<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequently seen mental disorders in children with an increasing risk for other mental disorders. ADHD represents a primary biological dysfunction of the central nervous system, such as dysregulation of frontal-subcortical-cerebellar catecholaminergic circuits and imbalances in the dopaminergic system. However, autonomic nervous system, comprised of two primary branches - sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems that are normally in dynamic balance, plays an essential role in the regulation of body functions. Although it is generally assumed that the autonomic regulation is impaired during ADHD the information related to this dysregulation is limited. One of the options to observe changes of autonomic balance in ADHD is pupillary light reflex (PLR). Pupillometric evaluation can be used for the assessment of functioning of both autonomic nervous system branches and certain parameters of pupil responsivity can be helpful as a tool for medical diagnostic and treatment. In conclusion, these findings suggest the pupillometry as a non-invasive method that can indicate abnormalities in the complex central autonomic network regulating PLR.</p>
</abstract>

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequently seen mental disorders in children with an increasing risk for other mental disorders. ADHD represents a primary biological dysfunction of the central nervous system, such as dysregulation of frontal-subcortical-cerebellar catecholaminergic circuits and imbalances in the dopaminergic system. However, autonomic nervous system, comprised of two primary branches - sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems that are normally in dynamic balance, plays an essential role in the regulation of body functions. Although it is generally assumed that the autonomic regulation is impaired during ADHD the information related to this dysregulation is limited. One of the options to observe changes of autonomic balance in ADHD is pupillary light reflex (PLR). Pupillometric evaluation can be used for the assessment of functioning of both autonomic nervous system branches and certain parameters of pupil responsivity can be helpful as a tool for medical diagnostic and treatment. In conclusion, these findings suggest the pupillometry as a non-invasive method that can indicate abnormalities in the complex central autonomic network regulating PLR.

Pupillary Light Reflex in Children with ADHD

Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin

Clinic of Psychiatry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin

Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin and University Hospital

Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin

Acta Medica Martiniana

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Pupillary Light Reflex in Children with ADHD"}

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequently seen mental disorders in children with an increasing risk for other mental...

Pupillary Light Reflex in Children with ADHD

Published Online: May 09, 2019

Page range: 30 - 37

Received: Dec 19, 2018

Accepted: Mar 01, 2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2019-0004

Keywords
ADHD, pupillary light reflex, autonomic dysfunction

© 2019 Hamrakova A et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Pupillary Light Reflex in Children with ADHD

Published Online: May 09, 2019

Page range: 30 - 37

Received: Dec 19, 2018

Accepted: Mar 01, 2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2019-0004

KeywordsADHD, pupillary light reflex, autonomic dysfunction

© 2019 Hamrakova A et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
ADHD, pupillary light reflex, autonomic dysfunction