Cognitive neuroscience of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: current status and working hypotheses

Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2008;14(4):261-7. doi: 10.1002/ddrr.40.

Abstract

Cognitive neuroscience studies of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) suggest multiple loci of pathology with respect to both cognitive domains and neural circuitry. Cognitive deficits extend beyond executive functioning to include spatial, temporal, and lower-level "nonexecutive" functions. Atypical functional anatomy extends beyond frontostriatal circuits to include posterior cortices, limbic regions, and the cerebellum. Pathophysiology includes dopaminergic as well as noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems. We review the major insights gained from functional brain imaging studies in ADHD and discuss working hypotheses regarding their neurochemical underpinnings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Corpus Striatum / physiopathology
  • Frontal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Nerve Net / physiopathology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Neurosciences*
  • Parietal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Temporal Lobe / physiopathology