Neuroimaging Meta-Analysis Shows Opposite Brain Activity Patterns for Reward Processing in ADHD and Autism
A new meta-analysis of 29 brain imaging studies reveals that ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involve opposite patterns of brain activity in the same deep brain regions when processing rewards. While ADHD is associated with heightened activity in the amygdala and putamen, ASD shows reduced activity in these areas. These divergent neural responses help explain why individuals with ADHD often struggle with impulse control due to over-sensitivity to immediate rewards, whereas those with ASD may exhibit reduced drive for social rewards. The findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, provide a biological framework for understanding the distinct behavioral challenges associated with each condition, despite their frequent co-occurrence and overlapping symptoms.