Examining Associations Between IGF-1 Levels and Inattentive Versus Hyperactive ADHD
Examining Associations Between IGF-1 Levels and Inattentive Versus Hyperactive ADHD
About Me
My name is Sarah Dunn and I am a Biology and Neuroscience double major with a minor in Psychology. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, drawing, crafting, and hiking. I am also a violinist and involved in chamber music and the Macalester Orchestra, where I have had the opportunity to act as concertmaster for the past 2 years. I have always been fascinated by the human body, especially how we move, think, develop personalities, and function as integrated systems. During my time at Macalester, many of my biology and neuroscience courses have allowed me to explore these interests more deeply and have made me increasingly excited about pursuing a career in medicine. Through my Research in Psychoneuroimmunology class, I was able to partake in research that explores the connection between the immune system and how this interacts with our brains and behavior. I am very grateful to have been involved in the intimate lab environment at Macalester, which allowed me to realize my passion for clinical research.
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting approximately 5–7% of children worldwide and often continuing into adulthood. In recent years, rates of ADHD diagnosis have increased, likely due to greater awareness and improved screening methods. ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can negatively impact academic performance, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Early identification and treatment have been shown to improve long-term symptom severity and functional outcomes, emphasizing the importance of detecting ADHD as early as possible. Recent research suggests that ADHD is not solely a behavioral disorder but also has measurable biological components. Immune signaling molecules called cytokines play an important role in brain development and neural function and have been linked to several neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Some inflammatory biomarkers have been associated with ADHD symptoms, suggesting that biological markers could help support diagnosis. Because current ADHD diagnosis relies heavily on subjective behavioral assessments, identifying reliable biological markers could improve diagnostic accuracy and allow for earlier detection and intervention. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and ADHD symptoms by measuring levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a cytokine involved in immune signaling and brain development. Human nail samples were collected and analyzed for IGF-1 levels and paired with ADHD symptom severity measured using the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ASRS-6). This study examined whether IGF-1 levels were associated with overall ADHD severity and whether IGF-1 was more strongly related to inattentive or hyperactive aspects of the disorder.