Abstract
Brain region dysfunctions associated with executive function abnormalities may contribute to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pathogenesis. We explored neural mechanisms through electroencephalography (EEG) studies of executive function and functional brain networks in children with ADHD. Executive function data were collected and resting-state EEG was measured in 84 children with ADHD and 84 healthy children. Functional connectivity was assessed across all scalp channels in five frequency bands. Brain networks were constructed, and relevant metrics were calculated using graph theory. Children with ADHD show varied executive function deficits. Connectivity in the frontal and parietal regions was reduced in both the eyes-open and eyes-closed states, particularly in the beta and gamma bands. Brain networks differed significantly in the beta band. Reduced characteristic path length (CPL) was seen in the eyes-closed state; global efficiency increased and CPL, clustering coefficient, and local efficiency decreased in the eyes-open state. Functional networks in children with ADHD correlate with executive function. Altered EEG connectivity and brain network topology may be underlying neural mechanisms of ADHD. Thus, EEG network dysfunction could be a potential biomarker or treatment target for future research. This study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of ADHD through EEG-based functional network analysis.