Objective ADHD markers show promise, with practical questions unresolved
A review assessed behavioral, brain-imaging and genetic measures as possible aids to diagnosing ADHD in children.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review identified candidate measures that could help distinguish pediatric ADHD, including physical activity patterns, brain-imaging features and genetic profiles. The authors suggest that combining methods may improve diagnostic accuracy. However, the abstract does not establish a ready-to-use diagnostic test, and it identifies cost and complexity as obstacles in primary care.
The abstract does not provide numerical accuracy estimates, diagnostic thresholds or details of validation in routine care. Its findings therefore cannot establish how often a proposed marker would correctly identify or miss ADHD.
Signals across several methods
Activity measures showed good to excellent ability to distinguish groups in the reviewed behavioral research. Brain-imaging results were strongest with machine learning and models combining features; genetic findings highlighted microRNA and methylation profiles as promising candidates.
Accuracy and usability are different
The authors favor investigating combinations of methods, but also describe implementation barriers. A measure that distinguishes research groups still needs evidence supporting its practical diagnostic use; the abstract supplies no detailed account of that transition.
The original publication
Precision Medicine in Pediatric Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review of Behavioral, Neurobiological and Genetic Diagnostic Biomarkers.
Pranjić M, Peisch V, Vukšić N et al.
J Dev Behav Pediatr · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40910865
- Record checked
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