Friday, March 06, 2009

ADHD and the brain clock: Rhythm as a diagnostic marker?


Yet another study (n=11; a pilot study so generalization is limited) implicating the IQ brain clock (mental time-keeping) and a clinical disorder---ADHD. The possible role of the brain clock and dopamine and ADHD is nothing new and has been reported previously at this blog (click here, here, and here.)

This study found that adults with ADHD lose their ability to keep rhythm (maintaining a tapping beat) when the tempo is varied. This pilot study suggest that the "effective span of rhythmic feel" is apparently contracted (narrower) in ADHD adults when compared to normals.

Might this not suggest that a sensitive metronome-based measurement technology (e.g., the measurement component of Interactive Metronome - conflict of interest disclosure---I'm on the scientific advisory board for IM), that can carefully calibrate the ability to maintain the "feel" for varying tempo's/rhythms mights serve as a diagnostic marker for possible ADHD?

Hmmmmmmmmmmm....interesting idea.

However....caution is in order. This is a small pilot study and only with adults. Generalization to a larger population and children and adolescents is not possible. Also....ADHD is a complex diagnosis that cannot be reduced to a single test, sign, marker, etc.

I'm excited as a researcher...as this continues to point towards the importance of the IQ Brain Clock


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