Title:Current Perspectives on Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Volume: 24
Author(s): Shaik Shafiullah and Suneela Dhaneshwar*
Affiliation:
- Departmet of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Maharashtra,
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Keywords:
Brain, cognition, neurodevelopment, behavior, dopaminergic pathway, hyperkinetic diseases.
Abstract: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological and
neurodevelopmental disorder with an idiosyncratic genetic base. ADHD presents
various characteristics, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Over the
period, ADHD leads to noticeable functional disability. A five- to ten-fold progressed risk
of disorder development is observed in the populations with familial history of ADHD.
The abnormal structure of the brain in ADHD results in altered neural mechanisms,
such as cognition, attention, and memorial function. The mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and
mesocortical pathways in the brain get affected by the deterioration of the levels of
dopamine. The hypothesis of dopamine in ADHD and its etiopathology suggests that
detained attention and impaired arousal functions are due to reduced levels of dopamine.
The quickest way to improve strategical treatment is by clarifying the etiological
aspects of ADHD and identifying the underlying mechanisms of pathophysiology, which
will assist in exploring the biomarkers for better diagnosis. The implementation of life
course theory is a very important research principle announced by Grand Challenges in
Global Health Initiative (GCMHI). Long-term research is needed to define the
progression of ADHD. Interdisciplinary collaborations promise a great future for
research innovations in ADHD.
