Inflammation, ADHD, and Chronic Disorginization

Chronic disorganization was previously considered to be a symptom of OCD, however, while it is commonly found in OCD patients new research finds that it has higher correlation with ADD (non-hyperactive) symptomology. Such is implied in such research:

"Multiple linear regressions demonstrated that after controlling for global negative affect, OCD symptoms did not significantly predict any of the core features of HD. Conversely, the inattentive (but not hyperactive/impulsive) symptoms of ADHD significantly predicted severity of clutter, difficulty discarding, and acquiring. These results challenge current conceptualizations of hoarding as a subtype of OCD, and suggest an association with neurocognitive impairment."

(Study available full text)

and also here:

" In conclusion, salient hoarding behaviors were found to be relatively common in a sample of children with learning disabilities and not necessarily associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, supporting its nosological independence. It is unclear whether underlying cognitive features may play a major role in the development of hoarding behaviors in children with learning disabilities."

Also available full text.

ADHD has been correlated with high levels of proinflammatory cytokines and biomarkers.
As demonstrated here:
"(1) Total symptom ratings were associated with increases of the interleukins IL-16 and IL-13, where relations of IL-16 (along with decreased S100B) with hyperactivity, and IL-13 with inattention were notable. Opposition ratings were predicted by increased IL-2 in ADHD and IL-6 in control children. (2) In the CPT, IL-16 related to motor measures and errors of commission, while IL-13 was associated with errors of omission. Increased RT variability related to lower TNF-alpha, but to higher IFN-gamma levels. (3) Tryptophan metabolites were not significantly related to symptoms. But increased tryptophan predicted errors of omission, its breakdown predicted errors of commission and kynurenine levels related to faster RTs."

Available full text.

I'll go into greater detail about what the pro-inflammatory markers mean a little later. For now I will say that exercise, dietary phytochemicals from plants, amino acids, and also interestingly, social support, seem to show promise in reducing levels of interleukin 6 (IL6) which seems to be most prominantly related to inflammation in the brain. I'll link up a huge list of studies demonstrating that relationship shortly.