title: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) dysregulation.
abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a long recognized and common childhood disorder. ADHD adolescents tend to encounter more difficulties in school and peer relationships, whereas ADHD adults have more occupational and interpersonal difficulties. However, with the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, 10-20 % of the patients still remain poor responders to treatment. Among hypotheses for ADHD, dysfunction of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors has recently been suggested by accumulating genetic and animal studies. This article systemically reviews evidence supporting NMDA dysfunction as a potential ADHD pathogenesis from perspectives of neurodevelopment, attentional circuitry, and impulse inhibition. The review also addresses the development of novel treatments for ADHD via modulation of glutamatergic system, particularly the NMDA/glycine site. These so-called NMDA enhancers may provide a new treatment option for patients with ADHD.
authors.forename: Jane Pei-Chen
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Hsien-Yuan
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA. etsai@labiomed.org.
authors.forename: Guochuan E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Tsai
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015195:Drug Design; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D005998:Glycine / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000378:metabolism*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D005998:Glycine