Structural Balance of Resting-State Brain Network in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The study of brain functional networks in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has provided useful information about the hyper- or hypo-connectivity between distinct brain regions. Nevertheless, the impact of negative links (antisynchrony) and their topology on the stability of the network still must be investigated. 

In this study, we hypothesized that the effect of dysconnectivity and antisynchrony should mainly be local and may not influence the overall stability and flexibility of the network in ADHD. Therefore, differences in brain functional organization of ADHD individuals were compared to a typically developed group using the structural balance theory. 

Our results did not show any significant differences in the balance-energy of the resting-state network between healthy individuals and three subtypes of ADHD. However, a negative correlation was found between behavioral measures of ADHD and balance energy, highlighting that the higher disorder index may push the network to a less flexible (more balanced) state. 

We hope these findings enhance our understanding of the systemic mechanism behind ADHD.