-esteem. Statistically significant pre-post changes were observed in self-esteem and in socio-emotional competencies, particularly in self-awareness and self-regulation. Reductions were observed in emotional regulation difficulties, although these changes did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: This case series suggests that a structured group-based therapeutic writing intervention may be associated with improvements in self-esteem and selected aspects of socio-emotional functioning in adolescents with ADHD. Given the small sample size and exploratory design, findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in larger controlled studies. These findings contribute preliminary evidence to an underexplored area in the underrepresented female ADHD population and highlight the potential value of integrating narrative processes within group interventions to support both individual meaning-making and interpersonal validation.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

11. Seyedhosseini B, Nazari MA, Farkhondeh Tale Navi F, Barzegar Z, Joghataei MT. A resting-state alpha sub-band marker of attentional vulnerability in children with high-risk for ADHD: A preliminary electrophysiological study. Appl Neuropsychol Child. 2026: 1-12.

BACKGROUND: Electrophysiological biomarkers of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have largely focused on the theta/beta ratio, reflecting cortical underarousal. Alpha-band activity also supports attentional regulation, yet functional differentiation of alpha sub-bands remains insufficiently characterized, particularly in symptomatically high-risk populations. This study assessed regional differences in the alpha1 (8-10 Hz)/alpha2 (10-12 Hz) (α1/α2) ratio during resting-state EEG in CSI-4 screen-positive children at high-risk for ADHD compared with typically developing controls. METHODS: EEG data were analyzed in 84 community children: a symptomatically high-risk group (CSI-4 screen-positive for ADHD, n = 42) and matched controls (n = 42). The α1/α2 power ratio was calculated across frontal, central, temporal, parietal, and occipital electrodes during eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions. RESULTS: No group differences appeared in EO. However, the high-risk group showed significantly higher α1/α2 ratios during EC (p < .001), in central, temporal, and parietal regions, indicating altered posterior-central network activity. Frontal and occipital regions showed no significant differences. DISCUSSION: Findings indicate a condition-specific increase in the α1/α2 ratio within dorsal attention and posterior visual networks as an electrophysiological signature of high-risk ADHD. These findings provide evidence for a condition-specific elevation of the α1/α2 ratio. Future longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate its utility.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

12. Vaucheret Paz E. [Impact of emotional dysregulation on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder]. Medicina (B Aires). 2026; 86 Suppl 3: 54-9.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Beyond its core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, approximately 25% to 45% of individuals with ADHD exhibit emotional dysregulation, which is associated with greater clinical severity and poorer functional outcomes. Emotion regulation refers to the ability to identify, modulate, and implement emotional responses that are appropriate to contextual demands and goal-directed behavior. Emotional dysregulation arises when these processes are disrupted, leading to disproportionate emotional responses, emotional lability, irritability, and maladaptive behaviors. Emotional dysregulation in ADHD constitutes a dimensional trait rather than a diagnostic criterion. Neurocognitive models highlight the contribution of atypical attentional orientation toward emotional stimuli, a preference for immediate rewards, and alterations in regulatory mechanisms. Executive functions play a central role in this process, particularly working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Working memory emerges as the most consistent predictor of emotional dysregulation. Emotional lability has been identified as a frequent and relatively specific manifestation of ADHD, whereas irritability is considered a transdiagnostic construct associated with broader psychopathological trajectories. Emotional dysregulation is associated with reduced response to standard pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD, increased psychiatric comorbidity, and poorer quality of life. Systematic identification and targeted intervention of emotional dysregulation should therefore be an integral part of the assessment and management of ADHD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

13. Velarde-Incháustegui M, Espinola-Sánchez M, Cardenas-Soza A, Guevara-Cordero C, Pintado-Caipa M, Gómez-Velarde M, Rojas-Huamancaja E, Vilchez-Fernandez L, Gómez-Galiano W, Ruiz-Paredes A. [Content validity and linguistic suitability of an ADHD assessment tool based on DSM-5 for parents and teachers: preliminary study]. Medicina (B Aires). 2026; 86 Suppl 3: 104-9.

This study aimed to establish the linguistic validity of content on a scale based on DSM-5 criteria to evaluate symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, aimed at parents and teachers. It is a psychometric instrumental research, which included the participation of nine experts in ADHD and a pilot test with fifteen parents and teachers, in order to adapt the instrument to the sociocultural characteristics of the Spanish-speaking population. The methodology used is rigorous and appropriate for the proposed objective. The V-Aiken coefficient was used to estimate the validity of content, considering values ≥ 0.80 as acceptable, and was complemented with a qualitative analysis of the expert comments and a pilot test with parents and teachers in order to evaluate the understanding and contextual adequacy of the items. Most of the items (72.2%) showed high inter-evaluative concordance, some required semantic and contextual adjustments. The conclusions support the validity of the scale content and its potential usefulness in future psychometric evaluations.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

14. Vinci M, Figura MG, Musumeci A, Virgillito M, Finocchiaro V, Treccarichi S, Ragalmuto A, Fallea A, Federico C, Saccone S, Calì F. Deciphering the Role of LNX2 as a Potential Contributor to Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Genes (Basel). 2026; 17(8).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a complex and multifactorial genetic architecture. In this study, we report a male patient, born to non-consanguineous healthy parents, presenting with ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). METHODS: Trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed in the proband and both parents. Variant classification was performed according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, and the potential pathogenicity of the identified variant was further assessed through multiple in silico prediction algorithms and protein structural analyses. RESULTS: WES identified a homozygous variant in the LNX2 gene (NM_153371.4: c.1165G>A, p.Ala389Thr), classified as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) and supported by multiple in silico predictions. LNX2 is expressed during brain development and encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in neuronal differentiation and synaptic function. The identified variant is located within the PDZ2 domain, a functionally relevant region involved in protein-protein interactions. Although the variant is reported in population databases (gnomAD ID: rs148429804), it has not been associated with any clinical phenotype, and its presence in the homozygous state has been reported only once, remaining extremely rare and lacking clinical annotation. Structural modelling predicted localized rearrangement of the hydrogen-bonding network within the PDZ2 domain without major conformational changes. Integrative transcriptomic, and single-cell analyses further supported the biological relevance of LNX2 in neurodevelopment, highlighting its preferential association with neuronal projection-cell networks, synaptic vesicle trafficking pathways, and neuron-specific regulatory programs. CONCLUSION: Although the identified LNX2 variant cannot be considered causative for the patient’s phenotype and a definitive disease-gene relationship cannot be established based on a single individual, the complementary genetic, structural, and transcriptomic findings support the biological plausibility of LNX2 as a candidate gene for neurodevelopmental disorders. Additional independent patients and functional studies will be required to clarify its contribution to human disease.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

15. Yang Y, Xie F, Li Y, Song J, Zhang H, Li Y. Direction and magnitude of mother-father discrepancies in ADHD symptom ratings: associated factors in a child and adolescent mental health sample. Front Psychiatry. 2026; 17: 1918797.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examined mother-father discrepancies in ratings of inattention (IA), hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI), and oppositional defiant (OD) symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD, and explored child, parental, and family factors associated with discrepancy direction and magnitude. METHODS: This single-center cross-sectional clinical study included 460 Chinese children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with clinically confirmed ADHD. Mothers and fathers independently completed the SNAP-IV. Inter-parental agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and paired-samples t tests were used to compare maternal and paternal ratings. Standardized signed discrepancy scores were used to examine factors associated with discrepancy direction. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using raw signed discrepancy scores and absolute raw discrepancy scores to examine robustness and disagreement magnitude. RESULTS: Mothers rated symptom severity significantly higher than fathers across IA, HI, and OD symptoms. Inter-parental agreement was lowest for IA and higher for HI and OD symptoms. Paternal belief that the child had ADHD was consistently associated with discrepancy direction across all three domains. Additional factors associated with discrepancy direction included maternal belief that the child had ADHD and perceived parenting consensus, although their patterns differed across symptom domains. The primary standardized signed discrepancy models explained modest proportions of the variance (R² = 0.055-0.107). In sensitivity analyses, associations between mean standardized symptom level and absolute raw discrepancy were positive and statistically significant in all three domains; corresponding associations with raw signed discrepancy were not statistically significant in any domain. CONCLUSIONS: Mother-father discrepancies in ADHD-related ratings were common and differed across symptom domains. These discrepancies were associated with parental beliefs, perceived parenting consensus, and symptom level. They may offer potentially informative contextual information for multi-informant assessment; however, given the cross-sectional design and modest explanatory power of the regression models, their clinical significance remains to be established.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)