title: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: neurophysiology, information processing, arousal and drug development.
abstract: In this review, we draw on literature from both animal and human neurophysiological studies to consider the neurochemical mechanisms underlying attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Psychophysiological and neuropsychological research is used to propose possible etiological endophenotypes of ADHD. These are conceptualized as patients with distinct cortical-arousal, information-processing or maturational abnormalities, or a combination thereof, and how the endophenotypes can be used to help drug development and optimize treatment and management. To illustrate, the paper focuses on neuro- and psychophysiological evidence that suggests cholinergic mechanisms may underlie specific information-processing abnormalities that occur in ADHD. The clinical implications for a cholinergic hypothesis of ADHD are considered, along with its possible implications for treatment and pharmacological development.
authors.affiliation: The Brain Dynamics Centre and Department of Psychological Medicine, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. donrowe@med.usyd.edu.au
authors.forename: Donald L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Rowe
authors.forename: Daniel F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Hermens
mesh_terms: D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000378:metabolism*; D001143:Arousal; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003071:Cognition; D015195:Drug Design; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009482:Neurophysiology; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; D000109:Acetylcholine