title: The neurobiology of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: ADHD is a brain based disorder with structural and functional abnormalities in widespread but specific areas of the brain. The most significant and consistent structural imaging findings include smaller total brain volumes, and reduced volumes in the right frontal lobe, right parietal cortex, caudate nucleus, cerebellar hemispheres, and posterior-inferior lobules of the cerebellar vermis. ADHD involves hypofunction of catecholaminergic circuits, particularly those that project to the prefrontal cortex. A minimum of 18 genes have been reported to be associated with the disorder; among them the DRD4 7-repeat allele has been found associated with a thinner prefrontal and posterior parietal cortex. Epigenetic factors acting during critical periods of prenatal and postnatal development may interact with genetic determinants. Methylphenidate, as well as the catecholaminergic nonstimulant atomoxetine, are effective in improving ADHD symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Pediatric Neurology Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy. curatolo@uniroma2.it
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Curatolo
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Paloscia
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: D'Agati
authors.forename: Romina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moavero
authors.forename: Augusto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pasini
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000235:genetics / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D004777:Environment; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D009446:Neurobiology; D012307:Risk Factors