The DOI matches its Crossref record; 149 of the 149 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
ADHD and the Prefrontal Cortex
Open accessAbstract
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and locomotor hyperactivity. Recent advances in neurobiology, imaging, and genetics have led to a greater understanding of the etiology and treatment of ADHD. Studies have found that ADHD is associated with weaker function and structure of prefrontal cortex (PFC) circuits, especially in the right hemisphere. The prefrontal association cortex plays a crucial role in regulating attention, behavior, and emotion, with the right hemisphere specialized for behavioral inhibition. The PFC is highly dependent on the correct neurochemical environment for proper function: noradrenergic stimulation of postsynaptic alpha-2A adrenoceptors and dopaminergic stimulation of D1 receptors is necessary for optimal prefrontal function. ADHD is associated with genetic changes that weaken catecholamine signaling and, in some patients, with slowed PFC maturation. Effective pharmacologic treatments for ADHD all enhance catecholamine signaling in the PFC and strengthen its regulation of attention and behavior. Recent animal studies show that therapeutic doses of stimulant medications preferentially increase norepinephrine and, to a lesser extent, dopamine, in the PFC. These doses reduce locomotor activity and improve PFC regulation of attention and behavior through enhanced catecholamine stimulation of alpha-2A and D1 receptors. These findings in animals are consistent with improved PFC function in normal human subjects and, more prominently, in patients with ADHD. Thus, a highly cohesive story is emerging regarding the etiology and treatment of ADHD.
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“Loss of catecholaminergic innervation underlies the most important ADHD symptoms [381].”
From Development of prefrontal cortex (2022) · cites this paper as [381]
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“Alteration of glutamate/GABA equilibrium has been related to a diminished capability to focus on demanding tasks [98] and to result in DA dysregulation, causing inhibition of defective pyramidal neurons and a decrease shift in excitation towards tasks regulated in the PFC [99, 100].”
From Molecular Characterisation of the Mechanism of Action of Stimulant Drugs Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate on ADHD Neurobiology: A Review (2022) · cites this paper as [99]
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Citations
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Cited by
Sorted by citations
Arnsten, A. F. T., & Rubia, K. (2012) · Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2012.01.008 · Cited by 568
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“Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a NDD characterized by signs of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity [380, 381].”
BackgroundPharmacotherapy of obesity: available medications and drugs under investigation.
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Metadata
- Authors
- Arnsten, A. F. T.
- Affiliations
- Yale University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Arnsten, Amy F.T.
- ORCID
- Arnsten, Amy F.T.
- Venue
- The Journal of Pediatrics
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2009-05
- Volume
- 154
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- I-S43
- ISSN
- 0022-3476 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC2894421
- OpenAlex
- W11706560
- Cited by
- 220
- References
- 5
- Citations by year
- 2026: 30 · 2025: 31 · 2024: 23 · 2023: 23 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 10
- FWCI
- 4.54
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- The Journal of Pediatrics (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institute on Aging (R37AG006036)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Keywords
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, prefrontal cortex, right hemisphere, behavioral inhibition, catecholamine signaling, dopamine D1 receptor, prefrontal cortex maturation, stimulant medication, norepinephrine, dopamine, ADHD etiology, ADHD treatment
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