ADHD Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about ADHD, including details on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, drugs, treatment, symptoms.

Targeting the dopamine system in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Staller JA, Faraone SV

Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. stallerj@upstate.edu

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heritable condition that affects a significant number of children and adults worldwide. During the past 30 years, the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD has relied on clinical assessment and empirical experience with stimulant medications. More recently, advances in family genetic studies, molecular genetic studies, preclinical research, radiographic imaging techniques and neuropsychological evaluation have significantly enhanced our understanding of the neurobiology of ADHD. This review highlights the current central role of dopamine in the pathophysiology and treatment of ADHD and implications for future advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Published 11 April 2007 in Expert Rev Neurother, 7(4): 351-62.
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