Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder--from brain dysfunctions to behaviour.

Full Abstract

This special issue represents an attempt to answer fundamental brain and behaviour issues in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The European network on hyperkinetic disorders (Eunethydis) is trying to develop a novel, testable theory of ADHD, giving an account of its causes, its development from brain dysfunctions to behavioural symptoms and co-morbidity and explaining why no current therapy produces long-lasting improvements. The combined insights of the articles presented here suggest that there is no brain damage in ADHD, but hypo-efficient dopamine systems which give rise to neurochemical imbalances. These cause behavioural problems: deficits in sustained attention, overactivity and impulsiveness. Impulsiveness is increasingly being seen as a key characteristic of the disorder. None of these symptoms are necessarily primary, but may be secondary to an underlying deficit in reinforcement processes seen particularly in a greater than normal sensitivity to variations in the timing of stimulus presentation. Other symptoms can also be seen: altered effects of reinforcers, increased behavioural variance and motor co-ordination problems. Medication produces temporary, plastic changes in cellular components like receptors and transduction mechanisms normalising dopamine functions and behaviour. reserved.

Author information

Author/s: Sagvolden, T (T); Sergeant, J A (JA);

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Editorial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Behavioural brain research (Behav Brain Res), published in NETHERLANDS. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1998-Jul; vol 94 (issue 1) : pp 1-10

Dates: Created 1998/11/12; Completed 1998/11/12; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 9708834, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Child
Dopamine Agents - therapeutic use
Humans
Impulsive Behavior - diagnosis; drug therapy; physiopathology
Methylphenidate - adverse effects; therapeutic use

Associated Chemicals: Central Nervous System Stimulants (0) ; Dopamine Agents (0) ; Methylphenidate (113-45-1)

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