Pharmacotherapy With Attention-Deficit Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children, often persisting into adulthood.
• Core symptoms include inattentiveness and hyperactivity, linked to delayed cortical maturation.
• Neurophysiological studies reveal altered functional connectivity in key brain regions like the prefrontal cortex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of ADHD, encompassing its definition, manifestations, and comorbidities.
• To discuss the epidemiology, neurophysiological underpinnings, and current pharmacological treatment strategies for ADHD.
• To synthesize current knowledge on ADHD for clinicians and researchers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ADHD definition, manifestations, comorbidities, epidemiology, neurophysiology, and treatment.
• Synthesis of findings from neurophysiological studies on brain connectivity.
• Analysis of pharmacological interventions, particularly dopamine agonist sympathomimetics.

Main Results:

• ADHD is characterized by inattentiveness and restlessness, associated with a 2-3 year delay in cortical maturation.
• Functional connectivity alterations are observed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, insula, and anterior cingulate cortex.
• Sympathomimetics acting as dopamine agonists are primary pharmacological treatments.

Conclusions:

• ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with significant implications for children and adults.
• Understanding neurophysiological changes is crucial for effective management.
• Pharmacological interventions, primarily sympathomimetics, play a key role in managing ADHD symptoms.