Advances in understanding and treating ADHD

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurocognitive behavioral developmental disorder most commonly seen in childhood and adolescence, which often extends to the adult years. Relative to a decade ago, there has been extensive research into understanding the factors underlying ADHD, leading to far more treatment options available for both adolescents and adults with this disorder. Novel stimulant formulations have made it possible to tailor treatment to the duration of efficacy required by patients, and to help mitigate the potential for abuse, misuse and diversion. Several new non-stimulant options have also emerged in the past few years. Among these, cognitive behavioral interventions have proven popular in the treatment of adult ADHD, especially within the adult population who cannot or will not use medications, along with the many medication-treated patients who continue to show residual disability.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder–like Phenotype in a Mouse Model with Impaired Actin Dynamics

“…These abnormalities were not present in single mutants. In ACC mice, locomotion was normalized, and impulsive behavior was reduced by the ADHD medication methylphenidate (1). We also found an altered morphology of excitatory synapses and increased glutamate release in the striatum of ACC mice.…”

“…The dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor methylphenidate is widely used for ADHD treatment and normalizes locomotion in ADHD mouse models (1,4,27,30,31). We analyzed whether methylphenidate has similar effects in ACC mice.…”

“…Among the most common psychiatric disorders, ADHD affects approximately 8% of school-age children worldwide and often persists into adolescence or adulthood (1,2). Twin, adoption, and segregation studies have revealed a high heritability of ADHD, and molecular genetics associated ADHD with dopamine-related genes, including the dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine receptors (3).…”

“…Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined by persistent and maladaptive symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention (1). Among the most common psychiatric disorders, ADHD affects approximately 8% of school-age children worldwide and often persists into adolescence or adulthood (1,2).…”

Uso del Test de Rendimiento Continuo de Conners para diferenciar niños normales y con TDAH en Chile

“…La sintomatología básica del trastorno se caracteriza por alteraciones de la atención, pudiendo acompañarse de hiperactividad y/o impulsividad, observándose efectos importantes en el funcionamiento académico, interpersonal y/o social (Antshel et al 2011). Los síntomas del trastorno estarían parcialmente vinculados con mecanismos neuropsicológicos y rasgos temperamentales con resultados diferenciales en la adolescencia y la adultez (Martell y Niggs, 2006).…”