Because neuro-imaging methods have consistently shown structural and functional distinctions in sites associated with ADHD, researchers ask if these same techniques would be a useful tool in diagnosing this disorder. A recent study evaluated MRI and fMRI findings for predictors of diagnosis, including cortical thickness and structure volumes. Results showed that non-imaging measures such as lab tests had the best performance. Classification improved when imaging features were added and participant gender was considered. However, neuro-imaging alone may not yet be satisfactory for clinical diagnosis.
Bohland, J., et al. (2012). Network, anatomical, and non-imaging measures for the prediction of ADHD diagnosis in individual diagnosis in individual subjects. Frontal System Neuroscience, 6, 78.