Study Identifies Three Distinct ADHD Biotypes, Suggesting Diagnostic Revisions
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has identified three distinct brain-based 'biotypes' of ADHD, based on brain scans of 446 children diagnosed with the disorder. The research highlights a third biotype characterized by severe emotional dysregulation, which is not currently included in formal ADHD definitions. This subtype is marked by difficulty managing emotions, often leading to explosive reactions. The other two biotypes align with existing diagnostic categories: one primarily inattentive and the other mostly hyperactive and impulsive. The study found that children in the emotional dysregulation group exhibited abnormalities in 45 brain regions, nearly double the number seen in the other groups, particularly in areas associated with emotion and control. These children often experience long, intense meltdowns and may require more intensive care and multiple medications. 
