Neural basis of the association between future time perspective and ADHD characteristics: functional connectivity between Left inferior parietal lobule and mPFC

Abstract

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, leading to ongoing challenges in academic, career, and social adaptation. Previous research indicated that individuals with higher levels of future time perspective (FTP) tend to exhibit lower ADHD traits. However, little is known about the neural substrates between the relationship of FTP and ADHD traits. To address this question, we adopted voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analyses in a sample of 240 participants to investigate the neural substrates involved in the relationship between FTP and ADHD traits. Behavioral results demonstrated FTP was significantly negatively correlated with attention deficit (AD), hyperactivity-impulsivity disorder (HD) traits respectively. VBM analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between FTP and gray matter volume (GMV) in the superior medial frontal gyrus (SMFG) and left precentral gyrus (PG), while FTP was negatively related to GMV in the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and left superior temporal gyrus (STG). Furthermore, RSFC results indicated individuals with higher levels of FTP exhibited greater functional connectivity between the IPL and both the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). More importantly, mediation analysis revealed that FTP fully mediated the relationship between the functional connectivity of IPL-dmPFC and IPL-vmPFC with AD traits, and the relationship between the functional connectivity of IPL-vmPFC and HD traits. Overall, this study highlights the crucial role of brain circuits involved in planning regulation, goal execution, and value evaluation in the relationship between FTP and ADHD symptoms.