Resting state vagal tone in attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder: A meta-analysis

World J Biol Psychiatry. 2017 Jun;18(4):256-267. doi: 10.3109/15622975.2016.1174300. Epub 2016 May 26.

Abstract

Objectives: To quantify evidence on resting-state vagal activity in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) relative to controls using meta-analysis.

Methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus) were reviewed to identify studies. Studies reporting on any measure of short-term, vagally mediated heart rate variability during resting state in clinically diagnosed ADHD patients as well as non-ADHD healthy controls were eligible for inclusion.

Results: Eight studies reporting on 587 participants met inclusion criteria. Random-effect meta-analysis revealed no significant main effect comparing individuals with ADHD (n = 317) and healthy controls (n = 270) (Hedges' g = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.18-0.29, Z = 0.48, P = 0.63; k = 8). Sub-group analysis showed consistent results among studies in adults (k = 2) and children (k = 6) with ADHD.

Conclusions: Unlike a variety of internalising psychiatric disorders, ADHD is not associated with altered short-term measures of resting-state vagal tone.

Keywords: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; autonomic nervous system; heart rate variability; meta-analysis; resting vagal tone.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology*
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Vagus Nerve / physiology*